Fabrication and Welding Engineering

Roger Timings

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2008
• ISBN:
  9781136403811
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Tecnología e ingeniería
• Subtopic: Ingeniería civil

This brand new textbook by one of the leading engineering authors covers basic sheet-metal fabrication and welding engineering principles and applications in one volume - an unrivalled comprehensive coverage that reflects current working and teaching practice. It is fully up-to-date with the latest technical information and best practice and also includes chapters on non-technical but equally essential subjects such as health and safety, personal development and communication of technical information. Roger Timings covers these areas of mechanical engineering and workshop practice in a highly practical and accessible style. Hundreds of illustrations demonstrate the practical application of the procedures described. The text includes worked examples for calculations and key points to aid revision. Each chapter starts with learning outcome summaries and ends with exercises which can be set as assignemnts.The coverage is based on the SEMTA National Occupational Standards which makes this book applicable to a wide range of courses and ensures it also acts as a vital ongoing reference source in day-to-day working practice. All students, trainees and apprentices at up to and including Level 3 will find this book essential reading, particularly those taking: Level 2 NVQs in Performing Engineering Operations
Level 2 and 3 NVQs in Fabrication and Welding Engineering
Level 2 NVQs in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering
C&G 2800 Certificate and Level 3 Diplomas in Engineering and Technology
SEMTA Apprenticeships in Engineering

1

Health and safety

When you have read this chapter, you should understand:

The statutory requirements for general health and safety at work

Accident and first aid procedures

Fire precautions and procedures

Protective clothing and equipment

Correct manual lifting and carrying techniques

How to use lifting equipment

Safe working practices – cutting and forming tools

Safe working practices – portable power tools

Safe working practices – oxy-fuel-gas brazing and welding

Safe working practices – electric arc welding

Safe working practices – thermal cutting processes

Safe working practices – working on site

1.1 Health, safety and the law

1.1.1 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act

It is essential to observe safe working practices not only to safeguard yourself, but also to safeguard the people with whom you work. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act provides a comprehensive and integrated system of law for dealing with the health, safety and welfare of work-people and the general public as affected by industrial, commercial and associated activities.

The Act places the responsibility for safe working equally upon:

1. The employer.

2. The employee (that means you).

3. The manufacturers and suppliers of materials, goods, equipment and machinery.

1.1.2 Health and Safety Commission

The Act provides for a full-time, independent chairman and between six and nine part-time commissioners. The commissioners are made up of three trade union members appointed by the TUC, three management members appointed by the CBI, two Local Authority members, and one independent member. The commission has taken over the responsibility previously held by various Government Departments for the control of most occupational health and safety matters. The commission is also responsible for the organization and functioning of the Health and Safety Executive.

1.1.3 Health and Safety Executive

The inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have very wide powers. Should an inspector find a contravention of one of the provisions of earlier Acts or Regulations still in force, or a contravention of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, the inspector has three possible lines of action available.

Prohibition notice

If there is a risk of serious personal injury, the inspector can issue a Prohibition Notice. This immediately stops the activity that is giving rise to the risk until the remedial action specified in the notice has been taken to the Inspector’s satisfaction. The prohibition notice can be served upon the person undertaking the dangerous activity, or it can be served upon the person in control of the activity at the time the notice is served.

Improvement notice

If there is a legal contravention of any of the relevant statutory provisions, the inspector can issue an Improvement Notice. This notice requires the infringement to be remedied within a specified time. It can be served on any person on whom the responsibilities are placed. The latter person can be an employer, employee or a supplier of equipment or materials.

Prosecution

In addition to serving a Prohibition Notice or an Improvement Notice, the inspector can prosecute any person (including an employee – you) for contravening a relevant statutory provision. Finally, the inspector can seize, render harmless or destroy any substance or article which the inspector considers to be the cause of imminent danger or personal injury.

Thus every employee must be a fit and trained person capable of carrying out his or her assigned task properly and safely. Trainees must work under the supervision of a suitably trained, experienced worker or instructor. By law, every employee must:

1. Obey all the safety rules and regulations of his or her place of employment.

2. Understand and use, as instructed, the safety practices incorporated in particular activities or tasks.

3. Not proceed with his or her task if any safety requirement is not thoroughly understood, guidance must be sought.

4. Keep his or her working area tidy and maintain his or her tools in good condition.

5. Draw the attention of his or her immediate supervisor or the safety officer to any potential hazard.

6. Report all accidents or incidents (even if injury does not result from the incident) to the responsible person.

7. Understand emergency procedures in the event of an accident or an alarm.

8. Understand how to give the alarm in the event of an accident or an incident such as fire.

9. Co-operate promptly with the senior person in charge in the event of an accident or an incident such as fire.

Therefore, safety health and welfare are very personal matters for any worker, such as you, who is just entering the engineering industry. This chapter sets out to identify the main hazards and suggests how they may be avoided. Facto...