Welding operation | Electrode Size 1/32 (inches) | Minimum protective arc current | Shade number |
Shielded metal arc welding | Less than 3 | Less than 60 | 10 |
| 3-5 | 60-160 | 10 |
| 5-8 | 160-250 | 12 |
| More than 8 | 250-550 | 14 |
Gas shielded arc welding (nonferrous) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | | 11 |
Gas shielded arc welding (ferrous) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | | 12 |
Gas metal arc welding | | Less than 60 | 7 |
| | 60-160 | 10 |
| | 160-250 | 10 |
| | 250-500 | 10 |
Flux cored arc welding | | Less than 60 | 7 |
| | 60-160 | 10 |
| | 160-250 | 10 |
| | 250-500 | 10 |
Gas tungsten arc welding | | Less than 50 | 8 |
| | 50-150 | 8 |
| | 150-500 | 10 |
Air carbon— light Light | | Less than 500 | 10 |
Arc cutting—heavy | | 500-1000 | 11 |
Carbon arc welding | | | 14 |
Plasma arc welding | | Less than 20 | 6 |
| | 20-100 | 8 |
| | 100-400 | 10 |
| | 400-800 | 11 |
Plasma arc cutting | | Less than 300 (light) | 8 |
| | 300-400 (medium) | 9 |
| | 400-800 (heavy) | 10 |
Atomic hydrogen welding | | | 10-14 |
Torch soldering | | | 2 |
Torch brazing | | | 3 or 4 |
Gas welding | | | |
Light | Under 1/8 | Under 3.2 | 3 or 4 |
Note: | In gas welding or oxygen cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter or lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the operation. |
(j) All filter lenses and plates must meet the test for transmission of radiant energy prescribed in ANSI Z 87.1-1968—American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.
(3) Protection from arc welding rays. Where the work permits, the welder should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low-reflectivity such as zinc oxide (an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiations) and lamp black; or must be enclosed with noncombustible screens similarly painted. Booths and screens must permit circulation of air at floor level. You must protect workers or other persons adjacent to the welding areas from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields or they must be required to wear appropriate goggles.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050, and
49.17.060. WSR 15-24-100, § 296-24-70003, filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 01-11-038, § 296-24-70003, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01; Order 73-5, § 296-24-70003, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-70003, filed 5/7/73.]