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Welding fume questions for the Pipefitting and welding (PFW) specialist test

5 free questions on Welding fume, from section E. Specialist: HVACR – pipefitting and welding. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

A welder says mild steel fume is harmless, unlike stainless steel.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Fume is only harmful after 30 years of welding
  2. B. All welding fume can cause lung cancer
  3. C. Only stainless steel fume is harmful
  4. D. Mild steel fume is fine as long as you can't smell or taste it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. No level of exposure is known to be safe.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says there is evidence that exposure to all welding fume, including mild steel welding fume, can cause lung cancer.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. All welding fume can cause lung cancer.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. All welding fume can cause lung cancer.

Explanation

All welding fume, including mild steel fume, can cause lung cancer, so it must always be controlled.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are planning how to control fume from welding pipework in a workshop.

What does HSE expect first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Opening the doors and hoping for a breeze
  2. B. Welding faster so there is less fume
  3. C. Engineering controls, typically local exhaust ventilation
  4. D. A desk fan blowing the fume away from the welder
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Natural ventilation isn't enough.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Fume still needs controlling.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE expects exposure to welding fume to be controlled using engineering controls, typically local exhaust ventilation (LEV).
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE expects engineering controls, typically LEV.

Explanation

Control welding fume with engineering controls, typically LEV.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

LEV is in use, but it doesn't control all the fume from a job.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Carry on, as some extraction is enough
  2. B. Turn the LEV off, as it isn't working anyway
  3. C. Ask the welder to hold their breath
  4. D. Add suitable RPE as well as the LEV
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Where LEV falls short, add RPE.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Keep the LEV and add RPE.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Add suitable RPE.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says where LEV alone doesn't adequately control exposure, it should be supplemented with adequate and suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Explanation

Where LEV doesn't control all the fume, add suitable RPE.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A pipefitter is welding outdoors on a pipe rack.

What does HSE say about protection from fume?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. They still need suitable RPE for the fume
  2. B. None is needed, as the wind blows it away
  3. C. A hi-vis vest is enough outdoors
  4. D. Only sunglasses are needed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says workers welding outdoors still need appropriate RPE.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Outdoor welders still need RPE.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Hi-vis doesn't protect from fume.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. They need RPE for the fume.

Explanation

Welding outdoors still needs suitable RPE.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A welder only needs to make one short tack weld.

Can it be done without any fume control?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Yes, if nobody else is in the room
  2. B. No, whatever the duration
  3. C. Yes, if it takes less than five minutes
  4. D. Yes, if the welder is experienced
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The welder still breathes the fume.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says it will not accept any welding without suitable exposure control measures, regardless of how long it lasts, as no level of exposure is known to be safe.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Duration doesn't matter.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Experience doesn't control fume.

Explanation

All welding needs suitable fume controls, however short the job.

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