FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 4. Metal Structure, Welding, and Brazing | 6. Welding and Brazing Safety | 4-115. Protective Apparel
AC 43.13-1B CHG 1
9/27/01
a. Inspect oxy-fuel apparatus for oil,
grease, or damaged parts. DO NOT use the
oxy-fuel apparatus if oil or grease is present or
if damage is evident. Have the oxy-fuel appa
ratus cleaned and/or repaired by a qualified re
pair technician before it is used.
b. Never use oil or grease on or around
any oxy-fuel apparatus. Even a trace of oil or
grease can ignite and burn violently in the
presence of oxygen.
c. Keep flames, heat, and sparks away
from cylinders and boxes.
d. Flying sparks can travel as much as
35 feet. Move combustibles a safe distance
away from areas where oxy-fuel operations are
performed.
e. Use approved heat-resistant shields to
protect nearby walls, floor, and ceiling.
f. Have a fire extinguisher of the proper
class (ABC) and size in the work area. Inspect
it regularly to ensure that it is in proper work
ing order. Know how it is used.
l. Special care should be taken when
welding structural tubing that has been coated
on the inside with linseed oil. Smoke and fire
may be generated by the heat of the torch. En
sure that an observer with a fire extinguisher is
close.
4-115. PROTECTIVE APPAREL.
a. Protect yourself from sparks, flying
slag, and flame brilliance at all times.
(1) For gas welding and brazing, use
number 3 or 4 green-shaded tempered lenses.
(2) When gas welding aluminum, use
cobalt-blue tint lenses.
(3) When arc welding, including TIG,
MIG, and plasma cutting; use number 9 to
12 green lenses and a full face-and-neck cov
ering helmet.
(4) Electronically darkening lenses pro
vide number 3 to 12 automatic darkening as
soon as the arc is ignited.
g. Use oxy-fuel equipment only with the
gases for which it is intended.
h. DO NOT open an acetylene cylinder
valve more than approximately 1-1/2 turns and
preferably no more than 3/4 of a turn. Keep
the cylinder wrench, if one is required, on the
cylinder valve so, if necessary, the cylinder
may be turned off quickly.
i. On all gases except acetylene, open the
cylinder valve completely to seal the cylinder
back-seal packing.
j. Never test for gas leaks with a flame.
Use an approved leak-detector solution.
b. Wear protective gloves, sleeves,
aprons, and lace-up shoes to protect skin and
clothing from sparks and slag.
CAUTION: Keep all clothing and
protective apparel absolutely free of
oil or grease.
4-116. FIRST-AID KITS. Always keep a
special welder’s first-aid kit where it is easily
accessible. Burns are the most common
welding accidents.
4-117.4-128. [RESERVED.]
k. When work is complete, inspect the
area for possible fires or smoldering materials.
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