Page 4 - HIWT Fall 2012 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

EDITORIAL

A WELDER IN JUST FOUR WEEKS?

By Marty Baker, Editor
The World of Welding

A recent E-issue of the American standards, which many have come to respect, by perpetuating
Welding Society’s “This Week in such a belief by re-publishing the story, even if there is a push
Welding” came across my desktop by the federal government to “get people employed.”
and, as usual, I perused the copy
to keep up-to-date on what is Writers in the mainstream media (local newspapers, TV, etc.)
happening in the media and in the can be perhaps overlooked or somewhat “forgiven” because
country regarding welding. they do not have or take time to do the proper research and
often “rip and read” (print whatever is readily available or

One specific item that was “in the handed to them.) Many know very little or nothing about
news” caught my eye. The article welding. But an organization like the American Welding
touted the fact that students were getting job interviews after Society should certainly know better.
just four weeks of training. Anyone who has been associated
with welding in one form or another quickly recognizes that Hobart Institute offers fi ve and nine month welding programs
students who began their educational program with no welding for fi rst-time welders for a reason and has maintained a
experience cannot possibly be capable of accepting a position reputation for over 80 years of educating young people that
that requires anything more than the very minimum joining of are in demand by industry. Can we fi ll all the welding jobs
two pieces of metal with only four weeks of training. that are available with Hobart students? No way! But those
in industry know that if they hire a “Hobart” graduate, they
This editor believes that it is a disservice to not only industry, are getting a true “welder”… the cream of the crop… not just
but also to those students, to expect otherwise. The American someone who can make two pieces of metal stick together.
Welding Society is not upholding even their own high

AWS REVISES STANDARD FOR SAFETY IN WELDING,

CUTTING, AND ALLIED PROCESSES

MIAMI, Fla., April 20, 2012 - A revised edition of the American Welding Society’s ANSI Z49, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied
Processes, has been published. The standard known as Z49.1:2012 supersedes the 2005 edition.

The 68-page book is the standard for the protection of persons from injury and illness and the protection of property (including
equipment) from damage by fire and explosions arising from welding, cutting, and allied processes. The standard is for the

guidance of educators, operators, managers, and supervisors in the safe setup and use of welding and cutting equipment, and
the safe performance of welding and cutting operations.

The publication is the joint effort of the ASC Committee on Safety. The committee is made up of volunteer industry suppliers,
end-users, and researchers. ANSI Z49.1:2012, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes is available at (888) WELDING
or www.aws.org/standards for $68. American Welding Society members can purchase the standard for just $51. Members can
also download a free copy at www.aws.org/safety.

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science,
technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered
in Miami, Florida, and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 70,000 members worldwide and is
composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and student chapters. For more information, visit the society’s website at http://www.aws.org.

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