AWS A5.32M/A5.32 PDF

This standard specifies requirements for the classification of gases and gas mixtures that chemically shield or chemically react with the filler material, base metal, and weld metal, and are used in fusion welding and allied processes including, but not limited to:

(1) gas tungsten arc welding—GTAW

(2) gas metal arc welding—GMAW

(3) flux cored arc welding—FCAW

(4) plasma arc welding—PAW

(5) plasma arc cutting—PAC

(6) plasma arc gouging—PAG

(7) laser beam welding—LBW

(8) laser beam cutting—LBC

(9) arc braze welding—ABW

(10) electrogas welding—EGW

The purpose of this standard is to classify and designate these gases and gas mixtures in accordance with their chemical properties and metallurgical behavior as the basis for correct selection by the user and to simplify the possible qualification procedures. The modes of application for gas shielded welding processes include, but are not limited to: manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, and automatic weld methods.

Gas purities and mixing tolerances are specified as delivered by the supplier (manufacturer) and not at the point of use.

Gases or gas mixtures may be supplied in either liquid or gaseous form, but when used for welding and allied processes, the gases are always used in the gaseous form.

Fuel gases, such as acetylene, natural gas, propane, etc., and resonator gases, as used in gas lasers, are not covered by this standard.

Transportation and handling of gases and containers shall be in accordance with local, national, and regional standards and regulations as required.

The gases covered by this specification are classified using a system that is independent of U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). Classification is according to the composition of the gas or gas mixture.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and, therefore, are not fully addressed herein. Some safety and health information can be found in Annex Clauses A5 and A8.

Safety and health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers

(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

Applicable Regulatory Agencies

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.