Occupational Skills & Safety — Welder (456A) Practice Questions

Free Occupational Skills & Safety practice questions

1. 1.The minimum shade lens for SMAW at 100-150A is:

   • A.#8
   • B.#10-11✓
   • C.#5
   • D.#14

   Why: CSA W117.2: shade #10-11 for 100-150A SMAW. Higher amperage = darker shade. #12-14 for gouging and high-amp processes.

2. 2.Welding galvanized steel without proper ventilation causes:

   • A.Nothing
   • B.Metal fume fever from zinc oxide fumes — flu-like symptoms, potentially serious✓
   • C.Better welds
   • D.Stronger joints

   Why: Zinc coating vaporizes, creating toxic zinc oxide fumes. Causes metal fume fever (chills, fever, nausea). Use local exhaust ventilation or respiratory protection.

3. 3.A welder qualification test proves the welder can:

   • A.Write reports
   • B.Produce sound welds using a specific process, position, and material combination per the WPS✓
   • C.Design joints
   • D.Inspect welds

   Why: Welder qualification (performance test): produce a test coupon welded per a WPS, then tested (bend, break, or radiograph) to prove the welder's skill. Valid for specific variables.

4. 4.When welding stainless steel, hexavalent chromium fumes are:

   • A.Harmless
   • B.Carcinogenic — requiring local exhaust ventilation or respiratory protection✓
   • C.Beneficial
   • D.Only a nuisance

   Why: Cr(VI) fumes from stainless welding are a known carcinogen. OSHA/CSA exposure limits are very low. Use local exhaust extraction or supplied-air respirators.

5. 5.A CWB inspector's role includes:

   • A.Doing the welding
   • B.Verifying welds meet code requirements, reviewing WPS/welder qualifications, and documenting compliance✓
   • C.Operating the crane
   • D.Ordering materials

   Why: CWB inspectors: verify WPS compliance, check welder qualifications, perform visual and NDE inspection, document results, and ensure overall welding quality program compliance.

6. 6.Joint fit-up tolerance for a butt weld root gap is typically:

   • A.Any gap
   • B.±1/16" (1.5mm) from the specified root opening✓
   • C.±1/2"
   • D.Doesn't matter

   Why: Consistent root gap is critical for root penetration. Too narrow = lack of penetration. Too wide = burn-through. Tack welds maintain fit-up during welding.

7. 7.The AWS welding symbol for a fillet weld is:

   • A.A V shape
   • B.A right triangle✓
   • C.A circle
   • D.A square

   Why: Fillet weld symbol: a right triangle. Size is written to the left. Length to the right. Placed on the reference line (arrow side below, other side above).

8. 8.The duty cycle of a welding machine rated 300A at 60% means:

   • A.It runs 60 seconds
   • B.It can weld at 300A for 6 minutes out of every 10-minute period, then must cool for 4 minutes✓
   • C.It's 60% efficient
   • D.It uses 60% power

   Why: 60% duty cycle at 300A: 6 minutes welding, 4 minutes cooling per 10-minute cycle. Exceeding duty cycle overheats the machine. Higher duty cycle = more continuous welding.

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