OSHA construction welding and cutting practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
OSHA Welding and cutting
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Cylinder handling and storage
1. Under 1926.350(a)(6), in which case may compressed gas cylinders be moved without first removing the regulators?
- A. When they are being moved less than 20 feet
- B. When the cylinder valves are closed
- C. When they are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose
- D. When the cylinders are empty
Show answer
Answer: C. When they are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose
"Unless cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose, regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place before cylinders are moved."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. Compressed gas cylinders will be stored inside a building on a construction site. Which storage place does 1926.350(a)(11) prohibit?
- A. A locker or cupboard with no ventilation
- B. A well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location 25 feet from oil and excelsior
- C. A definitely assigned place away from elevators, stairs, and gangways
- D. An assigned place where cylinders will not be knocked over or tampered with by unauthorized persons
Show answer
Answer: A. A locker or cupboard with no ventilation
Inside buildings, cylinders go in "a well-protected, well-ventilated, dry location," and "Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers and cupboards."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
3. A crew on a construction site has a compressed gas cylinder on hand. Under 1926.350(c)(2), for what purposes may its contents be used?
- A. For any purpose, once the employer has bought the cylinder
- B. For any purpose the site's competent person approves
- C. For any purpose, if the cylinder meets the Department of Transportation specification
- D. Only for the purposes intended by the supplier
Show answer
Answer: D. Only for the purposes intended by the supplier
"No one shall use a cylinder's contents for purposes other than those intended by the supplier."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
4. Arc welding is done near compressed gas cylinders. Where does 1926.350(b)(2) require the cylinders to be placed?
- A. Touching the work so they are grounded through it
- B. Where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit
- C. Where an empty cylinder can be used to strike the arc
- D. Against the welding machine frame so they share its ground
Show answer
Answer: B. Where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit
"Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit. Electrodes shall not be struck against a cylinder to strike an arc."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Fuel gas, manifolds, hose and torches
5. A fuel gas cylinder in use needs a special wrench to open its valve. What does 1926.350(d)(2) require for the wrench?
- A. It shall be kept in the gang box and brought out when the valve must be closed
- B. It shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use
- C. It shall be removed once the valve is open so it cannot be knocked
- D. It shall be returned to the gas supplier with the cylinder
Show answer
Answer: B. It shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use
"When a special wrench is required, it shall be left in position on the stem of the valve while the cylinder is in use so that the fuel gas flow can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
6. When a fuel gas cylinder valve is opened, gas is found leaking around the valve stem. What is the first step 1926.350(d)(5) requires?
- A. Close the valve and tighten the gland nut
- B. Keep working and check the leak at the end of the shift
- C. Wrap the valve stem with tape
- D. Remove the regulator with the valve still open
Show answer
Answer: A. Close the valve and tighten the gland nut
If there is a leak around the valve stem, "the valve shall be closed and the gland nut tightened." If that does not stop the leak, "the use of the cylinder shall be discontinued, and it shall be properly tagged and removed from the work area."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
7. Under 1926.350(f)(1), how may fuel gas hose and oxygen hose be made easily distinguishable from each other?
- A. By using a single hose with a separate passage for each gas
- B. Only by tags fastened at the torch end
- C. By different colors or by surface characteristics readily distinguishable by the sense of touch
- D. Only by the brand name printed on the hose
Show answer
Answer: C. By different colors or by surface characteristics readily distinguishable by the sense of touch
"The contrast may be made by different colors or by surface characteristics readily distinguishable by the sense of touch." The same paragraph adds: "A single hose having more than one gas passage shall not be used."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
8. Which type of hose coupling does 1926.350(f)(5) require for gas welding and cutting hose?
- A. A quick-release type that disconnects with a straight pull
- B. Any type, if the coupling is taped over
- C. Any type, if the hose is inspected at the beginning of each working shift
- D. A type that cannot be unlocked or disconnected by means of a straight pull without rotary motion
Show answer
Answer: D. A type that cannot be unlocked or disconnected by means of a straight pull without rotary motion
"Hose couplings shall be of the type that cannot be unlocked or disconnected by means of a straight pull without rotary motion."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.350, Gas welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Arc welding and cutting
9. Lengths of arc welding cable are joined with cable lugs. What does 1926.351(b)(3) require?
- A. The lugs shall be securely fastened together for good electrical contact, and their exposed metal parts completely insulated
- B. The exposed metal of the lugs may stay bare if it is kept off wet ground
- C. The lugs need only be hand-tight, since tape will hold them
- D. The joint only has to be kept at least 10 feet from the electrode holder
Show answer
Answer: A. The lugs shall be securely fastened together for good electrical contact, and their exposed metal parts completely insulated
"If connections are effected by means of cable lugs, they shall be securely fastened together to give good electrical contact, and the exposed metal parts of the lugs shall be completely insulated."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.351, Arc welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
10. A steel structure is employed as the ground return circuit for arc welding. Under 1926.351(c)(3), what causes the structure to be rejected as a ground circuit?
- A. The structure being painted
- B. The generation of an arc, sparks, or heat at any point
- C. The structure being more than 100 feet long
- D. The structure being used for more than one shift
Show answer
Answer: B. The generation of an arc, sparks, or heat at any point
"When a structure or pipeline is employed as a ground return circuit, it shall be determined that the required electrical contact exists at all joints. The generation of an arc, sparks, or heat at any point shall cause rejection of the structures as a ground circuit."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.351, Arc welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
11. One ground return cable services three arc welding units. What current-carrying capacity does 1926.351(c)(1) require of it?
- A. Equal to the output of the largest unit
- B. Equal to the average output of the three units
- C. Half of the total output of the three units
- D. Equal to or exceeding the total specified maximum output capacities of all three units
Show answer
Answer: D. Equal to or exceeding the total specified maximum output capacities of all three units
When a single ground return cable services more than one unit, "its safe current-carrying capacity shall equal or exceed the total specified maximum output capacities of all the units which it services."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.351, Arc welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
12. An arc welding machine is about to be moved to another part of the site. What does 1926.351(d)(3) require?
- A. Lower the current setting before moving it
- B. Cool the electrode holder in water
- C. Open the power supply switch to the equipment
- D. Leave the electrode in the holder and hang it on a cylinder
Show answer
Answer: C. Open the power supply switch to the equipment
When the welder leaves or stops work for any appreciable length of time, "or when the arc welding or cutting machine is to be moved, the power supply switch to the equipment shall be opened."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.351, Arc welding and cutting (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Fire prevention
13. Under 1926.352(h), when may drums, pails, and other containers that contain or have contained flammable liquids be left open?
- A. Only when the contents are being removed or transferred
- B. Whenever the container is empty
- C. Whenever the container is more than 35 feet from the hot work
- D. Whenever fire extinguishing equipment is in the work area
Show answer
Answer: A. Only when the contents are being removed or transferred
"Except when the contents are being removed or transferred, drums, pails, and other containers which contain or have contained flammable liquids shall be kept closed." Empty containers "shall be removed to a safe area apart from hot work operations or open flames."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.352, Fire prevention (as of Nov 4, 2026)
14. Open-end fuel gas and oxygen hoses inside an enclosed space have just been disconnected from the torch. What does 1926.352(g) require?
- A. Cap the hose ends and leave them in the space for the next shift
- B. Coil the hoses inside the space next to its opening
- C. Leave them in the space if the cylinder valves are closed
- D. Remove them immediately from the enclosed space
Show answer
Answer: D. Remove them immediately from the enclosed space
"Open end fuel gas and oxygen hoses shall be immediately removed from enclosed spaces when they are disconnected from the torch or other gas-consuming device."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.352, Fire prevention (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Ventilation and confined spaces
15. Under 1926.353(a)(4), where must contaminated air exhausted from a welding working space be discharged?
- A. Into an adjoining room of the building
- B. Into the open air or otherwise clear of the source of intake air
- C. Next to the fresh-air intake so it is diluted quickly
- D. Back into the working space after it passes the welder
Show answer
Answer: B. Into the open air or otherwise clear of the source of intake air
"Contaminated air exhausted from a working space shall be discharged into the open air or otherwise clear of the source of intake air."
16. A welder must enter a confined space through a manhole, and a safety belt and lifeline are the means provided for quickly removing him in an emergency. How does 1926.353(b)(3) require them to be attached?
- A. To the rim of the manhole, so the welder can pull himself out
- B. Loosely, so the welder can slip out of them while working
- C. To the welder's body so that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening
- D. To the welding cable, so one line leads out of the space
Show answer
Answer: C. To the welder's body so that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening
"When safety belts and lifelines are used for this purpose they shall be so attached to the welder's body that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening." An attendant "shall be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times."
Toxic metals and inert-gas metal-arc welding
17. Employees weld beryllium-containing filler metal in the open air. What protection does 1926.353(c)(3) require for them?
- A. Filter-type respirators
- B. No respiratory protection, because the work is in the open air
- C. Air line respirators
- D. General mechanical ventilation only
Show answer
Answer: C. Air line respirators
Open-air work on these metals generally calls for filter-type respirators, "except that employees performing such operations on beryllium-containing base or filler metals shall be protected by air line respirators in accordance with the requirements of subpart E of this part."
18. Two employees doing inert-gas metal-arc welding are exposed to each other's arc. What does 1926.353(d)(1)(ii) require?
- A. Filter lens goggles of a suitable type, meeting subpart E, worn under welding helmets
- B. Each welder looks away while the other strikes an arc, with no added eye protection
- C. Clear safety glasses worn instead of welding helmets
- D. Welding helmets only, with the hand shields put away
Show answer
Answer: A. Filter lens goggles of a suitable type, meeting subpart E, worn under welding helmets
"When two or more welders are exposed to each other's arc, filter lens goggles of a suitable type, meeting the requirements of subpart E of this part, shall be worn under welding helmets."
Preservative coatings
19. A competent person's test shows that a hardened preservative coating on steel is highly flammable. What does 1926.354(b) require before the steel is heated?
- A. Wet the coating down so it will not ignite
- B. Keep a fire extinguisher at hand and heat the steel as usual
- C. Cover the coating with heat-resistant tape
- D. Strip the coating from the area to be heated
Show answer
Answer: D. Strip the coating from the area to be heated
"When coatings are determined to be highly flammable, they shall be stripped from the area to be heated to prevent ignition."
20. Under 1926.354(d), what may be used to limit the size of the area that must be cleaned of preservative coatings around the area to be heated?
- A. A lower torch flame setting
- B. Artificial cooling of the metal surrounding the heating area
- C. A shorter heating time
- D. A fresh coat of paint over the surrounding metal
Show answer
Answer: B. Artificial cooling of the metal surrounding the heating area
Coatings must be removed far enough "to ensure that the temperature of the unstripped metal will not be appreciably raised. Artificial cooling of the metal surrounding the heating area may be used to limit the size of the area required to be cleaned."