Welder Foundation

• WELD 0102 – Introduction to Welding

This course is a hands on introduction to the common welding processes used in industry. Course will include oxyacetylene, MIG, TIG, and stick welding as well as appropriate safety procedures. CSA approved steel toed boots and 100% cotton overalls required.

• WELD 0103 – Oxyacetylene/Braze/Welding/Cut

Introduces basics of fuel gas welding. Includes safety, shop practice, procedures and operation of related equipment. CSA approved steel-toed work boots and 100 per cent cotton coveralls are required.

• WELD 0105 – Basic Skills: Oxyacetylene Cut and Weld

This course introduces the student to oxyacetylene welding. This course will familiarize the student with the safe use of gas welding equipment, types of weld joints, and will demonstrate preferred techniques for oxyacetylene welding.

• WELD 0106 – Gas Metal Arc Basic (MIG)

Industrial and home hobby powersources will be used in this course. Set-up of equipment and correct selection of shielding gases included. CSA approved leather steel toed boots and 100% cotton coveralls required.

• WELD 0107 – Basic Skills: Electric Arc Welding

This course introduces the student to electric arc welding. The course will familiarize the student with the safe use of electric arc welding equipment, types of weld joints, and will demonstrate preferred techniques for electric arc welding.

• WELD 0110 – Gas Tungsten Arc Basic (TIG)

Covers shielding gases, electrodes, equipment, and practical applications including light gauge welding, repair etc. Majority of the welding will be done on mild steel with limited use of stainless steel and aluminum included. CSA approved leather steel toed boots and 100% cotton coveralls required.

• WELD 0115 – Aluminum Welding

This course covers all position plate welding. Designed for the student who wants hands on experience and basic knowledge of aluminum welding. CSA approved leather steel toed boots and 100% cotton coveralls required.

• WELD 0190 – New Marine Construction for Welders

This course will prepare welders for new construction shipbuilding. This course will focus on attitude, quality control, weld faults, workmanship, following a WPS, weld process control, grinding, FCAW ceramic backed joints, weld sequencing and fillet size.

• WELD 0120 – Welding for the Artisan

General interest course for those interested in artwork, furniture building and minor repair jobs. Focus is on the oxy-acetylene process – brazing, cutting, forming, shaping and welding. Last two sessions are spent working on a small project of the student’s choice. Project materials NOT included. CSA-approved leather steel-toed boots and 100% cotton coveralls required.

Approved Respirators for Welding FAQ

Q. Why is an approved respirator required for welding students?

In accordance with health and safety regulations/standards and to ensure safety BCIT is required to ensure all welding students wear an approved respirator while welding.

Q. What is considered an approved respirator?

Typically, this is a tight-fitting half-mask respirator with a P100 particulate filter. Students will need a valid fit-test record for their respirator (tested within 365 days of using the respirator), and also need to be clean-shaven when wearing the respirator.

Q. Where can I purchase an approved respirator?

Students proceeding with a fit test and a half-mask respirator will need to purchase the respirator at a cost of approximate $130. Both the fit-test and respirator can be acquired at the beginning of the term through the student’s program instructor or the BCIT Bookstore at the cost of approximate $130.  This is your personal respirator to keep.

Q. What if I prefer not to wear a respirator?

BCIT cannot allow staff or students to do welding without appropriate safety gear.  However, students who prefer not to wear the half-mask can instead choose a Purified Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with NIOSH-approved.  Please note that the cost for a PAPR is significantly higher than for a half-mask respirator.

Q. What happens if I am unable to wear a half-mask respirator because of medical needs?

In some cases, a student may have a medical condition that can affect a student’s ability to safely use a respirator, some examples are:

• Shortness of breath
• Lung disease
• Hypertension
• Neuromuscular disease
• Temperature sensitivity
• Panic Attacks
• Reduced Sense of Smell
• Unusual Skin Conditions
• Breathing Difficulties
• Chest Pain on Exertion
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Fainting Spells
• Claustrophobia/Height Fears
• Colour Blindness
• Reduced Sense of Taste
• Dentures
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Heart Problems
• Thyroid Problems
• Dizziness/Nausea
• Hearing Impairment
• Asthma
• Back/Neck problems
• Emphysema
• Allergies
• Diabetes
• Seizures
• Pacemaker
• Vision Impairment
• Unusual facial features
• Prescription medications

Questions or comments?