All about the gas cutter profession

Nowadays, metal has become one of the most popular types of raw materials in the manufacture of modern materials. That is why specialists with skills in working with him are always in demand. One of these specialties is gas cutter. In our review, we learn more about the description of the specialty and the requirements that apply to people in this position.

The gas cutter is a specialist who makes the cutting of metals and scrap metal using special equipment. To date, this specialty is in demand in a variety of industries, as well as in construction. Depending on the characteristics of production and the equipment used, metal cutting can be mechanical, impact or thermal, while a professional in his field must be able to use all existing technologies in work and master the skills of operating different machines.

In some cases the tasks of the gas cutter include the use of various melting methods. The work of a gas cutter involves working with a huge amount of raw materials and a wide variety of equipment, which is why a workplace is considered a characteristic feature of a cutting worker. There are two options for organizing the functional space of the gas cutter: stationary as well as mobile. Mobile is optimal for performing tasks of varying complexity throughout the territory of a manufacturing enterprise. The stationary complex is optimal for manual as well as mechanized cutting of metals if it is possible to deliver materials to the processing site.

In accordance with the current ETKS, establishing a professional standard, the features of the functions that an employee can perform directly depend on his professional category. In general, representatives of this specialty perform the following duties:

• oxygen cutting of all types of metals and alloys under water;
• cutting of simple and complex blanks from steels, as well as alloys and other metals;
• maintenance and minor repairs of equipment;
• metal cutting during dismantling;
• remelting of metals.

The gas cutter is quite a dangerous profession which is associated with unsafe effects on human health - this is the main minus of the profession. The organs of vision are exposed to the maximum adverse effect, since during the performance of their duties they are affected by the flame, as well as numerous sparks flying away from the metal. To protect their eyes, gas cutters require specialized equipment, which includes safety glasses with integrated light filters.

The skin may also be damaged during operation - to avoid this, the gas cutter must wear a cotton suit treated with flame retardant. The outfit also includes gauntlet gauntlets and padded leather boots. Of considerable danger are the types of gas cutter work performed at depth and height. In this case, the employee must wear a safety belt - Previously, it should be tested for strength. If the gas cutter does not have all the necessary workwear, then such a person will simply not be allowed to perform his professional duties.

There are other dangers, namely:

• on the working surface for cutting metal, an elevated temperature level is often recorded;
• not having the necessary skills to work with technological equipment, you can get serious injuries;
• the work of the gas cutter is associated with heavy loads, therefore increased demands are placed on the employee in terms of the physical condition and health of the applicant.

However, this labor is well paid. On average, the gas cutter in our country receives 40 thousand rubles, while the minimum rate is at around 20 thousand rubles, and the maximum registered payment is kept at around 100-110 thousand rubles.

Persons with the necessary clearance and certification are allowed to perform work as a gas cutter. You can get it in two main ways - either take training in a technical school / vocational school in the chosen specialization, or finish advanced training courses and retraining. Secondary educational institutions accept young people to study in the gas cutter direction after 9th grade, while the training itself lasts 3 years.

Studying courses is faster - they last from 4 months to 1 year, but require a theoretical base and some experience as a welder. Upon completion of training, each gas cutter, depending on the characteristics of the course receives an individual qualification rankwhose code defines the range of permissible work. Gas cutter 1 discharge knows all the basic mechanisms of operation of the equipment used and the subtleties of its operation, he is familiar with the existing metal cutting options. Gas cutter 2 discharge is familiar with all methods of metal cutting, the mechanism of operation, the purpose and features of the technology of operation of devices for cutting. Gas cutter 3 discharge owns knowledge regarding the technical and operational features of stationary and mobile plasma-arc and oxygen installations. He knows the technical and physical properties of base metals, as well as their alloys.

4-row gas cutter knows the mechanism of action of plasma-arc and oxygen installations equipped with a computer and photo-electric control mechanism. He has skills in cutting alloy steel. The gas cutter of the 5th and 6th digits knows all the intricacies of gas cutting well, has experience in preventing interruptions in work, clearly understands the effect of air-plasma and gas cutting on the material.

The leading direction in the application of every gas cutter’s labor is metal heat treatment; in the course of fulfilling duties this specialist is associated with potentially unsafe equipment, therefore higher demands are placed on the employee regarding both his professional and personal characteristics.

Required competencies include:

• possession of various types of welding;
• application of different melting methods;
• skills in working with special equipment, knowledge of its technical and operational characteristics;
• knowledge of safety rules and regulations.

In addition to professional requirements, there is a wide range of restrictions related to the state of health of the candidate. This specialist must have perfect vision. People with a fear of confined spaces and heights, as well as men with alcohol and drug addiction, are not allowed to perform work. The functionality of the gas cutter is not suitable for people with mental and nervous disorders. This position is unacceptable for people with problems of the vestibular apparatus, cardiovascular diseases and pathologies of the respiratory system.