All about the profession gas cutter

Nowadays, metal has become one of the most demanded types of raw materials in the manufacture of modern materials. That is why specialists who have the skills to work with it 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.

A gas cutter is a specialist who cuts metals and scrap metal using special equipment. Today, this specialty is in demand in various industries, as well as in construction. Depending on the specifics of production and the equipment used, metal cutting can be mechanical, shock or thermal, while a professional in his field must be able to use all existing technologies in his work and perfectly master the skills of operating different machines.

In some cases the labor tasks of the gas cutter include the use of various methods of melting. The labor activity of a gas cutter involves working with a huge amount of raw materials and a wide variety of equipment, which is why his workplace is considered a characteristic feature of a cutting worker. There are two options for organizing the functional space of the gas cutter: stationary and mobile. Mobile is optimal for performing tasks of varying complexity throughout the entire territory of the production enterprise. The stationary complex is optimal for manual as well as mechanized cutting of metals in case materials can be delivered to the place of processing.

In accordance with the current ETKS, which establishes 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 labor duties:

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

Gas cutter is quite a dangerous profession, which is associated with unsafe effects on human health - this is the main disadvantage of the profession. The organs of vision are exposed to the maximum adverse effect, since in the course of the performance of their duties they are exposed to flame, as well as numerous sparks flying off the metal. To protect their eyes, gas cutters require specialized equipment, which includes protective goggles with built-in light filters.

In the course of work, the skin can also be damaged - to avoid this, the gas cutter must wear a cotton suit that has been treated with flame retardants. The outfit also includes tarpaulin mittens and thick leather boots. The types of work of the gas cutter, performed at depth and at height, pose a considerable danger. In this case, the employee must wear a safety belt - it must first be tested for strength. If the gas cutter does not have all the necessary set of overalls, then such a person will simply not be allowed to perform his professional duties.

There are other dangers as well, namely:

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

However, this work is well paid. On average, a 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 admission and certificate are allowed to perform work for the position of a gas cutter... You can get it in two main ways - either complete training in a technical school / vocational school in the chosen specialization, or complete advanced training and retraining courses. Secondary schools accept young people for training in the direction of "gas cutter" after the 9th grade, while the training itself lasts 3 years.

The courses are faster to study - they last from 4 months to 1 year, but they 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 qualifying rank, the code of which defines the range of acceptable jobs. Gas cutter 1 category knows all the basic mechanisms of the equipment used and the subtleties of its operation, he is familiar with the existing options for cutting metal. Gas cutter 2 of the category is familiar with all methods of cutting metal, the mechanism of work, the purpose and features of the technology of operation of devices for cutting. Gas cutter 3 discharge has knowledge in terms of 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.

Gas cutter 4 rows knows the mechanism of action of plasma-arc and oxygen installations, equipped with a computer and photo-electric control mechanism. He is skilled in cutting alloy steels. A gas cutter of 5 and 6 digits knows all the intricacies of gas cutting well, has experience in preventing interruptions in work, clearly understands what effect air-plasma and gas cutting has on the material.

The leading direction in the application of the labor of any gas cutter is the heat treatment of metal; in the course of performing his duties, this specialist is associated with potentially unsafe equipment, therefore, increased requirements are imposed on the employee regarding both his professional and personal characteristics.

Required competencies include:

• proficiency in various types of welding;
• the use of different methods of melting;
• 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 limitations associated with the health status of the candidate. This specialist must have perfect vision. People with a fear of confined space 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 persons 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.