IS 818:2019 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for safety and health requirements in electric and gas welding and cutting operations. IS 818 covers safety during welding and cutting operations — fire prevention, ventilation, PPE (eye filters, gloves, aprons), gas cylinder handling, electrical safety, and confined space precautions. Essential companion to IS 816 (welding code of practice).
Code of practice for safety during welding and cutting operations covering fire prevention, ventilation, eye/skin protection, gas cylinder handling, and confined space welding.
Overview
Status Current
Usage level Essential
Domain General — Construction Safety and Practices
Type Code of Practice International equivalents
Also on InfraLens for IS 818
Practical Notes
! Hot work permit is mandatory before welding near combustible materials.
! Fire watch must continue for 30 minutes AFTER welding/cutting is completed.
! Gas cylinders must be stored upright, chained, and separated (oxygen 6m from fuel gas).
! Welding in confined spaces requires continuous forced ventilation AND gas monitoring.
! Never strike an arc on a gas cylinder or pressurized vessel — explosion risk.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3 — Fire prevention during welding
Cl. 4 — Ventilation for welding fumes
Cl. 5 — Eye and skin protection — welding filters
Cl. 6 — Gas cylinder storage and handling
Cl. 7 — Electrical safety in arc welding
Cl. 8 — Confined space welding precautions
welding safety cutting safety fire prevention gas cylinder PPE confined space
International Equivalents Similar International Standards
ANSI Z49.1 ANSI/AWS (US)
High Current
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes
Both are comprehensive welding safety codes covering the same hazard categories.
Key Differences
≠ ANSI Z49.1 is referenced by OSHA and enforceable by federal law in the US. IS 818 enforcement varies in India.
Key Similarities
≈ Both cover fire prevention, ventilation, PPE, gas cylinder safety, and confined space welding.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter IS Value International Source Fire watch after welding 30 minutes 30 minutes ANSI Z49.1
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use Report Error
Key Values5 Quick Reference Values
SMAW filter shade Shade 10-12 for 100-300A
MIG/MAG filter shade Shade 10-14
Oxy-fuel cutting shade Shade 3-5
Fire watch duration 30 min after welding stops
Min ventilation 20 air changes/hour for welding
Tables & Referenced Sections Key Tables
Table 1 — Welding filter shade numbers by process and current
Frequently Asked Questions1 What shade filter for arc welding? + SMAW (stick): Shade 10 (up to 100A), Shade 12 (100-300A), Shade 14 (>300A). MIG/MAG: Shade 10-14 depending on current. Auto-darkening helmets are recommended.
QA/QC Inspection Templates 📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.