Do welders have to be trained and judged competent by their employer ?

OSHA gives this reply in a Letter of Interpretation:

“Under paragraph 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C), cutters and welders and their supervisors must be suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process (system). The personnel requirements under paragraph 1910.253(a)(4) are applicable to a workman (an employer puts) in charge of an oxygen–fuel gas welding or cutting system to which welders or welding operators connect and use (or use connected) equipment. The workman in charge of a system may perform as a welder and welding operator to the extent that welding or cutting does not interfere with the employee’s responsibilities for safe operation of the system in accordance with the rules and instructions required under paragraph 1910.253(a)(4).

The workman in charge requirement is applicable in a maintenance shop, in the field, and in other workplaces where a portable oxygen–fuel gas welding or cutting system is used by more than one employee or where an oxygen–fuel gas welding or cutting system is installed.

A workman who is trained and demonstrates proficiency in following the rules and instructions required under paragraph 1910.253(a)(4) would be considered competent to perform the duties of a workman in charge of an oxygen–fuel gas welding or cutting system. The aforementioned rules and instructions must incorporate requirements under 1910.252 and 1910.253 of Subpart Q—Welding, Cutting, and Brazing and any other employer–determined safety and health requirements that are applicable to the particular workplace application.”