Objectives

  • Demonstrate Quality Welding Skills: Produce sound, industry-standard welds using proper techniques and equipment.

  • Follow Safety and Professional Standards: Work safely using correct PPE and professional workplace practices.

  • Manage Time Effectively: Complete quality work within given time limits.

Competition Rules

 
 

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  •  Eye and Face Protection:

    • Safety glasses with side shields (ANSI Z87.1 compliant) must be worn at all times under welding helmets

    • Welding helmet with appropriate filter lens shade number for the welding process being used

    • Prescription glasses must have side shields or be covered with safety goggles

    • Clear cover plates/lenses and spare helmet batteries recommended

  • Body Protection:

    • Flame-resistant clothing suitable for welding processes (no synthetic fabrics)

    • Welding-grade leather jacket, cape, sleeves, or apron

    • Full-length pants with no cuffs (to prevent spark/slag accumulation)

    • High-top leather safety shoes or boots (steel-toe recommended)

    • All clothing must be free from oil, grease, or flammable contaminants

  • Hand and Head Protection:

    • Leather welding gloves in good condition

    • Flame-resistant welder’s cap or skull cap worn under helmet

    • Hair must be contained and not exposed

  • Respiratory and Hearing Protection:

    • Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) when noise levels exceed 85 dB

    • Respiratory protection as required for specific materials and ventilation conditions

  • Additional PPE for Specific Processes:

    • Burning goggles or face shield with #5 filter plate for oxy-fuel cutting (PAC)

    • Flame-resistant earplugs for overhead welding operations

Safety Protocol Requirements:

  • Competitors must inspect all PPE before use and replace any damaged items

  • All PPE must remain in place throughout the competition duration

  • Competitors must demonstrate proper equipment setup and safety checks before beginning work

  • Work area must be kept clean and free of tripping hazards

  • All equipment must be inspected and approved by judges before competition begins

  • Immediate disqualification will result from:

  • Failure to wear required PPE

  • Removing PPE during welding operations

  • Creating unsafe conditions that endanger self or others

  • Failure to follow judges’ safety instructions

Competition Procedures:

  • Competitors will have 15 minutes for setup and material preparation

  • Welding time limit is 90 minutes from start signal

  • All work must be completed individually with no outside assistance

  • Competitors must use materials and equipment provided

  • Students may bring their own hand tools (chipping hammers, wire brushes, etc.)

  • Each competitor’s welding booth will be assigned randomly

  • Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited in the competition area

Judging Criteria (Based on AWS Code Standards):

  • Welds will be evaluated according to AWS welding code standards with tighter-than-normal tolerances (100 points total):

  • Visual Inspection (30 points): Weld appearance, uniformity, bead profile, and overall workmanship measured against AWS acceptance criteria

  • Dimensional Accuracy (25 points): Adherence to welding procedure specifications and dimensional tolerances

  • Weld Quality (30 points): Penetration depth, fusion quality, and absence of defects including porosity, cracks, undercut, overlap, or incomplete fusion as defined by AWS standards

  • Safety and Professionalism (15 points): Continuous safety compliance, workspace organization, proper equipment use, and professional conduct throughout competition

Source: https://www.aihec2026.com/welding

Contact

Email: events@lltc.edu