Tip #03 · Welding
Minimum SMAW clearance is 200mm — and that's already tight.
SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) requires a minimum of 200mm clear space around the joint for the welder to work. In confined brownfield spaces, this minimum is often difficult to achieve.
When you encounter tight areas, consider specifying orbital welding above NPS 1½, or GTAW for better accessibility. Never design a weld joint that cannot physically be executed by a welder with standard equipment.
Rule of thumb
Never ignore a discrepancy. A five-minute TQ can prevent a five-month delay. A weld that cannot be made safely will be made unsafely — or not made at all until an expensive reroute is approved.
The takeaway: When you are routing in congested areas, mentally visualize the welder. Where do they stand? Where does their electrode holder go? Can they see the joint? Weld accessibility is a design requirement, not a construction problem.
