**3.4 Welding positions**

The American Welding Society identifies four basic welding positions. These positions characterize the position of the electrode in relation to the object being welded. The four welding positions are described as the horizontal position, flat position, vertical position, and overhead position. These welding position definitions have been established by the AWS, due to the subtly, but critically differing, techniques associated with each position. Professional welders must pass welding application tests in each position to prove their competence for all of the established welding positions [3]. Weld metal behaves differently in all positions, creating challenges to consider when conducting a field repair. Identifying where the welding material will travel due to gravity, is a major consideration when making repairs in each welding position. **Table 1** summarizes several of the welding symbols associated with different welding positions and types of weld. Well-specified repair instructions identify the welding position, weld type, and joint preparation to be used.
