Be Safe When Welding

Posted February 7, 2010 – 5:45 am in: Equipment

It is, of course, critical that you are safe when welding and that you don’t compromise your safety or that of people around you. You must be familiar with each of the safety rules that follow before starting to weld and remember them at all times in order to prevent any injuries. Over a thousand eye injuries take place every day in the United States according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Quite a few of these accidents happen to mechanics but you need to make sure you always wear eye protection when welding and when doing other tasks around your workshop.

Safe Welding Guidelines

1. Make sure you have adequate grounding by attaching metal connections that are not covered with paint or other materials. Do not use chains or wire ropes or any other inadequate connections for grounding.

2. Make sure you place the welder on a flat surface far away from sources of inflammable materials, cloth, rags, paper, oil, gasoline etc and be sure never to operate when conditions are wet which will increase the risks of electric shocks.

3. Gas cylinders need to be attached securely to carts or supports by metal chains and secure protective caps before moving. Hoses should only be used that have been designed specifically for use in welding.

4. Hoses should be checked for leaks frequently by dripping on soapy water. Any leaks will show as bubbles form. Swap any hoses that look worn before they start to leak and never just patch them up with duct tape! In addition check out loose connections and tighten them properly.

5. Keep your work area clear of rags, tools, paper etc. Store tools in containers and drawers. Don’t allow cables and hoses to trail on the ground where you can trip over them. Coil them up and store them away, which prevents injuries and damage from tangles and kinks.

6. Ensure you have the right equipment for different tasks and always use them! Even when wearing heavy gloves don’t pick up hot metal but use pliers and use the proper equipment for tasks like chipping, sanding and brushing off slag etc.

7. You should always have on high impact glasses when you are grinding or cutting and wear them on entering the workshop. Keep them on at all times until you leave, do not take them off or you will forget you are not earing them and that’s when an injury will happen!

8. You must have good ventilation int he workshop. If you have a sizable workshop you will need a fan in order to clear the welding fumes however for a smaller workshop leaving open doors and windows will probably be sufficient.

9. Eye and face protection is crucial. The arc releases radiation which causes permanent eye and skin damage. Safety glasses should be worn at all times while you are in the workshop and underneath your helmet when you are welding. Make sure that auto darkening helmets are in compliance with standards set out by the National Standards Institute. While wearing an auto darkening helmet you can easily move around pieces without having to flip up the helmet repeatedly.

10. Make certain all your safety equipment conforms to the OHSA standards and make sure you always wear it. It You cannot be protected while it is lying on the bench! Flame retardant clothes should always be used to cover skin to stop injuries from spatter or sparks and make sure cuffs and pockets are buttoned down. Leather shoes should be worn to give proper foot protection. Don’t wear trainers or tennis shoes or plastic shoes which melt when heated and will stick to the skin. At all times wear heavy, specially designed gloves for welding.

For some  more guidelines for welding and some good deals on welders  please visit us at Welders for Sale or Lincoln Welders for Sale

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