Welding Safety Problems - Give More Attention

Please know that welding is a high risk operation and the onus is on your employer

to provide good ventilation, shielding, and other protective devices. Arc welding can become safe occupation when adequate measures are taken to safeguard the welder from potential hazards. But if the safety aspect is overlooked, welders can confront many risks such as electric shock, overexposure to fumes and gases, arc radiation, and fire outbreak and explosion.

The electrode and the weld area are electrically "hot" when the welder is performing his task... Do not touch these hot parts with your bare hands or wet clothing. Wear dry, hole-free gloves to insulate your hands.

Maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding cable and welding machine in perfect working condition at all times. Never dip the electrode in water for cooling as most welding operators are fond of doing.

Be aware that arc rays can burn. Make it a point to use a shield with proper filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from sparks and the rays of the arc when welding or even when observing open arc welding. Use appropriate protective clothing made from flame-resistant material to protect your skin and that of your helpers from arc rays.

It is a known fact that cylinders may explode if damaged. Use only compressed gas cylinders containing the correct shielding gas needed for the process and the right regulators designed for the gas and pressure used. All hoses, fittings, etc. should be suitable for the application and in good condition.

If working on electrically powered equipment, you must make sure to turn off the input power using the disconnect switch at the fuse box before commencing work on the equipment. Again, for engine powered equipment. You must turn the engine off before troubleshooting and undertaking maintenance work unless the maintenance work calls for it to be running.

Needless to say, welding may produce hazardous fumes and gases which can be a major health risk. Scrupulously avoid inhaling these obnoxious fumes and gases. Provide adequate ventilation and/or exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone. Keep all equipment safety guards, covers and devices in position and in good repair.

A welding operator should be aware of and use all personal protective accessories like face shields, helmets, and goggles fitted with special filter lenses or plates. Screens or shields should also be installed to protect people near the welding area from heat / light. Hearing Personal respirators will aid ventilation problems, and they should be used in addition to general ventilation.

Check the whole area before you start welding operations. Remove gas cans, and all other inflammable items that might catch fire. Also, keep water buckets, water hoses, and other pressurized fire fighting equipment. There should be someone nearby to quickly act if there is a fire outbreak.

Make sure to read and understand the manufacturer's instructions for the welding equipment and the consumables to be used. Go through the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and also adhere to your employer's safety practices. MSDS forms can be obtained from your welding distributor or from the manufacturer.

by:Oleg Gladshteyn

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