Welding Safety – The Basics
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Transcript of Welding Safety – The Basics
Welding Safety – The Basics
In order to perform the basic arc welding processes safely, welding operators need to know and understand the six major areas of welding safety.
Six Major Welding Safety Topics - Electric Shock - Visible light, Infrared and
Ultraviolet Radiation - Burns - Fumes and Gasses - Fire - Explosion
Electric Shock Be certain that there is a well established path
for the flow of electric current (ground clamp). Never allow your body to complete the electric
circuit. Inspect equipment to ensure it is in good
working order. Ensure all welding equipment is properly
installed per code and mfg. instructions. Avoid welding in a wet or damp environment. Use common sense.
Visible Light, Infrared and Ultraviolet radiation Use the proper filter plate for the
welding process and amperage level being performed.
Be certain welding helmet is not compromised.
Cover all exposed skin. Never stare/look at an open arc. Use flash screens to protect others.
Visible Light, Infrared and Ultraviolet radiation
Burns Wear appropriate clothing and gloves. Wear leather footwear, preferably
steel toe work boots. Assume all metal in a welding
environment is hot and act accordingly.
Avoid torn or tattered garments. No polyester or nylon garments, ever!
Protect Against BurnsMetal will be red-hot after welding.
Don’t touch it!
Not even with gloves!Use Clamps
Proper Shop Attire for Welders Long pants and long sleeve shirt made from
cotton or flame retardant fabric (at a minimum).
Leather cape/sleeve combination or coat (preferred).
Leather footwear (steel toe boot preferred). Safety glasses Leather work gloves Spark cap for out of position welding
ProtectiveClothing
Hazards: *Sweatshirt Strings*Frayed Pants*Wrong Shoes*Hair
Fumes and Gases Make certain that the work area is properly
ventilated. Keep your head out of the welding smoke
plume. Do not position yourself between the work
and the ventilation source. Remove all chemical de-greasing residue,
paint and grease/oil from metal prior to welding.
Use partial mask or other PPE if you have respiratory problems.
Fire Remove all flammable material from
the immediate work area. Thoroughly check work area for “hot
spots” when welding is completed. Have fire extinguishers in the work
area and know how to use them. Use a Fire Watch when working in an
area with flammable materials that cannot be removed.
Explosion When welding containers that
contained flammable materials, follow established safe working procedures.
Keep paint, solvent and other chemicals out of the work area.
Secure compresses gas cylinders well away from the work area.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
In Conclusion: Working with the common arc welding
processes being used in manufacturing can be done in a safe manner if the following steps are taken: Know and follow safe working practices Follow equipment manufacturers
operating instructions closely Use good judgment and common sense