Welding is a well-paid, highly skilled trade, but if safety is not taken seriously, welders can suffer serious injuries. Every year, 500,000 workers are exposed to welding hazards, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These safety recommendations should be kept in mind when dealing with the general risks of most welding jobs.
Welding Safety Tips
Lack of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the cause of many welding injuries. PPE should always be worn and should include:
o Fire-retardant clothing
o Shoes
o Gloves
o Proper head and eye protection
- Safe welding areas are free from combustible gasses and flammable materials with enough room to move around without bumping anything while welding safely.
- Confirm welding equipment is grounded correctly to help prevent shocks or electrocution.
- Proper ventilation and respirators are essential to protect welders from harmful fumes.
- Ensure welders are not placed in positions to weld on used containers. The smallest amount of combustible gas may be left in a container, which leaves plenty of room for enough oxygen to ignite easily.
Stay tuned for next week’s article where we will shine a light on Forklift Safety!
Are you a welder? What else should people know about your position? Let us know in the comments below!
