Welding can be a dangerous task if you don’t follow the proper safety instructions, safety practices and equipment are universally applicable. Welding exposes an individual to the same hazards, it doesn’t matter if you are working on a small job or a large contract, you must take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when using welding equipment.
Manufacturers Manual
The first thing you should do when using any type of welding equipment is to read the manufacturers manual. This will help you to fully understand how the machine works, so you don’t put yourself at risk of an accident or injury.
The operator’s manual contains important safety instructions which must be followed by every user. They are designed to protect users from harm and they also maximise the machine’s potential.
Wear Protective Clothing
Anyone who operates a welding machine without proper clothing leaves themselves open to serious injury. In addition, exposed skin is open to attack from ultraviolet and infrared rays.
For example, when welding you could catch a spark in an open pocket which could easily go unnoticed while you work. This spark could in turn leave a nasty injury once it burns through to your skin.
If you take the time to lease a machine from a welding equipment hire specialist, don’t forget to ask about protective clothing. They’ll be able to give you recommendations or they may have protective clothing items such as helmets which you can hire for a reasonable price.
Before you get to work welding, create a clothing checklist to ensure you’re properly protected. This list should include items such as:
- Welding Helmet
- Eye & Face Protection
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Body Protection
- Jackets
- Aprons & Sleeve Covers
- Respirators
Footwear
Boots or high-top leather shoes provide the best type of protection for your feet when using a welding machine. Your pants should go over your shoes, it is important to avoid wearing any type of cloth shoes which can easily get damaged. If you don’t wear resistant footwear, you may feel a burning sensation in one of your feet as your shoes begin to smoulder.
Exhaust Hood
When you are welding, you expose yourself to hazardous fumes and smoke which are emitted as a by-product. If you are working in a confined space, you should use an exhaust hood to eradicate fumes from your work area, allowing you to breathe more freely. If you aren’t sure about the proper procedures, it is important to speak to a professional about materials like exhaust hoods and respirators.
Avoid Exposure to the Light
Never expose unprotected eyes to a welding arc’s rays. You can cause a lot of damage to your eyesight and sometimes the condition only surfaces hours after you’ve been working. Remember to use protective goggles under your helmet as you weld, the helmet should be fitted with a proper filter shade to ensure maximum protection.
Clear the Area
The welding area should be free of any loose clutter, everything should be mounted in a safe place to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries while on the job.
If you’ve hired a welding machine and you are anxious to get started on your project, it is essential to take some time to read the operating manual and create a checklist to ensure safe practices. If you are working a company, you should make welding safety programmes to safeguard employees in the workplace. Successful implementation is all about education and training, safe welding should become an ingrained part of your business culture.
