Like any profession, safety measures are essential in the field of welding as well. The welding process can be safe as long as one follows the proper standards and regulations. Ignoring these precautionary measures can lead to various hazards and health problems for the welders.
These hazards include bright blinding light, electromagnetic radiations, and shocks, harmful fumes, etc. Welders are exposed every day to such dangers. For their safety, the Australian government has set some important guidelines for the welders and every other employer or worker to follow:
- Thoroughly read and understand equipment instructions from the manual.
- Carefully analyze and review the safety data charts.
- Follow each internal safety practice set by the company.
Raising awareness from these hazards ensures the safety of the welder and the work environment. To stay safe, a welder must follow some necessary precautions.
Welding Safety Precautionary Measures to Follow
Whether you are a DIY welder or a professional, following welding safety measures is vital for your health before undergoing any welding activity. Remember never to ignore the PPE and other safe working practices because they lead to hazards and potential fatalities. Follow these measures mentioned below to protect yourself while working.
Wearing Proper PPE Attire
If you are working as a welder under a firm or company, it is the employer or current manager’s duty to provide you with proper Personal Protective Equipment. The PPE includes:
Welding Helmets
Not just any welding helmet, you should wear helmets with a side shield that can protect you from harmful UV radiations, dust particles, debris, slag, and chemical burns. Filtering the back of your head with heat and fire-resistant cloth should also be your concern.
Also, wearing the proper lens enables you to adjust your vision properly without irritating your eyes.
Respirator Masks
These unique masks keep your lungs away from inhaling harmful fumes and oxides created during the welding process. Make sure the respirator fìts your outfit.
Fireproof Attire
Fire-resistant attire protects you from excessive heat, fire, harmful radiation, and burns that can happen during the welding activity. The attire should have no cuffs or pockets, and the sleeves should be taped closed. Your attire should be of leather and fire-resistant cotton.
Ear Gear
To protect you from all the noise hazards in the workplace, ear protection is essential. Ear protection gear with fire-resistant ability to protect from sparks entering the ear is the best choice.
Shoes and Hand Protection Gloves
To protect yourself from heat, fire, electric shocks, burns, and falling objects, your shoes should be steel-capped from the toes with a rubber sole, while your gloves should be flame-resistant.
Analyze the Ventilation of Your Workplace
Having the workplace properly ventilated ensures the removal of harmful gases and fumes. For this purpose, your workplace needs proper ventilation strategies to tackle those airborne pollutants. If the ventilation doesn’t remove toxic fumes, you will need to use respirators.
Keep Your Workplace Free of Flammable Objects
Clear your workplace vicinity of every flammable material to protect from the splatters and molten weld puddles produced during the welding process that can cause a fire.