Welding Safety

Welding safety starts with an understanding of what could go wrong, and preparation for when it does. Risks of welding include electric shock, inhalation of toxic fumes, eye injury and skin burns. To start, protective clothing and equipment must be worn during all welding operation including helmets and shields.

Welding safety starts with having the right protective gear. This includes:

- Respirator/Welders Mask: There are multiple types of respirators. Buy the one that is made for welders and the type of projects you will be performing. If purchasing a mask with a filter, match the filter to the types of metals and coatings used.

- Keep the area clean and check any gasses for signs of leaks.

- Ventilation: All welding areas should have proper ventilation. Poor ventilation leads to "plume poisoning". If you suspect that be inhaled a toxic plume seek medical help immediately!

- Storage: All flammables should be stored in a flammable liquids locker.

- Eye protection: welding eye protection protects against injuries from debris and from the effects of the ultraviolet light. Different types of helmets are made to protect you when performing different types of welding. These vary by shade number, having a passive or auto-darkening lens (automatically adjusts to welding rays) and comfort/fit.

- Fire protection: Sparks created during the welding process can start fires. For welding Class C extinguishers are often used since these are for electrical fires. Sand and water can also help to extinguish fires.

- Protective Clothing: All skin areas need to be protected to protect against molten metal and sparks.

This includes:

- Long sleeve shirts

- Pants that cover the tops of shoes

- Gloves

- Shoes or boots

- Hair is protected with something called a welders beanie

- Leather jackets are also effective for protection from slag and sparks

- Leather aprons provide some protection when sitting down

- Shoe covers called spats protect shoes, something helpful if you are working on a project that produces sparks and slag (molten metal)

Welding Safety Tip: Use pliers when handling metals. If you believe a metal is cool, use the back of the hand and slowing bring it closer to the metal. You'll feel the heat as you get closer if it is too hot to handle.

Awareness of the most common welding hazards and knowing how to avoid them ensures a safe, productive work environment for all.

For all your PPE clothing and equipment, contact L&A Safety or visit them at their stores in Milnerton or Vredenburg.