When you are working in the welding services industry, there are many risks that you need to be aware of and prepared for. Your health and safety should always be a top concern and priority. The employers and employees both have a responsibility to uphold such safety standards for everyone to continue to work and go home healthy. Here is some advice to consider that will save you from pain and injuries.
Ensure The Environment Is Safe
One of the most important aspects of being a welder is understanding the dangers and risks of fires. Because of this, you must understand how to prevent them and also avoid situations of high risk where fires can start. It is important to survey the immediate area that you are working in and welding. Ensure that your company and contracted employers have necessary permits before the start of work to allow for safe practice. Sparks are the main cause of fire and explosion, which can be carried by winds in outdoor settings, or be a risk if falling from above onto flammable or explosive chemicals. It is important to remove all fire hazards and keep them somewhere safe.
Ventilation Needs
The necessary ventilation is required in the workplace to keep hazardous fumes, dust, and gasses away from those welding. This can be achieved by ensuring there are enough open doors and windows in any space, or that no space is enclosed. If you have to work in an enclosed environment, you need to have fans, exhausts, and vents to help facilitate proper airflow. This also ensures that toxic fumes do not stay in one space and do not accumulate, as this is detrimental for all the employees around. Certain restrictions come into play depending on the materials you work with, as they can create gasses that would be more harmful to you. You must check your local area guidelines when it comes to regulations in regards to the working environment to ensure that you comply with such rules to keep everyone safe.
Protective Equipment
If you are in a situation where you cannot move potential dangers and risks from the welding vicinity, one way to ensure a safe work environment from the potential harm of sparks is with the use of guards that can contain the sparks as well as the heat. The proper protective equipment will protect against various concerns and risks, ranging from burns, shock, sparks, eye and face damage. Wearable equipment will include welding helmets, glasses, goggles, gloves, caps, and face shields. You want to ensure that you clean and inspect your equipment regularly to make sure it is in good condition to keep you safe.
The welding helmets and other headgear you wear should not only protect your eyes and face, but also your entire head, and ears, and the shade on your goggles, glasses, and helmet should have sufficient UV protection.
Additional Clothing
In addition to protective equipment, the clothes you wear also impact your safety. It is recommended that in these environments for employees, welders and those around them such as supervisors wear jeans or other thick material on the lower body, as well as leather coats that protect the torso and arms. Some people also wear turtlenecks to ensure that no skin is visible and vulnerable. For your footwear, leather boots will help prevent heat and sparks from penetrating your feet, but also should note that because these jobs often deal in industrial settings with a lot of heavy equipment, steel toe shoes are recommended.
Fire Extinguishers Should Be Nearby
As stated numerous times, the risks of welding heavily revolve around the risk of fire. There are plenty of precautions to take to reduce the risk of fire, but as long as there is still much risk, you need to ensure that you have the emergency means to handle a fire if it were to break out. It is key that you have a fire extinguisher nearby in all work areas where welding will take place and pose a chance of fire due to the sparks and heat. In addition to providing fire extinguishers, you need to also ensure that regular maintenance checks are done to guarantee these extinguishers are properly working and ready to use in case of emergency.
You must keep knowledgeable and aware of your health and safety rights in your job. Remember to wear the right PPE and follow all the rules at your workplace. They are there for a reason, and it is for everyone’s protection that you practice safe work habits.