Staying safe in a weld shop by

United States

fguzzo4061 — 2024-04-06 01:42:16 UTC

Eye protection is one of the most important things in any shop. When welding or cutting it is important to have the proper shade to properly protect your eyes from permanent damage. The proper shade varies from every discipline of welding/ cutting from carbon arc to SMAW.

Sight is one of the most valuable of the five senses and is very easy to lose and incredibly difficult to get back. Proper protection is required with any trade work but welders and anyone who works near welders definitely need to make sure they uses the correct shaded lense. If you are ever confused what shade is required for a certain type of welding/cutting (ie. SMAW, PAC, TIG,etc.) you can always ask your foreman.

Australia

fguzzo4061 — 2024-04-06 02:05:14 UTC

When working in a shop another important piece of PPE is a respirator due to the risk of exposure to cancer causing perticulates. Welders present a staggering increase in lung cancer compared to other tradesmen.

Welders present an almost 40% increase in cancer rates from other tradesmen. Proper personal protection equipment is essential to prevent risk of exposure. Proper training is also necessary when welding or cutting hazardous materials such as galvanised steel.

Russia

fguzzo4061 — 2024-04-06 02:13:31 UTC

Hazardous materials are numerous in any shop but especially a welding shop. One of the most unassuming yet dangerous materials is Thoriated tungsten due to its radioactive properties. Thoriated tungsten is for tungsten inert gas welding and isn't hazardous from the welding itself but is from grinding it down to a point.

Its importing to know what exactly your working with at all times. Your shop should provide SDS or MSDS to provide proper handling and disposal instructions. Always be cautious and ask a foreman if you have any questions about what your working with.

United Kingdom

fguzzo4061 — 2024-04-06 02:21:47 UTC

Risk of hearing loss is incredibly high amongst welders. According to a study conducted on behalf of the United States air force by the Colorado state university welders are on par with flight deck crew men for hearing loss at a 68% amongst crew.

Failure to wear ear protection can cause permanent damage to more than just your ears. A burst eardrum can cause issues with balance and motion sickness. Its very important to always wear all of your protective equipment.

Fumes & Gases

fguzzo4061 — 2024-05-11 02:52:53 UTC

Respiratory protection is highly recommended for welding. Fumes such as nickel and chromium can be produced as a byproduct of welding. These fumes are highly toxic and can lead to sickness and even death.

Lung cancer is a massive risk to all tradesmen, welders especially. If you ever don't know what material your working on or the risks of the material you can always ask your foreman for the LH70 MSDS.

General Safety

fguzzo4061 — 2024-05-11 02:56:10 UTC

There are many dangers present in a weld shop. Some of the most prominent dangers are exposure to fumes and gases, physical hazards, electric shock, and fire and explosion risk. It's important to be aware of all materials and your surroundings when working.

A shop can be very hazardous for many reasons. Also make sure you are aware of your environment and the risks it can present. If you ever feel uncomfortable ask a coworker or foreman for advice or help with a project.

Fire safety

fguzzo4061 — 2024-05-11 03:02:01 UTC

Fire is a major risk in trade jobs. In field work there is the risk of starting a brush fire or wildfire. If you are working in a confined space there is a risk of a fire breaking out causing burn and lung damage from smoke inhalation. Always know your shops evacuation plan.

With sparks flying with almost everything a welder does its important to be mindful of your sparks. Know if there is flammable material near you that pose a risk. It's also important to know where all fire extinguishers and evacuation points are in the event of a fire.

Proper safety equipment

fguzzo4061 — 2024-05-11 03:06:12 UTC

Improper PPE can lead to injury and even death in the shop. It's important to always wear a fire resistant jacket that is always buttoned up. It's also important to wear the proper footwear of leather steel toe boots. Gloves should also be fire resistant and properly fitted.

Its very easy to be injured in the weld shop from improper equipment. Speaking from personal experience I have a a UV radiation burn on my left arm from tig welding without a jacket that will leave permanent scarring.

Sources

fguzzo4061 — 2024-05-11 03:17:45 UTC