Many safety injuries and work related hazards have taken place in the welding industry. These have prompted a lot of organizations to arrange workplace safety programs for welding personnel. Over time, a recognized safety standard has been created for workplace safety and these procedures or tips have aided immensely in reducing the number of accidents and injuries related to welding.
Fuel Cylinders
A lot of welding operations make use of substances which can cause fire or explosions. Substances like gas and other liquids. In dealing with the cylinders that store these fuels, it is important that the pressure from regulators and hose lines is let out before they are moved or put into storage. Cylinder valves should always be closed with the protection caps put on when not in use.
When moving cylinders from one place to another, it is important to use cylinder carts. Furthermore, proper lifting equipment should be used and specified procedure observed.
Cylinders should never be stored near radiators or any other source of heat neither should they be put in places where they might come into contact with electric wires. Also, oxygen cylinders should be kept far away from acetylene cylinders.
Fire Safety
Safety precautions should be taken to prevent fires and explosions in the work area. One of these precautions is keeping the work area free of flammable and explosive materials. A regular check of the vicinity should be made to make sure that no flammable or explosive materials have been brought close.
Fire guards or fire retardant barriers should be on hand and used when needed. This is particularly important where there are some flammable or explosive materials that cannot be moved out of the work area. The guards can then be used as barriers between them and the area where the actual welding is taking place.
Cracks, crevices and other openings should be filled to prevent sparks or slags from sliding into them. The floors and walls should undergo regular check to make sure there are no unfilled cracks or crevices.
Welders should always wear protective equipment and wear it in accordance to the specifications stated by the manufacturers. Appropriate apparel such as fire retardant aprons, welding gloves and sleeves should be worn at all times when a welding operation is taking place. Items that have just been welded should be so marked in a manner that will warn others from handling them carelessly.
Electric Shocks
Arc welding also known as MIG welding uses electric nodes in the welding process. As such, welders who use this form of welding are usually prone to electric shocks. A shock can take place when equipment is not properly grounded or if water is not kept away from the equipment. Touching the equipment with wet hands or moist gloves, or when wearing damp clothing can cause an electric shock.
When welding on steel or plate, an insulating mat should be used so as to reduce the risk of shock. Also, rubber welding gloves should be used to protect the welder from shock which could occur as a result of a damp area or sweaty hands.
Where shock has occurred, the power source should immediately be turned off and first aid administered. Voltage reducing devices (VRD) will also go a long way in protecting workers from electric shock. welding hose manufacturers