Welding Safety Practices to Perform
Welding is a common practice in industrial workplaces across the country. Unfortunately, welding accidents and injuries are common, as well. Welding accidents comprise about 25 percent of fatal occupational accidents every year. If you are a welder or you supervise workers who weld, you’ll appreciate these 4 essential welding safety tips and resources from mobile welding services experts.
Use Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
When welding, it is immensely important to protect the eyes and face. Acceptable personal protective equipment (PPE) should include helmets, hand shields, and goggles. Welding helmets that feature filter plates can help protect welders from sparks, arc rays, and spatters. According to OSHA, hand shields and helmets should adequately protect the face, neck and ears from direct radiant heat.
Encourage Clean, Organized Welding Spaces
Welding injuries are far less likely to occur in well-organized, clean workspaces. To prevent injuries, clearly label and mark the place for each equipment piece. The welding area should only include equipment and tools the welder uses, nothing else. Welding tables should be adjustable so the welder can work at an appropriate height.
Launch a Welding Safety Program
If your welding employees realize your company is serious about safety, they will take safety seriously themselves. To show that your company places a strong emphasis on personal safety, consider launching a welding safety program. An ongoing welding safety program keeps all welders on the same page and offers them the most up-to-date information as new PPE and technologies become available.
Protect Eyes From the Welding Arc’s Rays
It only takes a few seconds of exposure to a welding arc’s rays for the eyes to experience “arc flash,” a painful condition that often appears hours after exposure. To prevent such a condition, welders should utilize approved safety glasses with ear protection and wide shields. Safety helmets should also be fitted with filter shades to protect the face and eyes. Workplaces can also install barriers or screens to protect the eyes of others from the arc.
Whenever you need mobile welding services in Billings, MT, turn to Jerry Lee's Onsite Welding. For more information, call us at (406) 213-1955 today and book an appointment with one of our services!