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🔥 Welding Safety

Topic: Safe welding and cutting practices Duration: 10-15 minutes Required: Only trained welders may weld

The Hazards​

Welding involves multiple serious hazards:

  • Fire - Sparks can ignite materials
  • UV radiation - Eye and skin damage
  • Fumes - Toxic welding fumes
  • Electric shock - Electrical hazards
  • Burns - Hot metal and sparks

Fire Prevention​

Before Welding​

  • Hot work permit - Obtain permit if required
  • Clear area - Remove combustibles within 35 feet
  • Fire watch - Post fire watch if required
  • Fire extinguisher - Have extinguisher ready
  • Wet down - Wet down combustible surfaces if needed

During Welding​

  • Watch for sparks - Sparks can travel far
  • Monitor area - Watch for fires
  • No smoking - No smoking in welding area

Eye Protection​

Required Protection​

  • Welding helmet - Auto-darkening or fixed shade
  • Proper shade - Shade 10-14 depending on process
  • Safety glasses - Under helmet
  • Face shield - For grinding/cutting

UV Radiation​

  • Arc flash - Can cause eye damage instantly
  • Never look - At arc without protection
  • Symptoms - Gritty eyes, pain (welder's flash)

Respiratory Protection​

Welding Fumes​

Fumes contain:

  • Metal oxides
  • Ozone
  • Nitrogen oxides
  • Can cause lung damage

Protection:

  • Ventilation - Local exhaust ventilation
  • Respirator - If ventilation insufficient
  • Position - Don't breathe fumes

Electrical Safety​

Shock Hazards​

  • Dry gloves - Keep gloves dry
  • Dry clothing - No wet clothing
  • Ground properly - Proper grounding
  • Inspect equipment - Check for damage
  • Don't touch - Electrode and workpiece simultaneously
Fire Hazard

Welding creates fire hazards. Always have fire watch and fire extinguisher ready. One spark can start a major fire.