Welding Safety
Welding Safety Videos
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ANSI Z49.1
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The Basics of Welding Safety - Things Everyone Should Know
FACT: Welding and cutting are hazardous and you need to take precautions to avoid injury, property damage and even death.
Think about the last time you struck an arc. Did you wear the proper gear and take necessary precautions? Did you warn others and shield them from arcs and sparks? Maybe you walked through the shop and noticed the "bright light" from welding. If you weld or could potentially come into contact with welding, you should understand the basic hazards and follow safety protocol.
Safety is extremely important to those directly involved with welding and also to others that work in or near the welding area. It may be obvious that the person welding should be trained and follow safe practices. But, it may NOT be so obvious that others also need training. The reason is simple, knowledge and training allows everyone to be recognize the hazards of welding so they can protect themselves and others.
It's good to start with the basics to understand the common safety concerns for anyone who comes into contact with welding. The basics are not highly technical and welding safety can be easy-to-understand. Keep in mind that as you become more involved with welding or specialized applications, you will need further training specific to that area. But, knowing the basics is a good start to prevent potentially uncomfortable and dangerous situations.
Topic #1: Safety Information Sources - the 3 Best Places to Find Relevant Safety Information
There are many sources of safety information, some more reliable than others. As you search through all the available information, how do you determine what is relevant to you and your situation? How can you keep from being overwhelmed? Can you trust the internet? Sure, there are many great resources - but you should focus your search in these key areas for the best results:
FACT: Welding and cutting are hazardous and you need to take precautions to avoid injury, property damage and even death.
Think about the last time you struck an arc. Did you wear the proper gear and take necessary precautions? Did you warn others and shield them from arcs and sparks? Maybe you walked through the shop and noticed the "bright light" from welding. If you weld or could potentially come into contact with welding, you should understand the basic hazards and follow safety protocol.
Safety is extremely important to those directly involved with welding and also to others that work in or near the welding area. It may be obvious that the person welding should be trained and follow safe practices. But, it may NOT be so obvious that others also need training. The reason is simple, knowledge and training allows everyone to be recognize the hazards of welding so they can protect themselves and others.
It's good to start with the basics to understand the common safety concerns for anyone who comes into contact with welding. The basics are not highly technical and welding safety can be easy-to-understand. Keep in mind that as you become more involved with welding or specialized applications, you will need further training specific to that area. But, knowing the basics is a good start to prevent potentially uncomfortable and dangerous situations.
Topic #1: Safety Information Sources - the 3 Best Places to Find Relevant Safety Information
There are many sources of safety information, some more reliable than others. As you search through all the available information, how do you determine what is relevant to you and your situation? How can you keep from being overwhelmed? Can you trust the internet? Sure, there are many great resources - but you should focus your search in these key areas for the best results:
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1. Owner's Manuals: Always begin with the owner's
manual of your equipment because they contain important safety information about how to use and maintain your equipment safely. A welding system may have one manual for all components or a series of manuals for each individual component. Refer to safety data sheets for hazards related to the materials, electrodes and other consumables used that may not be covered in the manuals. 2. Product Labels: Welding equipment and accessories should be marked with labels to indicate warnings, hazards and other important information about safe operation. You should locate, understand and follow the labels - and use your owner's manual to look up any symbol that you don't understand. You may even notice that some labels are symbols only and don't contain any words at all. 3. ANSI Z49.1: If you still have questions that weren't answered by owner's manual, safety data sheet or product labels, or if your situation involves special welding conditions, refer to the industry standard for welding safety - ANSI Z49.1. This document is a complete safety reference and covers Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes. This standard has safety guidelines for nearly every situation and contains important information you may not have considered. |
Topic #2: The 5 Most Common Arc Welding Hazards & Safety Guidelines
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If you've been around welding, it's likely that you've heard things like "watch the arc!" Ironically, that really means DON'T look at the arc! This is just one example of how safety hazards can misunderstood and directions can be misleading. Knowing a few basic facts will allow you to take adequate precautions to protect yourself and others from welding hazards.
Following proper safety protocol and using personal protective equipment is the key to protection from the hazards and potential dangers of arc welding. Here are some common arc welding hazards along with guidelines for dealing with them. Remember, each situation is unique and may have special requirements that can be referenced in ANSI Z49.1. |
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1. Electricity
Electric shock can kill and arc welding often uses electricity to generate heat. Hazards are present during the installation, operation and servicing of equipment. |
Protect yourself and others from electric shock!
1. Do NOT touch a live electrode or electrical parts. 2. Insulate yourself from the work and ground. 3. Always wear dry insulating gloves. 4. Replace worn or damaged cables. 5. Keep guards and covers in place. 6. Disconnect power before installing or servicing. |
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2. Intense Light (UV/IR)
Arc rays can burn your skin and eyes. This may be referred to as welder's flash or burn that can lead to permanent injury. |
Protect your eyes and skin from arc rays!
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields. 2. Use a welding helmet with shaded welding filter. 3. Wear complete body protection to cover exposed skin in fire resistant material. |
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3. Sparks, spatter and fumes
These welding byproducts can cause fire, burns and breathing impairment that could lead to long-term permanent injury, property damage and even death. |
Clear the "Weld Zone" to protect yourself and property!
1. Weld in areas that block arc rays, spatter and sparks. 2. ALWAYS inspect and safeguard against fire. -Remove any items that are not flame/fire resistant -NEVER weld or cut around fire hazards or fumes 3. ALWAYS have adequate ventilation and avoid breathing fumes directly. |
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4. Heat sources and hot materials
High temperatures can cause severe burns and fire. Heat from welding and cutting can burn or melt things nearby or in direct contact with the hot metal, electrode or other heat source. |
Protect yourself and property against burns!
1. Consider everything HOT in the weld zone. 2. Use designated tools for handling equipment. 3. Wear appropriate gloves and clothing to shield yourself from hot materials. |
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5. Pressurized gas cylinders
Pressurized and potentially flammable or inert gases are often used for welding and cutting. |
Handle and store gas cylinders properly!
1. All cylinders should be clearly marked for contents. 2. Follow specific rules for handling and storing gases. 3. Only allow approved suppliers to fill a cylinder. 4. Know the dangers of using each gas in your area. -Fuel gases can be flammable and explosive -Oxygen presents unique hazards and is extremely dangerous -Inert gases can replace breathable air and cause asphyxiation |