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11 Welding Safety Rules to Follow

So how does one avoid these hazards? Here are 11 tips for practicing safe welding:
1. Study...and Study Some More
The most successful welders know safety procedures like the back of their hand. They take the time to educate themselves on safety guidelines set in place by both national organizations and the company they work for, which helps to ensure a safe, productive workspace for all.
It’s also important for welders to review manufacturer instructions before operating equipment. Welders should never assume they know how to use a piece of equipment before they’ve read and understood the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation.
2. Protect Yourself From Fumes and Gases
Exposure to fumes and gases can be controlled by providing adequate ventilation in the work area. Some employers will provide a fan, an exhaust system or exhaust hoods to remove fumes and gases from the area welders are working in.
When necessary, welders should wear a respirator to protect themselves from breathing in harmful substances. If you ever feel as though your breathing is inhibited, express your concerns to a supervisor immediately.

3. Take Precautions Against Electrocution
Electric shock is one of the most important topics for welders to be educated in, as it can pose an immediate and serious risk.
To avoid electrocution, welders must always inspect the electrode holder for damage before starting their weld. They also must ensure their gloves are dry and in good condition, never touch the metal parts of the electrode holder with skin or wet clothing, and keep dry insulation between their body and the ground or metal being welded.
4. Check Your Equipment
A good welder always checks to ensure their equipment is functioning properly and is fully grounded before using it. Even the most experienced welders should regularly check their equipment for common wear and tear, such as a frayed wires or leaking hoses, as this can increase the chances of an accident occurring.
If a piece of equipment was running perfectly the day before, don’t assume that it’s still in the same condition. Always do a full inspection before using it again—you can never be too sure!
5. Avoid Clutter
A cluttered workspace is one of the most common causes of welding fires and explosions. Sparks from the welding arc can fly up to 35 feet in distance, so it’s important to keep your workspace clear, especially of any flammable materials.

As a general rule, always stay organized and keep everything in its place. Your workspace should only contain the tools and equipment you’re using for that specific project.
6. Know Your Environment
Before starting a weld, take inventory of your environment. Knowing where tools and equipment are located not only increases your efficiency, but it’s vital for your safety. For example, it’s important to know the location of fire alarms, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, sand buckets or other equipment you would need to put out flames in the event of a fire.
7. Dress for the Job
Wearing the proper attire is critical for welders. Any exposed skin is vulnerable to the harmful effects of infrared and ultraviolet rays, so welders must always ensure they are fully covered. Additionally, pant cuffs, pockets or any loose items of clothing can catch flying sparks, so it’s important to keep them secured.
So what should you wear? Welders must wear flame-resistant clothing with the proper PPE, which brings us to our next point.
8. Wear the Right PPE
Selecting the proper PPE for the job is one of the most important decisions you can make to protect yourself as a welder. Here’s a quick look at the types of PPE welders should wear:
Ear protection: If readings of noise average above 85 dB for eight continuous hours, you are required to use hearing protection at all times.
Eye and face protection: This includes safety glasses, face shields and depending on the project, helmets.
Heat and radiation protection: In order to protect themselves from heat and radiation, welders must wear flame-resistant outerwear, gloves to protect hands and lower parts of the arms, and welding hoods and goggles.
Fume protection: Fume extraction systems and respirators can help to protect welders from exposure to harmful fumes.
Electrical shock protection: In addition to taking the safety precautions outlined in tip #3, welders must wear insulated clothing to protect themselves from electrocution.
Foot protection: Leather shoes that are spark and heat resistant with coverage above the ankle are best for foot protection. Pant legs should go over the shoes.
9. Avoid Stress Injuries
Welding is a hands-on career that can lead to injuries without following the right precautions. In order to protect yourself, always practice safe lifting techniques and be sure to break up your day to stretch and allow your body to rest. This can help to avoid repetitive stress injuries, which some welders are prone to.
10. Enforce Safety Procedures
As a welder, it’s important to hold yourself and those around you accountable when it comes to following safety guidelines. If you see a safety violation, report it—it’s in the best interest for you and those you share a workspace with! Additionally, if you ever feel unsafe in your work area, don’t be afraid to speak up.
11. Keep Learning
The welding industry is constantly changing and evolving due to technology. As manufacturers release new equipment and new techniques are adopted, it’s important to continuously educate yourself on best practices—for both your skill and safety!

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