From the moment welding was invented, it has created a significant impact on many industries around the world. This innovation has led to repairs being done easier. Plus, it reduces the costs of purchasing new equipment when there is a malfunction.
However, there have been many injuries and accidents, which usually are associated with welding. With proper precautions, it is easy to avoid these mishaps. Preventing these mistakes is very simple if you follow specific guidelines.
If you are looking for tips to avoid these common mistakes, this article is for you. We cover calamities related to both electric (arc) and gas welding. By following these protocols or tips, you can be assured of being safe all the time while you weld.
Top 6 Tips to Avoid Common Welding Accidents And Injuries
For more details regarding the welding products, it is best to visit the welding.com.au website, which delivers high-quality welding solutions. Here is a detailed list of how to prevent typical welding accidents and injuries.
1. Proper Training
Undergoing training should be considered the first step towards taking up a welding job. Numerous people think that if they have access to a welding machine, they can start the work without taking any adequate safety precautions. It is not just a common misconception but a dangerous one indeed.
Taking proper training is mandatory for anyone who wishes to handle a welding machine. Many courses are available which you can choose to take. They commonly include both theory and practice to help you master welding.
These courses are made to help you understand the nuances involved with welding. They also educate you to be a better welder. It would encourage you to do a good job and also help you keep your surroundings, others, and yourself safe at all times.
2. Protective Gear
An integral part of welding is to wear protective gear at all times. The safety equipment would ensure that you are protected in the best possible manner. It applies to both arc and gas welding under different conditions that you may encounter.
Sometimes you may be required to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to ensure maximum protection. In other cases, primary safety equipment: helmets, safety glasses, industrial masks, gloves, boots, and protective attire are good enough.
You may also consider purchasing high-standard welding safe protective gear. It would commonly include ear or hearing protection, flame-resistant leather gloves, and helmets with side shields for added safety.
In order to avoid common eye injuries, electrocution, flying debris, burns, and others, it is best to wear certified protective gear. Never compromise on the quality of the safety gear by any means. It often equals putting your life and limb on the line while welding.
3. Ventilation or Exhaust Systems
Another common mistake that people do is staying in closed spaces while welding. You have to avoid it as there will be toxic fumes you may end up inhaling. Injuries, accidents, and fatalities due to this mistake are relatively high with high exposure.
Open spaces are considered the best places to do a welding job. If you do not have access to open spaces, it is essential to possess proper ventilation or an exhaust system. Fans and other equipment may also be helpful to a great extent.
The common parts of the body that are affected due to toxic fumes are the eyes, nostrils, and lungs. Even the urinary tract may be affected to a magnitude if proper precaution is not used while welding. Avoid exposure to these fumes, gases, and other toxic chemicals.
4. Electrocution
Although electrocution is not a very common risk, it is a real possibility. There have been relatively severe injuries and even fatalities related to electrocution while welding. While protective gear can save your life, there is a possibility of a severe wound.
You should always ensure that you wear dry clothes and safety equipment such as gloves. It is also imperative that you insulate yourself from any metal you are welding. Ensure that you do not have any electrodes or metals getting in touch with your skin.
Most importantly, you would have to ensure that your feet or any part of your body do not touch the ground while welding. Following these can help you avoid the chances of an electric shock or electrocution.
5. Access to a Fire Extinguisher
An outbreak of a fire is another common threat that welders often face. It is due to the high-temperature metals, gas, fumes, and other elements that are created while you weld. Getting caught amid a fire outbreak is another possibility.
Therefore, you must have a proper fire extinguisher in handy. Ensure the fire extinguisher is of industrial standards to ensure efficiency. In case of a fire outbreak, you can extinguish it yourself before it gets out of hand.
6. Avoiding Physical Injuries
The threat of common injuries to hands and legs is real while you weld. Often heavy metals are involved while you begin welding. If you are not cautious, there are chances of them falling on your hands or legs, leading to severe injuries.
These can include fractures, broken fingers, cuts, and deep bruises. Usually, your PPE or welding-safe equipment should protect you from these common injuries. However, it is advised that you keep a safe distance from these metals that may fall while welding.
Apart from keeping a distance, you may also consider predicting how far or close these objects may fall when you cut metals. It would help you avoid physical injuries that are way too common among welders around the world.
Conclusion
Personal care is of utmost importance when it comes to welding tasks. Always follow safety protocols and do not try to take shortcuts while welding tasks are done. Using protective gear should be mandatory at all times when you weld.
Undergoing training and obtaining certification would certainly help you follow standard protocols. You are likely to avoid most injuries if you follow the above-mentioned tips while you take up welding tasks either at home or in an industrial environment.
