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Welding is an essential trade utilized in diverse industries every day, but the job comes with risks if you aren鈥檛 diligent with your work. As a welder, you may be exposed to hazards that can impact your health and safety, so it鈥檚 important to learn what you can do to keep yourself, your coworkers, and your facilities safe on the job. There is a proper way to protect your vision, skin, body, and surroundings to prevent incidents. Do you know how?

Why Welding Safety Is Important

When you work as a welder, you are often exposed to high temperatures, electrical currents, and toxic fumes. Neglecting basic safety measures can lead to serious injuries, such as burns, eye damage, and other bodily harm. Torch flames, sparks, and flying slag can also cause fires if you鈥檙e not cautious. To keep you and your coworkers safe, you need to understand basic safety measures and closely follow the guidelines laid out by the . OSHA provides safety standards and documents that are specific to welding, cutting, and brazing. It explains the hazards associated with the job, how to prevent them, and how your welding shop should operate to keep everyone safe.

Common Welding Hazards

There are several common welding hazards you may come across in your day-to-day as a welder, from fire and hot metal to chemicals and equipment that can be dangerous if not used correctly. Electrical shocks can be one of the most dangerous hazards you encounter as a welder, so it鈥檚 important to understand . Incidents like this can be prevented by making sure equipment is properly grounded and that you avoid welding in damp areas. Other risks can cause permanent damage to your body and health. Here are some common welding hazards and how to avoid them:

Vision Protection as a Welder

Intense heat, light, and flying particles can cause permanent damage to your eyes. You may also be exposed to harmful chemicals and environmental irritants. That鈥檚 why you must always use proper eye protection to prevent eye damage from bright lights, harmful chemicals, and environmental irritants. Proper eye protection like safety goggles and face shields are a non-negotiable element of any safe welding practice.

Skin Protection for Welders

You need to protect your skin and body from the extreme heat and light generated during your welding projects. Without the proper gear, you run the risk of severe burns and exposure to UV radiation. Welding uniforms are made of flame-resistant clothing. A high-quality welding jacket is essential for covering the torso, arms, and shoulders. OSHA lays out Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) welders should wear during certain jobs, which can include, gloves, earplugs and muffs, respirators, and hard hats. Wearing proper PPE can help prevent burns, chemical irritation, and other bodily injuries.

Welding Fire Prevention

You handle a lot of fire and hot metal during welding projects, so you must know, understand, and follow fire safety and prevention regulations to keep you and your surroundings safe. OSHA requires welding operations to have . This includes, but is not limited to, exit routes and emergency plans in case of fires, proper ventilation in your business, fire detection systems, and extinguishers throughout the building. Following these regulations helps keep everyone around you safe and makes sure you can complete your work without major issues.

Safe Work Practices for Welders

Before beginning any welding project, check your equipment and environment to make sure everything is working properly and is in order. Equipment should be inspected regularly to make sure there are no malfunctions that could be harmful to you or those around you. Faulty tools can lead to accidents and injury. But it鈥檚 not just the tools. Welding often produces hazardous fumes that can be toxic if inhaled over time, so make sure your work area is well-ventilated. This includes preventing flammable gas buildup, removing air contaminants from your workspace, and sometimes using respirators during certain projects.

Creating a Safe Welding Environment

As a welder, it is your responsibility to keep your workstation safe, clean, and up to code. Welding involves high heat, sparks, and molten metal, all of which can ignite nearby flammable materials. Before starting any welding project, make sure you inspect your surroundings and remove any flammable material such as paper, chemicals, or fuel containers. Make sure that your PPE is properly secured to your body, protecting you and setting a good example to fellow employees. Keep in mind the health and safety tips outlined by OSHA, know where the hazard prevention materials are in your workplace, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Are you interested in a welding career? With the right skillset, training, and knowledge of safety precautions, you can work across industries. Get the training you need by enrolling in Lincoln Tech鈥檚 Welding Technology Program at 10 of our campuses. Fill out the form and let us guide you to a location near you.