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Proper Welding Gear and Safety Tips

Safety cannot be stressed enough when it comes to any form of welding. The risks range from serious burns, to blindness, to explosions. Since welding safety is universal, the same equipment can be used for every method, though certain jobs may require additional equipment or a modification to a welding helmet.

Welders can protect themselves by reading the manuals of the welding machine being used and by following the manufacturer's safety guidelines. Below are some practical safety tips that every welder needs to know. All links below are connected to the product categories on the Baker's website or Baker's Weld My World Blog.

Clothing

Proper welding clothing is essential in providing a safe work environment. Loose fitting clothes and exposed skin are both risky in a welding shop. Make sure your shirt's sleeves and front are buttoned. Rolled up sleeves or cuffed pants may catch sparks that could ignite. Always wear approved welding helmets, gloves, and clothing that is flame resistant.

Welding jackets and aprons offer additional protection from unnecessary burns. Quality high top leather boots provide proper foot protection that is resistant to sparks. For particularly loud jobs, ear plugs are also worth considering.

Ventilation

Welding emits toxic fumes that are hazardous to your health and may sometimes require a ventilation system. If welding in confined spaces, wear an exhaust hood so you can breathe freely. If the product you are welding requires you to wear a respirator while welding, keep in mind that some metals may be coated with materials that could give off toxic fumes when exposed to the heat created while welding. In addition, the thoriated TIG electrodes are slightly radioactive and will require additional safety precautions.

Helmets

Certain welding helmets are better suited for certain jobs than others. Since the fit and lens shading varies from helmet to helmet, the helmet should have the OSHA standardized lens for the job being performed. Helmets are supposed to be fitted for each welder's head. Using another person's helmet may prove risky. If using an auto-darkening helmet, make sure it meets the ANSI standards and that it is the right industrial grade for the weld job.

Welding Location

A safe welding area should be clear of any clutter and flammable materials. The floor should be dry and free of anything that could trip you or catch on fire. If the welding area is used for wood working, sawdust can collect in unexpected locations, catch a spark, and ignite later on. The same goes for rugs or rags. When it comes to the safety of your home, shop, and equipment, don't take any chances and make sure fire extinguishers are handy.

Only keep the essential tools you will be required to use to perform the task at hand. Welding is best done on a welding table, and many welders prefer to work in the middle of their shops away from other tools and storage items. Welding blinds should be used if others are in near proximity of where you are welding and especially if there are any fuel supplies nearby. Use boom mounted wire feeders if possible for convenience and to eliminate the hazard of tripping.

Safety in the Workplace

Make safety your top priority every day. Demand that you have the proper gear to perform the job requested. Make sure you have the proper eyewash stations readily available to you in case of an incident as well as proper burn first aid. Your body, your hands, eyes, arms, and brain are your livelihood and you should protect them at all cost. A well-protected welder is a productive welder.