Last week’s welding news seemed to surrender to the pendulum as much as the stock market. Swing up, swing down, and repeat. Forgive me for shuddering.
Good News: Welding in video games
Bad News: Lincoln Electric looses $5.8 million (as Curtis Cooley rocks a wide smile someone at Lincoln Electric is sleeping with both eyes open. . .)
Good News: Miller Welding features solar goods
Bad News: Wooden pier flamed, possibly by welders
SHOCKINGLY Bad News: $10 million worth of damage to 78 condos, torched by welders
That last one hit me like an unsuspecting blow from a tether-ball (you know, the one with the string). I don’t know if negligence was involved; for the sake of my argument, let’s say it was. When you first began to weld did you follow the safety rules?
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Workman’s clothes
- Workman’s boots
- Following the instructions “to the tee” for every machine you used
- ETC.?
When you were able to lay weld beads in your sleep, the rules changed. Yeah they did. Helmet became an option. You don’t need to weld in special clothes . . . this isn’t a visit to the in-laws. Instructions are for “newborn” and pathetic welders (I beg to disagree). I think saving over $10 million and nearly 80 condos is a decent trade for putting safety first (and your own safety at that). So you don’t forget, let’s visit one of the welding rules of safety.
Always wear a helmet (or some sort of protective eye gear)!
Unless you’re eager for “welder’s flash” there is no reason to avoid wearing a helmet. Welder’s flash is nasty sensation you get when you stare at an arc or flash without a helmet. It feels like your eyeballs are being fried by a million ants running around your eyes just to make them itch. Weird! I’m a fan of Jackson Welding Helmets (apparently, I’m not alone. These are among the best selling helmets in the industry!). If you consistently wear a helmet, welder’s flash will be no more than a myth. Check out our next post for details on what you should look for in a welding helmet.
Yes, this is a basic safety tip and one that should not bear repeating- should not, but I’m a fan of repetition. I’ve also realized it’s the simplest rules that people have the hardest time following.
So, to avoid frying your eyeballs (and neck, face, ears, teeth. . .), what type of helmet do you use?
