Proper training and skills are key to a successful welding career. However, safety too is an important factor in achieving a successful career in welding. Welder accessories play a crucial role in ensuring a welder’s safety. In this blog, we discuss six tips that will help improve safety during the welding process.

Tips To Improve Welding Safety

Know safety procedures well

A successful welding career starts with proper training and knowing the safety procedures well. Knowing the general safety guidelines helps ensure a safe and productive workspace for all. Studying the manufacturer’s instructions before using any welder's equipment is as important as following general safety guidelines. No welder, even the most proficient one, should begin to use a welder's equipment without studying the operating manual. 

Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated

Ventilation is necessary to keep air contaminants away from the welder’s workspace. Employers sometimes provide exhaust hoods or a fan to remove gasses and fumes from the welder’s workspace. However, when the use of such equipment is not possible, the American Welding Society recommends that approved respiratory protective equipment must be used in such areas. 

Wear proper welding attire 

Wearing proper welding attire is important to protect the skin from infrared and ultraviolet rays. Skin burns are a common type of injury in welding as welders sometimes tend to ignore wearing proper attire. Welders must wear flame-resistant clothing at all times to protect themselves from flying sparks and to avoid skin burns.

Wear proper PPE

Welding attire must be worn along with proper PPE (personal protective equipment). Welding gloves and a welding helmet must be worn at all times during welding. Other protective pieces of equipment such as welding goggles, foam ear plugs, spark and heat-resistant leather shoes and insulated clothing for protection against electrocution are also important for ensuring a safe welding process. 

Lock 8 welding supply store has a wide range of welder accessories and protective equipment. Aside from welding clothing/gear and safety products, we also offer quality welding machines for sale and rent, as well as welding gasses and a number of other metalworking products. 

Inspect your equipment

Welders must always check if their equipment is well-functioning and fully grounded before use. It is also important to check the welding equipment for common wear and tear. It is not guaranteed that a piece of equipment that was fully functioning the day before is in the same condition at the time of use.

Keep your workspace clear of flammable materials

Fire hazard is the most common type of hazard in welding. It is important to keep the workspace clear of flammable materials as they can catch fire from welding sparks. According to the American Welding Society, welding work shall be moved to a location free from combustibles or away from hazardous areas, or have the combustibles moved a safe distance from the workspace or properly shielded if the work cannot be moved. 

Lock 8 offers quality heavy-duty screens to protect workers, bystanders, materials, and equipment near the areas of active welding. Heave-duty screens act as a shield against flying sparks, debris, UV light and radiation ensuring a safe work environment for welders and anyone in the close vicinity of active welding. 

The takeaways 

Many injuries and accidents can be avoided by knowing and following the safety guidelines during welding. As the welding industry evolves, new equipment is released and new technology is adopted. Thus, it is important to stay on top of all the innovations and safety guidelines in the welding industry by continuously educating yourself.