8 Tips To Improve Welder’s Safety
Looking for ways to improve the safety of your welding team? Start with these tips:
- Read the manual
Every machine comes with an operator’s manual. It is important that each welder reads it thoroughly before using the machine. It contains not just safety information but information on how to use the machine for maximizing its potential. Everyone who’s about to use the machine must be familiar with its contents.
- Wear the right clothes
Even the tiniest bit of exposed skin is susceptible to the damaging effects of infrared and ultraviolet rays. Welders are hence required to button their collars, cuffs, and pockets so. This will protect them from catching sparks. It is strictly forbidden to keep lighters or matches in the pocket.
- Wear all safety gear
Short sleeves and shorts do not belong in the welding cell. Welders are required to wear proper safety gear like clothes, gloves, and helmets. Their clothes must be flame-resistant. They must choose ergonomically curved finger gloves designed for different welding processes. The welded-material must always be picked pliers even if the welder is wearing gloves that provide enough protection. Likewise, the welders must wear welding helmets that provide proper eye protection. Usually, it is recommended to wear the auto-darkening helmets that have the ability to detect arc and change shade automatically. They are readily available at Welding Corner.
- Breathe freely
When you are welding in a confined space, toxic fumes accumulate and make the space unhealthy for breathing. The welding space must have an exhaust hood for removing fumes from the area and the breathing air must be clean. For proper ventilation, it is recommended to read the datasheet of the welding electrode.
- Don’t see the light
The welding helmet must have a proper filter shade to protect the eyes and face of the operator whether they are welding or watching. Other than this, they are supposed to wear safety glasses with ear protection and side shields. As per the safety standards, you must pick lens shade on the welding criteria.
- Avoid stress injuries
There is PPE equipment available that now reduces fatigue. An auto-darkening welding helmet is one of them. It reduces the neck fatigue since it is lighter and you don’t have to snap your head to drop the hood. It also saves you time between welds.
- Get rid of clutter
The welding area should contain tools and equipment that are required by the operator. The less clutter there is, the fewer problems there will be. Everything must be at its rightful place.
- Follow the stick and carrot approach
If you really want your employees to implement these safety precautions, do not make welding safety merely a program. Once the program is over, employees forget it. You must take measures to incorporate safety into their daily work habits. There must a safety conviction. Even the employees who witness safety violation and don’t report it must bear the same consequences as the one who violates. Once welding safety becomes the core of your corporate culture, it will improve productivity and reduce lost-times.
