Welding Safety Equipment

Nowadays, welding is not an unfamiliar field with everyone. It is a process that joins materials, usually sheet metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. There are various energy sources which can be used for welding, including a gas flame, an electric arc, a laser, friction, and ultrasound, etc… In addition, welding can be performed in different environments, such as in open air, under water or even in outer space. However it contains potentially hazardous undertaking and precautions. Thus people have to try to avoid them as much as possible by using welding equipments safety.

Using welding safety equipment is a must when doing any welding project, even at home

Kinds of common protective welding equipments

• Welding Helmets: Suitable welding equipments should be worn to ensure safety. For instance, safety helmets should be used where there is a danger of injuring with sensitive body parts including eyes, face and neck. Welding equipment safety as helmets are necessary to protect us from flash burn, ultraviolet light, sparks, infrared light, and heat. Wearing fire resistant head coverings under the helmet where appropriate is essential. People should wear the helmet correctly and do not use it as a hand shield.

• Welding Goggles: Goggles are also kinds of useful welding safety equipment to  avoid eye injuries. Safety goggles are often worn during welding to prevent chemicals from splashing into eyes, UV rays from damaging eyesight, bright light from impairing vision and smoke from burning eyes. There are many types of goggles which are available as prescription goggles for those with vision problems.

• Feet Protection: Shoes or boots made from leather are also the best foot protection. In another ways, pants legs should be covered with these shoes. These clothes can protect electric shock, heat, burns or even fires.

Using the welding equipment in the right way

Welding might produce gases hazardous to health during welding process. Therefore, welders should avoid breathing these fumes and gasses and keep your head out of the fume. In addition, flame-resistant clothing should be worn, such as denim pants and a shirt made from tightly woven material or a welding jacket. Moreover, remember to do not wear sport shoes that can smolder, causing a burning sensation.

The manufacturer’s instructions are available in every welding equipment. It contains important safety information, as well as informational procedures that maximize the machine’s potential, so users should read and understand carefully and follow the safety practices.

When the welder is on, the work circuit is so hot that it can release electricity. Thus, it is important to avoid these “hot” parts with your bare skin or wet clothing because electric shock can lead in sudden deaths. One more things are to maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding cable and welding machine in safe condition.When working above floor level, people should use welding equipment safety such as belt to protect themselves from a fall they unexpectedly get. Remember to replace damaged insulation.

In conclusion, welding is applied in many fields of the industry. Nevertheless, it will cause injuries and dangers if welders or users do not know how to choose right equipment safety and how to avoid unexpected accidents. In fact, welder must be always aware of using their welding equipment safety.

Images in this post are courtesy of: Lincoln Electric and Wikimedia Commons Author: Mgschuler