Welding Smart: A Comprehensive Safety Guide

June is National Safety Month, an important time to reflect on and reinforce safety practices! Since welding involves inherent risks like exposure to intense UV radiation, infrared light, and flying debris, safety concerns are a top priority in our industry. Fire hazards and health risks from weld fumes add to the complexity of maintaining a safe work environment.  

So let's talk safety- regular training and adherence to protocols are important for preventing accidents and promoting a culture of safety in the workplace. Today we're covering essential personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, proactive safety measures like the development of a comprehensive shop safety plan, proper cylinder handling, and more! ​

Our current favorites are:
-Lincoln Electric's Viking 1740
- Lincoln Electric's Viking 3350 ADV Series

Welding helmets

Welding helmets are important for protecting against sparks, spatters, and intense light. There are tons of options out there but you first have to decide: passive or auto-darkening. Passive helmets have a dark-tinted lens that remains dark the whole time- so in order to inspect your weld, you have to flip the helmet up. While auto- darkening helmets adjust based on the welding process, offering better visibility and safety. Comfort and proper fit are crucial to prevent eye strain and other physical injuries. A well-designed helmet can be a game-changer for your comfort and safety. 

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Respiratory protection

Protecting against weld fumes is vital for a welder’s health. Some shops have large ventilation systems or they may use ventilation hoods, fume extractors, or down draft tables to combat this issue. But for individual safety on the go, a PAPR or a SAR is a good option for keeping the air you breathe nice and clean.

​Recent advancements in these technologies have improved safety and comfort, with features like better airflow distribution and customizable air delivery.

No matter what option you choose, investing in proper respiratory protection is essential.

Our current favorites are:
- Optrel's  Swiss Air PAPR 
​- Spartan Air's Custom Solutions
- ACE Industrial's Fume Extractors 
​- MicroAir's Clean Air Booth or Extreme DownDraft Table 

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Our top choices are:
- Black Stallion's 7oz FR shirts 
​- Tillman's Top Grade Goatskin, Pigskin, or Cow Hide gloves

Additional PPE

In addition to helmets and respirators, flame-resistant clothing helps shield the skin from burns. Another important barrier is sturdy footwear, like steel toed boots, which protect against falling objects and sparks. Gloves are a must have too to prevent burns- the right pair of gloves should provide protection while still allowing for dexterity when welding. And lastly, ear protection, such as earplugs, are also recommended to prevent hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels.

Make sure your fit check includes full-body protection! 

Safe Work Environment
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Maintaining a clean and clutter-free work area prevents accidents and enhances safety. Good lighting is essential for clear visibility of the welding task, reducing the risk of errors and injuries. Making a point of regularly inspecting your work environment and removing any hazards ensures a safe and efficient workspace.

Electrical Safety

Inspecting welding equipment and cables for damage before use is crucial to prevent electrical accidents. Using insulated tools and wearing rubber-soled shoes reduce the risk of electric shock. Adhering to electrical safety protocols and conducting regular equipment maintenance sets you up to produce good work while saying safe!

Fire Precautions

Knowing the location and proper use of fire extinguishers is crucial in a welding shop. Regular maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers are required to ensure they are in working condition. Combining this precaution with a well-practiced emergency action plan, enhance the overall safety of the workplace.

Conducting regular safety audits and walk-throughs with local emergency services can identify potential hazards and improve emergency response. Developing an effective emergency action plan based on this is incredibly important for any welding shop. According to OSHA, the plan must include procedures for reporting emergencies, evacuations, and accounting for all employees. It should also outline the duties of employees performing rescue or medical duties and designate contacts for more information. It's important to regularly update your emergency plan to reflect any changes made to your shop layout. It's also just as important to routinely conduct drills to be sure that all employees are ready for emergencies. Ongoing training and practice are essential to reinforce safety protocols and ensure readiness!

Cylinder Inspection: Carefully examine the cylinder for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage. Do not use compromised cylinders!

Proper Storage: Choose a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, flammable materials, and electrical equipment. Always store cylinders upright and secure them with chains or supports to prevent tipping hazards. Never roll, drag, or slide cylinders, even over short distances.
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Slowly Open Valves: Slowly and gradually open the valve to prevent abrupt pressure surges that could lead to equipment damage or injuries. Fully open the valve only when you're prepared to use the gas.

Valve Protection & Handling: Keep the valve protective cap in place when the cylinder is not in use, and never attempt to lift a cylinder by its valve protection cap! Use proper hand protection, such as gloves and avoid using tools to force or tighten the valve. After using a cylinder, make certain to close the valve tightly. Turn the valve until it stops, but avoid overtightening.

No Grease or Oil: Never apply grease, oil, or any other lubricants to cylinder valves or fittings. These substances can react with certain gases and potentially trigger a fire or explosion. 

No Tampering: In the event of a faulty or damaged cylinder valve, never repair or modify it yourself. Notify your gas supplier!

No Adapters: Each gas has a specific cylinder valve outlet connection. Mismatching these connections can result in hazardous reactions and contamination.