Of course, safety is a critical consideration in a welding shop. Welders will face various hazards if safety measures in a welding shop are ignored. Potential risks such as explosion fumes, electric shock, and gases can be dangerous. However, there are guidelines and measures to help protect welders as they work in welding shops in Edmonton. They should comply with all guidelines to ensure their safety while at work. The following are welding hazards to create a safe working environment:
Gases and Fumes
Overexposure to welding gases and fumes can cause health complications. Welding fumes contain harmful compounds from base-metal coatings and base metal, and it is, therefore, crucial to install enough ventilation in a welding shop to keep your head out of harmful gases and fumes. Ventilation also helps control exposure to harmful metal oxide compounds, depending on the base metal or rod being used by a welder.
Injuries Caused by Insufficient PPE
With personal protective equipment (PPE), welders are free from injuries caused by burns and exposure to arc rays. Protective gear also allows welders to move around freely with adequate protection from various welding hazards. Their fire resistance, durability, and flame resistance properties make them ideal for welding environments. Welders are advised not to wear any protective gear made of rayon or polyester because they often melt when exposed to extreme heat. Welding leathers are highly recommended, especially when a welder is working on projects that require overhead or vertical welding.
Electric Shock
One of the critical risks that welders are facing is electric shock. It can cause falls and lead to severe injuries or even death. Electric shock often occurs when a welder touches live cables or two metals with high voltage between them. The higher the voltage, the higher the risk of electrocution, which can result in severe injuries or death. Shock from an arc welding circuit is the most common source of electrocution in a welding shop. However, welding operators can avoid voltage shock by wearing dry gloves and avoiding to touch electrode holders with their hands. You should also not come with wet clothing in a welding shop and always insulate yourself from the ground and work.
Explosions and Fire
Welding machines produce a lot of heat, and they may pose a significant explosion or fire risk if a welder doesn’t follow safety practices. Although the temperature of a welding arc can be as high as 10,000 degrees, the danger isn’t the arc itself but the spatter and sparks created by the arc. As such, welders might need to inspect their working environment and remove any flammable material from the workstation.
Common sense also contributes to the safety of a welding workstation. You might need to remove debris and clutter from the workstation to prevent falls and tripping. As a welder, avoid using any torn or broken protective gear to avoid electrocution or injuries. Welders should utilize resources from welding manufacturers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to keep themselves safe while at work.
