Steps to maintain health and safety in welding environment

Welding is a career that comes with its risks, and things can go south if people do not take proper precautions in welding trade school. So, it is essential to be aware of the possible risks and hazards that welding can cause. And learn at welding trade school how to protect yourself from those.

Possible Hazards

Electric Shock Hazards:

In welding procedures like Arc Welding, electrical circuits heat the metal and weld metal. Hence while welding, there is a possibility of getting an electric shock. An Electric shock is one of the most dangerous hazards, and its consequences can lead to severe injuries and casualties. Also, touching metal and an electrode circuit together can lead to a secondary electric shock.

Possible risks at:

  1. Wet conditions
  2. Wearing Wet clothes
  3. Metal structures or floors

Threat to getting burns:

Joining 2 metals requires high temperature to melt the metal joints, and it can lead to severe burns if not done very cautiously. This only happens when a welder is careless and inconsiderate of taking the proper precautions.

Fumes & gases exposure:

Welding activities produce gas fumes that may include nitrogen oxides, nickel oxides, and chromium, which can easily penetrate your lungs. Illness such as Pneumonia, Occupational asthma, metal fume fever, or Throat and Lung irritation can be caused if precautions are not taken. You can learn about all of these at proper welding certification classes.

Noise:

Welding causes a lot of noise, and when more welders are working in a company working together, it can create loud noises. Welding activities like gas cutting can produce more than 100dB of noise while considering the most deafening noise to be 85dB. This may damage hearing capability. People need to be careful while working on it, welding courses prepare an individual accordingly.

Radiations:

Various components can cause discomforts, such as a flash burn or distance between your eyes and welding or the angle at which you are welding. An intense beam of UV lights is flashed on the eyes while welding, which can lead to pain and inflammation in the cornea can be long lasting. Welding for a long Duration without taking proper precautions can even result in loss of vision.

Hence to avoid these hazards, you must have certified welding training where you are trained to understand the risks and take action if an incident happens.

Here are the Safety Tips to prevent the above hazards:

Work Piece should be Grounded:

The workpieces are conductive materials, and electricity flows through the welding materials. What could happen if the workpiece is not connected to the round? The electricity may flow through you, causing severe health concerns. Hence it is necessary to ground the workpiece before you start welding as safety precautions that you’re taught at welding school.

Also, make sure there are no cords/tools around your feet while welding. It is a tripping hazard.

Safety tip 1 –

YouTube video

Welding Helmet and Protective Eyewear:

As Welding produces many UV radiations that can be damaging to the eyes, it is essential to wear a Welding Helmet with side shields and protective eyewear. Follow the guidelines of the welding helmet, and you will have excellent visibility and protection while welding. People still don’t go through the precautions but people from welding courses know the importance of doing things right. You must also wear a welding hood under your helmet, which is fire resistant to protect the backside of your head.

Lightweight leather Clothing:

While welding, there are smaller fire sparks, heat, and radiations produced, giving you burn on your body parts. Hence lightweight leather clothing should be worn before you start welding as they are flame resistant, and you must strictly prevent the use of synthetic clothing.

Safety tip 2 –

Protective Gloves and Boots:

With leather clothing, you must make sure you’re not exposing your hands and legs to any electric shock, flames, or burns; ensure wearing fire-resistant, insulated gloves and safety shoes that safeguard you from any dangerous hazards.

Ear Protection:

To achieve ear protection, it’s significant to wear ear protection suitable for your workstation and is flame resistant to avoid the risk of fire sparks entering your ear. The trade school for welding gives you more tips that you can follow in the profession.

If you are interested in speaking with our representative to be a part of the Welding Industry, connect with us

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Job opportunities and Career in Trade Skills | Trade schools in Philadelphia | Vocational School in Philadelphia | Welding Technician program

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