Welding Safety

The inherent risk of welding is great therefore the following safety precautions should be used during welding to minimize fume exposure and chance of fire:

• Use ventilation or exhaust to keep air breathing zone clear, comfortable
• Use helmet and positioning of head to minimize fume in breathing zone
• Read warnings on electrode container and material safety data sheet (MSDS) for electrode
• Provide additional ventilation/exhaust where special ventilation requirements exist
• Use special care when welding in a confined area
• Do not weld unless ventilation is adequate
• Select a filter lens which is comfortable for you while welding.
• Always use helmet with proper filter lens when welding
• Provide non-flammable shielding to protect others
• Wear proper protective clothing which protects exposed skin while welding
• Remove flammable materials from welding area or shield from sparks, heat
• Keep a fire watch in area during and after welding
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the welding area
• Wear fire retardant clothing and hat
• Use earplugs when welding overhead
• Carefully evaluate adequacy of ventilation especially where electrode requires special ventilation or where gas may displace breathing air
• If basic electric shock precautions cannot be followed to insulate welder from work and electrode, use semiautomatic, constant-voltage equipment with cold electrode or stick welder with voltage reducing device
• Provide welder helper and method of welder retrieval from outside enclosure