Some professions and lines of work pose more health and safety risks than others. That’s mainly due to working environments that are filled with heavy-weight, sharp, and dangerous equipment. One particular industry where safety should always be the top priority is in welding.
Welders have to handle dangerous machinery daily. That’s why they have to be equipped for any unforeseen accidents or emergencies. More importantly, they have to know how to handle equipment properly to prevent safety hazards. Here are some safety tips for welders.
Master the use of machinery
Depending on what particular department they’re in, welders need to familiarize themselves with the use of the machinery they will handle. The trial and error method will not work in this job because of the complicated and complex machinery. In fact, many accidents are caused by improper use and handling of equipment. Before even getting their hands on the machines and tools, welders should educate themselves on its proper usage. Training, books, and asking questions will all go a long way in keeping them safe in their workplace.
Dress appropriately in the right protective gear
A welder’s first line of defence against injuries sustained in the workplace is their protective gear. That’s why wearing the right clothes and equipment should be mandatory for them. There are a lot of safety hazards present in a welding site. Sharp objects are in every corner, not to mention the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and other chemicals. Dressing appropriately and wearing the proper protective gear will protect welders from the harmful chemicals and tools onsite.
Shield your eyes from the light
Welders are exposed to bright light and hazardous sparks almost on a daily basis. When wearing helmets and protective gear, it almost seems as if you’re fully protected from the hazards. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Excessive exposure to a welding arc’s rays can cause serious damage to the eyes called “arc flash.” This painful condition can exist even hours after exposure. In order to guarantee safety, use a proper helmet that has the right fit and adequate fillers to protect the eyes and face.
Stay organized
Organization is very important in a welding site. It’s not to make the area look neat and tidy, but it’s for the more important reason for safety. Every equipment and tool in a welding site must have a place and should be returned there after use. This will keep everything organized and avoid accidents such as trips and falls caused by clutter. Remember, a welding site is crawling with harmful chemicals and dangerous machinery. Keeping the place organized is bound to increase the safety of everyone inside.
Prevent stress injuries
Stress injuries are caused by even the slightest movements done over a long period of time. One common culprit of stress injuries in a welding site is the helmet. If the welders wear heavy-weight helmets on a daily basis, they can develop head and neck injuries caused by strain. It may not seem like a problem at first, but it can lead to serious consequences and health issues over time.
What you can do is invest in equipment that has better quality and can help make the job easier for the welders. Some examples are purchasing a welding rotator, getting more durable but lightweight gear, etc. These investments are worth the expense.
Welding is not an easy job. It’s time-consuming, requires a lot of labour, and poses health and safety risks. Take these tips and prioritize your safety while doing your job.
