Welding Safety

The process of welding generates many hazards, that must be controlled through administrative processes, engineering and personal protective equipment.

Hazards of welding
Gases and fumes
Welding smoke contains many fine particles, and gases that can be harmful to your health.
Fumes are solid particles that were generated from a piece of metal being heated.

Heat
Intense heat is generated from the flame of the welder. This heat can cause severe burns to the operator, and those nearby who are hit with slag or sparks.

Visible light, UV and infrared
The UV and infrared light given off during welding will cause serious damage to the eyes of the operator and those watching. All those in the vicinity of welding must wear a welding helmet that meets ANSI standard Z87.1.

Noise
Different types of welding cause different levels of noise, but there are a couple types of welding that are known for being noisy.
To protect yourself from noise, wear hearing protection when using any power tool.

Electrical hazards (Arc welding)
Dry gloves should always be worn to protect yourself from electric shock.
All work pieces and machines must be properly grounded.
Do not work alone.

Fire
Intense heat and sparks produced by welding can cause fires and explosions. Sparks can travel up to 35 feet from the welding operation.

Fire prevention
Fire watch - fire watchers are required anytime there are combustibles within 35 feet that cannot be moved, etc; and they must be trained in the use of extinguishing equipment, and have some on hand.
Fire-resistant screen or drop cloth - if there are combustibles that cannot be moved for the operation, they must be covered with fire-resistant clothes or screens.

• All welding must be performed at least 35 feet from combustibles according to OSHA 1910.252.
• All floor and wall openings within 35 feet of the operation must be covered.
• A fire inspection should be performed before you leave the work area, and again 30 minutes later.
  

Compressed gases - more detail later in this training module

PPE
Always wear the proper personal protective equipment. This would include:

• Wool or cotton clothing that is fire-resistant
• Welding helmet
• Leather Gloves, Apron, Chaps, Shoes

Arc Welding Safety Tips

• Always inspect your welder before using it.
• Read the instruction manual.
• Do not use electrode holders with defective/loose cable connections, jaws, or insulation.
• Never change electrodes with your bare hands, or wet gloves.

Gas Welding Safety Tips

• Inspect all hoses for leaks or worn spots.
• Use a flint lighter to ignite the gas, never use matches or cigarette lighters.
• Check for leaks using soapy water.
• Open and light acetylene first.
• Close the acetylene valve first when shutting off the gases.
• Never lay down a lighted torch.
• Bleed the lines when finished welding to prevent pressure build-up on the regulators.

Hot Work Permits: a hot work permit is required to be completed in advance of any hot work (heat or open flame work) to be done on MATC campuses outside of welding approved areas. Instructions on printed on the hot work permit form.

For more information

Contact the EH&S Office for more welding safety information.

Questions? Contact Environmental Health & Safety