Welding is one of the most common practices at many auto body facilities. It is also one of the most dangerous. Deciding not to follow safety procedures when welding can spell disaster and easily put that employee in the hospital. 

Today we are going to talk about 5 tips for safe welding practices

1.Wear the proper gear. You should invest in flame resistant clothing, gloves, and boots. In the past, welding clothes were often heavy and hard to move in. Modern day welding clothes are now made from lightweight flame resistant cloth and pigskin. The best gloves to get are MIG/Stick Gloves. They provide extra dexterity but still should not be used to pick up welded material. Use pliers instead.

2.Always wear eye protection. Welding arc rays can give your unprotected eye arc flash which is a very painful condition. The worst part is that it doesn’t appear until hours after the exposure. The best way to protect your eyes is with a welding helmet. Welding helmets offer a filter shade that protects the welder’s eyes and face. For added protection it is a good idea to wear safety glasses, side shields, and ear protection under the helmet. Lastly, make sure there are barriers up to protect others from getting exposed to the arc.

3.Read the welder’s owner manual. Even the most experienced welder can be injured when using a welder that they do not have familiarity with. Using the welder improperly can also lead to an unsound welding job. It may look sturdy, but road conditions could make the improper weld fail. If you cannot locate your welder’s owner manual, you should be able to locate one online.

4.Make sure you have proper ventilation. Welding has a variety of hazardous fumes you can be exposed to. Carbon Dioxide and Argon are just a couple. Make sure you’re welding near and exhaust hood or consider investing in a top fume extractor. If you are an employer, you have to abide by OSHA’s regulations on welding fume exposure.

5.Keep your welding area clean. Clutter can be fire and trip hazard. A clean area also allows you to move freely which will in turn make your welding more proficient. Make sure your area is also free of water. Water conducts electricity so any water that gets exposed to the arc could potentially kill you.