Every experienced welder was a beginner once. Welding is a metal joining process that has been used for centuries, in different areas of the world. Since it was first discovered, welding has seen many advances in equipment and technique. This makes learning to weld a bit harder for welders now than it was in previous times. Welding can be done virtually anywhere because of the portable welding units that are available today. There are many more specialized fields now than in previous years, and welding has even been performed in outer space.
The ability to weld has become a highly desirable skill, and many people, both men and women, have chosen to learn and master the art of welding. Welding is used in a variety of different manufacturing processes as well as being used to perform repairs on anything from a bike to a ship. The demand for experienced welders and welders with unique skills is on the rise and continues to be a field that sees continued growth through the years.
Welding can be one of the most dangerous professions around, which is why it is especially important for beginners to follow all of the suggested safety precautions and proper welding protocols whenever they pick up their welding torch. We are going to offer you some tips to help you stay safe while you are welding.
- Always Wear Your Safety Gear – Safety gear was designed to provide welders with an extra level of protection when they are welding. This includes always wearing a welding helmet, goggles, gloves, apron, welding jacket and long pants. Welding masks and goggles are designed to protect your eyes and face from the harmful UV rays that are produced when welding is performed. Welding gloves are designed to protect your hands, arms and wrists from any stray sparks or splatter that occur when welding. A welding apron, coat and long pants offer protection for your upper body and legs.
- Work In A Well Ventilated Area – Ventilation is a key component to staying safe while you are welding. This includes performing any welding tasks in an area where there is a lot of fresh air. If there are doors or windows in your work area you should keep them open. This will allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the amount of toxic fumes you are exposed to. If you must weld in an area with poor or minimal ventilation you should wear a personal respirator.
- Properly Ground Your Welding Equipment – Improperly grounded welding equipment is the number one reason that many welders experience electrical shocks while working. It is important for your safety and the safety of those working near you that all of your equipment be properly grounded.
- Be Aware Of Your Surroundings – Welders always need to know what materials and equipment are around them so that they can determine which precautions and changes need to made before they begin to weld. If you must work in an area where there is a lot of foot traffic, you may want to use a welding screen to protect co-workers from being exposed to the harmful UV rays and sparks that you will be producing.
- Keep It Dry – To reduce the risk of experiencing an electrical shock while welding, you should keep your work area as dry as possible. If you must work in damp area you should place a piece of dry plywood on the ground to separate your feet from the damp ground.
Welding can be a hazardous career, especially for beginners who are just starting out. Hopefully the tips listed above will help keep you safe as you begin your new career as a welder.
