Observe these rules and tips to ensure welding safety on sites
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlined specific requirements for welding, cutting, and brazing in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q.While their implementation may be dependent on the context of the company, consider starting to apply these welding safety rules below in daily business operations.
A welder should observe their surroundings or working environment prior to welding. It is best to observe whether any flammable equipment or materials are present within the vicinity of the welding area. The considered safe distance from the welding area is 35-feet(10 meters). If the object to be welded or cut cannot readily be moved, a work around OSHA recommended is to transfer movable fire hazards away from the welding area.
If all the fire hazards cannot be removed, then appropriate safeguards should be in place to protect the immovable fire hazards and to confine heat, sparks, and hot slags that are produced by welding.
There are various risks associated with welding, most of which pose health hazards (e.,g exposure to fumes and UV radiation). Welding risks may vary depending on the area where it will be done, so it is recommended that a risk assessment be carried out prior to work. This will help in setting up controls to manage or eliminate the risks. Otherwise, no welding and cutting work should be permitted.
A welder or helper working on platforms, scaffolds, or runways shall be protected against falling by the use of railings, safety belts, life lines, or some other equally effective safeguards. Welders shall place welding cable and other equipment so that it is clear of passageways, ladders, and stairways.
Welders should always wear the appropriate PPE to safeguard against hazards that can cause physical injury or illness. Some examples of PPE that welders should wear are:
Long-sleeved shirts
Long pants with no cuffs
Welding helmet or goggles
Respirators
Ear muffs/plugs
Boots & gloves
Another means of preventing welding incidents and protecting employees is proper ventilation. Ventilation is mainly used for removing air contaminants from a worker’s work area, preventing the accumulation of flammable or combustible gases or vapors, and preventing oxygen-rich or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Local exhaust or general ventilating systems shall be provided and arranged to keep the amount of toxic fumes, gases, or dust below the maximum allowable concentration. If necessary, welders should wear a respirator to protect themselves from breathing in harmful substances.
After welding operations are completed, the welder shall mark the hot metal or provide some other means of warning other workers.
Ensure that each welder has access to labels on containers of such materials and safety data sheets and is trained when new equipment and techniques are adopted.
Hold yourself and those around you accountable when it comes to following safety guidelines. Report any safety violation activities in the best interest of you and those you share a workspace with.
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Utilize this customizable welding safety checklist before welding. With Mitti (by SafetyCulture), you can do the following:
Start by taking a photo of the work area and check if the operator has undergone proper training, understands instructions, and wears appropriate PPE.
Evaluate if the equipment is in good working condition and if the working area is ventilated and free from flammables and obstructions.
Inspect if procedures were followed during and after work. End the report by providing recommendations and an overall safety rating.
Check out other welding safety checklists you can choose from.
