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whats the biggest safety procedure when welding other than wearing the right gear ?
Welding has been a career that I have been looking at for a while ever since I saw my brother do it so I know a couple things about it.
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Jason Patterson, CMQ/OE
Inspector, Welding SME, Coatings SME, Materials SME, Quality Management
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Jason’s Answer
Hello Ivette,
PPE(personal protection equipment) is your first line of defense. But it's more important to take proactive steps to mitigate potential safety issues. We do this through communication such as morning safety meetings, tailgate meetings, communication between contractors on daily scope of work and work permits identifying site specific hazards and mitigation techniques. The most important tool you have is situational awareness, always know what is going on around you at all times, be observant and speak up if you have concerns about a situation you're unsure of the safety of the environment you're working in. As a welder on a construction site most of the time you'll have a helper that will assist in welding activities as well as acting as a lookout for safety concerns while you're under the hood.
PPE(personal protection equipment) is your first line of defense. But it's more important to take proactive steps to mitigate potential safety issues. We do this through communication such as morning safety meetings, tailgate meetings, communication between contractors on daily scope of work and work permits identifying site specific hazards and mitigation techniques. The most important tool you have is situational awareness, always know what is going on around you at all times, be observant and speak up if you have concerns about a situation you're unsure of the safety of the environment you're working in. As a welder on a construction site most of the time you'll have a helper that will assist in welding activities as well as acting as a lookout for safety concerns while you're under the hood.
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ivette,
What a good question you have here! While wearing the right protective gear is essential, there's another critical safety procedure in welding that often gets overlooked: proper ventilation.
Welding produces fumes and gases that can be harmful to your health. These can include:
Metal oxides: These can cause respiratory irritation and lung damage.
Ozone: This can irritate the respiratory tract and eyes.
Nitrogen oxides: These can cause respiratory irritation and damage to the lungs.
To minimize exposure to these harmful substances:
Work in a well-ventilated area: This can help to disperse the fumes and gases.
Use a fume extractor: A fume extractor can help to capture and remove the fumes from the welding area.
Wear a respirator: If you're unable to ensure adequate ventilation or use a fume extractor, a respirator can help to protect your lungs from harmful fumes.
Remember, even with proper ventilation and respiratory protection, it's important to limit your exposure to welding fumes. Take breaks and work in a well-ventilated area whenever possible.
Best wishes!
What a good question you have here! While wearing the right protective gear is essential, there's another critical safety procedure in welding that often gets overlooked: proper ventilation.
Welding produces fumes and gases that can be harmful to your health. These can include:
Metal oxides: These can cause respiratory irritation and lung damage.
Ozone: This can irritate the respiratory tract and eyes.
Nitrogen oxides: These can cause respiratory irritation and damage to the lungs.
To minimize exposure to these harmful substances:
Work in a well-ventilated area: This can help to disperse the fumes and gases.
Use a fume extractor: A fume extractor can help to capture and remove the fumes from the welding area.
Wear a respirator: If you're unable to ensure adequate ventilation or use a fume extractor, a respirator can help to protect your lungs from harmful fumes.
Remember, even with proper ventilation and respiratory protection, it's important to limit your exposure to welding fumes. Take breaks and work in a well-ventilated area whenever possible.
Best wishes!