Safety Tips For Arc Welding In Your Automotive Shop
Posted on: 16 June 2018
If your automotive shop has decided to start doing custom metal work and will be utilizing an arc welder, then it's vital you protect your employees from injury by following each of these tips:
Tip: Wear Essential Personal Protection Equipment for Arc Welding
When your employees are using the arc welder, it will send out hot sparks that will burn skin. To prevent burns, anyone welding needs to wear the following essential pieces of personal protection equipment:
- wool welding clothing
- a flame-proof apron
- a welding helmet or welding goggles and a leather skullcap
- leather boots
- leather or fireproof gloves
It is important to wear wool instead of cotton clothing when welding. This is because wood fibers are naturally fire-resistant while cotton fibers are very flammable. Wearing cotton clothing while arc welding can quickly lead to your clothing catching on fire and seriously burning you.
It is also important to note you should never wear clothing with pockets or roll up your sleeves or the bottom of your pants while welding. If you do so, sparks can get into the folds of the clothing and burn you.
Tip: Never Weld on Top of a Bare Metal Table or Bench
Since arc welding generates a lot of heat, you should never weld metal while it is sitting on top of a bare workbench or table made of metal. Instead, all welding should be done on a fire-resistant mat placed on top. The pad works like a large oven mitt and keeps heat from building up within the table's surface.
Tip: Keep Combustible Materials Well Away from the Welding Station
Since arc welding sends off a lot of sparks that can easily start a fire, it is essential you keep combustible materials away from the welding station. Combustible materials include:
- flammable vapors
- flammable liquids
- paper products
- cotton products
- auto paint booth
In addition, you should sweep your repair shop's floors regularly to avoid debris on the floor from catching fire if a spark lands on it.
If your shop is too small to keep everything well away from the welding equipment, then you should use a welding curtain or place combustible items in steel cabinets.
Tip: Ground Your Welding Table to the Earth Before Using
Finally, when your employees are ready to start up the arc welder, they must ensure the system is properly grounded to the earth. This is important because it prevents electrocution in case the equipment malfunctions or contacts moisture.
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