Preventing Common Welding Injuries
Up until now, science has not found a way to join two pieces of metal without using a lot of heat at the meeting point. That leaves welders exposed to potentially dangerous hazards, including electric shock, toxic fumes, explosions, and more. So, how would you prevent welding-related injuries?
Avoiding Electric Shock
Electric shock can lead to severe injury or death from the current itself or the fall that comes as a reaction. To minimize this risk, workers should do the following:
- Wear dry gloves that are in good condition
- Use protection when touching the electrode or bare metal parts
- Repair insulation before use
- Ground safely
- Get basic training
Averting Arc Radiation and Welder’s Flash
Welder’s flash and arch radiation are some of the most common metalwork injuries. While both situations might not be fatal, pain in the eyes and burnt skin will cause discomfort and inevitable downtime. Using a welding hood with the right lens protects your eyes from the “bright lights,” and a welding overall should minimize UV exposure.
This piece is not by any chance exhaustive; there’s a lot more that could go wrong in a metal project. In fact, over 60 people die every year due to welding-related accidents in the US alone, as reported by U.S. Risk. That makes this safety discussion more crucial than ever.
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