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Staying Safe in the Welding Shop

posted by Bros Welding    |   April 24, 2019 12:02

This week we’re talking all about staying safe while welding.

 

 

There are a number of potential health and safety hazards when it comes to welding, including exposure to chemicals, fire and explosion risk, arc flash, and electrical shock. The shop can be a dangerous place if you’re not vigilant about implementing and following safe welding policies and procedures. Which is why you’ll see this topic come up regularly on the blog. Today’s post will talk about general safety hazards and ways to mitigate the risks in the welding shop.

 

Safety Hazards in the Welding Shop

Exposure to fumes, gases, and chemical dust is a common hazard in welding shops. Overexposure to these substances can cause serious health problems. Taking time to properly set up a workspace and use suitable protective equipment is the best way to avoid damaging exposure. This can include ensuring there is proper ventilation and using equipment such as respirators designed for the type of work being performed.

Many of the substances in a welding shop also pose a risk for fire and explosion. There is potential to ignite a substance from the high temperatures of the welding arc itself and from the sparks, which can spatter up to 35 feet. A pre-check of the work area is crucial to determine if there are flammable materials located nearby. It is also important to know where fire exits and fire extinguishers are located in the case that a fire is ignited.

Arc flash poses a risk of burns from exposure to UV-radiation coming from an electric welding arc. This radiation can impact eyes and skin that is not properly protected. Using the proper protective equipment is important in preventing arc flash. This includes apparel, gloves, and helmets that protect welders from flash hazards.

Arc welding also poses the potential threat of electrical shock. Welders should ensure that their electrode holders and cables are properly insulated, and that they are wearing dry gloves and clothing which are in good condition. A rubber mat can also improve insulation and reduce the risk.

 

Other Steps for Ensuring Safety

Welding safety starts outside the shop with effective education, training, communication and habits. Having safety policies and procedures in place, communicating these and their importance to employees, and practicing safe habits daily are important parts of maintaining safety in a welding shop. Everyone working within the shop should be aware of hazards and have the proper tools for approaching the job in the safest way possible. Making these a central part of your operations will help keep everyone safe and healthy on the job.

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Bros Welding Safety Tips: Welding Ventilation

posted by Bros Welding    |   March 14, 2017 09:00

Where can I find some general guidelines for welding ventilation? What types of ventilation can be used to remove air contaminants from a welder's breathing zone? What are some examples of Local Exhaust Ventilation? The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety answers these questions and more on their website:

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/welding/ventilation.html

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Safety

Bros Welding Safety Tips: Welding Ergonomics

posted by Bros Welding    |   April 19, 2015 15:37

What are some tips for a good working posture while welding? What is an example of a standing workbench design? What is an example of a seated workbench design? The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety answers these questions and more on their website: 

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/welding/ergonomics.html 

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Safety

Bros Welding Safety Tips: Welding Safety Hazards

posted by Bros Welding    |   December 11, 2013 17:23

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a great section on their website that covers welding safety hazards.

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/welding/ppe.html

 I strongly recommend that anyone considering welding review this website before picking up the torch. The OHS website covers important topics such as personal protective equipment that can be used when welding. In the upcoming months, we will expand on this topic with some more of our own Bros Welding safety tips!

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Safety

Bros Welding Safety Tips: Surviving Saskatchewan Winters

posted by Bros Welding    |   November 23, 2013 13:04

As we move into the winter months, it is important to be prepared for the harsh Saskatchewan temperatures that often dip below 30 degrees Celsius.

Clothing:  Invest in winter clothes that are made to withstand low temperatures. As a welder, you must also ensure that any winter outerwear that is worn while welding is fire retardant. Purchase steel toed boots that are made for winter. Don’t forget accessories such as gloves and headgear to protect your ears and keep your head warm.  

Vehicles:  It’s important to take the extra time to ensure that your vehicle is tuned up to avoid any unexpected issues when on the road in winter. To be prepared for any potential issues, all vehicles should be equipped with a roadside emergency kit which should include matches, candles, heat packs and blankets.

Shovelling:  Keep the walkways clear but always consider safety when you are shovelling. Shovelling and using salt, sand or other substances with ice melting properties will help reduce the potential for slip and fall incidents, which can and do cause serious injuries.

For additional winter driving tips, visit: http://caask.ca/sites/default/files/winterdrivingtipspsa.nov.2012.pdf.

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Safety

Considering Safety in the Welding Job Search

posted by Bros Welding    |   October 28, 2013 10:12

Are you in search of a welder position in Saskatchewan? There are many factors to consider as you start your job search and a significant one that is often overlooked is safety. There are a few questions to consider related to safety as you seek potential employers in your job search:

Does the employer have safety policies and procedures in place for all employees to follow?

Employers that are committed to the safety of their employees will have official safety policies and procedures in place and should have a manual available for employees to refer to at all times.

Is there an open door policy for reporting any incidences that may cause an unsafe work environment?

As an employee, you should not be afraid to notify your supervisor of incidences that may cause an unsafe work environment. An open-door policy should be promoted and practiced to ensure the safety of all workers.

Are workers provided with safety training?

Required safety training should be identified upon accepting a new position and ongoing training provided throughout employment, as needed.

Does the employer adhere to The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations?

In Saskatchewan, workplace health and safety is governed by The Occupational Health and Safety Act and The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. The Act and Regulations apply to employers, supervisors, workers, self-employed persons, contractors, suppliers and owners.

Can the employer prove their safety record through a global resource such as ISNetworld?

ISNetworld is a global resource for connecting corporations with safe, reliable contractor/suppliers from capital-intensive industries. This platform collects self-reported conformance information from contractors/suppliers and verifies its accuracy. Being a part of a network such as ISNetworld shows that the employer is concerned about safety and making their safety records available to other companies and corporations.

If you cannot find the answers to these questions on a potential employer’s websites then add them to your list of questions to ask in the in-person interview. Welding is a high-risk position and the answers to these questions can determine whether or not you can expect to make it home safe at the end of the day. 

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Safety