Whether you’re setting up for to add the finishing touches to your latest project or settling in for an extended bit of work, making sure you stay safe while welding should be your top priority.
In this blog, we detail our top tips for safe welding that will allow you to work safely and efficiently.
1. Read the Manual
We know it’s not a novel idea, but whenever using new equipment, make sure to read the instruction manual cover to cover.
Not all machines are built the same, and many will have different operating methods, so assuming you’ve used them all because you’ve used one can lead to easily avoidable injury.
2. Wear the Right Gear
Once you’ve gone over the manual, the next step is to don the appropriate PPE.
Clothing – Yes, we know they can get hot (although they’re better than they used to be) but protective overalls or welding jackets are an essential piece of kit to keep you safe.
Gloves – With the choice of welding gloves available on today’s market, there’s really no excuse not to have a pair. Beyond a standard pair, there are also a variety of gloves designed to help with particular processes, so they’ll keep you safe, and improve your welds.
Shoes – Perhaps not the piece of kit that leaps to mind immediately, but sparks and off cuts can fly anywhere sometimes, so protective boots will prevent any errant sparks from doing damage.
Helmet – Arc flash is no joke, so having the right head gear is essential. Choose a good helmet with the correct filter shade for your job. To make it even easier, consider an auto-darkening helmet.
3. Set Your Shop Up Right
Once you’re suited and booted, make sure your workshop is set up for the job at hand.
Start by making sure your work bench and the surrounding area is clear of any trip or slip hazards.
Depending on the project, you could be standing for quite a while, so try to ensure the temperature of your workshop is suitable for the time of year.
Lastly, gather only the kit you’ll need for the job to save on clutter. Arrange them in easily reachable and specific places, so you know what is where and don’t need to wander around the shop looking for it.
4. Ventilation is Key
This is hopefully an obvious point, but its importance can’t be overstated.
To protect yourself and any colleagues from the harmful effects of welding fumes, make sure you have an effective fume extractor set up and ready to go.
There are multiple models out there, many of which offer excellent versatility and transportability, so there’s no excuse to not have one.
5. Make Sure Your Kit is Up to Scratch
Before you fire up that welding torch, check that it’s been recently validated and tested.
This won’t just ensure that it’s working safely, but that it’s also in keeping with legal and regulatory obligations.
How RentArc Can Help
At RentArc, our goal is to keep welders welding. We supply our customers with the total package, covering everything from welding machines and consumables to PPE and accessories.
We can help you work safely by providing regularly serviced and tested machines and top-of-the-range PPE and fume extractors.
If you need some kit for an upcoming project, why not check out our hire packages today. Don’t see something you need? Call us on +44 (0)23 80 867 789 or email us at info@rentarc.com and we’ll get you sorted.