Welding is both a rewarding but also very dangerous job, and carrying out arc welding requires all the right equipment. Whether you’re doing this as part of your full time job or are undertaking a new hobby, if you’re welding anything you’ll need to have the right protection. This is because welding causes flames, sparks and incredibly high temperatures. But what are some of the precautions you’ll need to take and what can you do to prevent accidents and injuries?
The importance of protective equipment
Just like any job where there is an element of danger or injury, protective equipment or PPE, is incredibly important. The welder’s mask is very much a compulsory accessory when undertaking a job. Because the electric arc is so intense it makes it impossible to look at with the naked eye without risking irreversible damage to your retinas.
Thankfully, modern welding masks are equipped with light-sensitive sensors and a porthole that boasts liquid crystals whose glass adapts to the brightness. They allow you to work safely when completing arc welding tasks. If you invest in the right mask, you’ll also be able to adjust the sensitivity sensors according to the brightness of the workspace you’re operating in.
You may also find that on some masks, the dark colour of the porthole can also be adjusted depending on the intensity of the current and the type of welding that’s being carried out. With so many options available on the market, it’s important to look for one that works for you and the jobs you’ll be completing.
Safety precautions to consider
It’s not just a welding mask that you’ll need to ensure you’re working safely. You’ll also need to invest in other items of protective equipment too. To avoid splashes of literally molten metal, it’s vital you wear thick gloves and a leather apron. You should also wear cotton clothing with long sleeves to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, which is incredibly harmful in high exposure amounts.
If you’re working indoors, you’ll need to make sure you’re working even more carefully. Place any parts that are being welded on non-combustible materials – your job is already dangerous enough without adding even more risk! You’ll also need to ensure your floors and walls are protected from sparks too, so use the appropriate coverings. Remember, place welded parts that are still hot to touch on materials that are safe to touch. Accidently picking them up while still hot or popping them on flammable surfaces could be devastating.
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