Best welding safety practices and equipment are universally applicable. Welding exposes everyone to similar hazards, whether you're responsible for safety at a large, welding-intensive manufacturing company, a billion-dollar engineering-construction firm or a small independent fabricator. Here are 12 tips for improving welding safety in your company, including advice that also improves productivity.
2. Button Up. Any exposed skin is susceptible to the painful and damaging effects of ultraviolet and infrared rays. Further, sparks catch in open pockets, pant cuffs or down a shirt that isn’t completely buttoned. They can smolder unnoticed while the welder is “under the hood.” Button shirt collars, cuffs and front pockets to prevent them from catching sparks and to cover exposed skin. Do not keep matches or butane lighters in your pockets. Avoid wearing cuffed pants, as the cuffs may catch sparks.