general welding safety practices tech connect welding tech connect welding

General Welding Safety PracticesGeneral Welding Safety Practices

Tech ConnectWeldingTech ConnectWelding

Types of Welding HazardsTypes of Welding Hazards

Radiation exposureRadiation exposure

•Can cause retinal burning and cataractsCan cause retinal burning and cataracts

•Proper lenses with the appropriate shading Proper lenses with the appropriate shading must always be wornmust always be worn

•UV radiation cannot be sensed by heat or UV radiation cannot be sensed by heat or brightnessbrightness

Electric shockElectric shock

•Two kinds of electric shock: primary voltage Two kinds of electric shock: primary voltage shock and secondary voltage shockshock and secondary voltage shock

•Primary voltage shock involves 230 or 460 Primary voltage shock involves 230 or 460 volts and is caused by touching both the lead volts and is caused by touching both the lead inside the welding equipment and the inside the welding equipment and the welding equipment case or other grounded welding equipment case or other grounded metal while the equipment is powered ONmetal while the equipment is powered ON

Types of Welding Hazards (continued)


Electric shock Electric shock (continued)(continued)

•Secondary voltage shock involves 60 to 100 Secondary voltage shock involves 60 to 100 watts and is caused by touching a part of the watts and is caused by touching a part of the electrode circuit and the side of the welding electrode circuit and the side of the welding circuit.circuit.



Electric shock Electric shock (continued)(continued)

•Do the following to avoid electric shock:Do the following to avoid electric shock:

➤ Keep dry and wear dry gloves. ➤ Stand or lie on plywood, rubber mats or

other insulation. ➤ Do not rest any part of the body on the

workpiece. ➤ Keep electrodes and electrode holders

in good condition. ➤ Do not touch electrodes or metal parts

with either the skin or wet clothing.



Fires and explosionsFires and explosions

•The welding process can produce extreme heat;The welding process can produce extreme heat;however, fire hazards are not caused by the heat but however, fire hazards are not caused by the heat but by the effect of the heat on the workpiece, such as by the effect of the heat on the workpiece, such as sparks and molten metal.sparks and molten metal.



•Keep the work area and all surrounding areas free Keep the work area and all surrounding areas free of combustible items.of combustible items.

•Be cautious when working in dusty areas where sparks and dust particles can easily oxidize without warning, which can result in a flash fire or anexplosion.

Fires and explosionsFires and explosions (continued) (continued)

•Do the following to protect from fire and explosions: ➤ Always know where the fire exits and fire

extinguishers are located. ➤ If welding within 35 feet of a combustible

object, utilize a fire watcher, who can watch for landing sparks.

Gas Welding Safety from SafetyInstruction.com - YouTube



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui3ynOqihYY&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui3ynOqihYY&feature=player_embedded

Fumes and gasesFumes and gases

•Fumes contain particles from base metal and base Fumes contain particles from base metal and base metal coatingmetal coating



•Effects from fumes are normally temporaryEffects from fumes are normally temporary

•Symptoms caused by short-term exposure to fumes Symptoms caused by short-term exposure to fumes can include burning eyes, burning skin, dizziness, can include burning eyes, burning skin, dizziness, nausea, and fever.nausea, and fever.

•Long-term exposure to fumes can cause siderosis Long-term exposure to fumes can cause siderosis (which are iron deposits in the lungs) and can affect (which are iron deposits in the lungs) and can affect pulmonary function.pulmonary function.

Fumes and gases Fumes and gases (continued)(continued)

•Zinc fumes can cause metal fume fever, which is aZinc fumes can cause metal fume fever, which is atemporary illness similar to the flu.temporary illness similar to the flu.



•Cadmium fumes can cause symptoms similar to Cadmium fumes can cause symptoms similar to metal fume fever; however, it can be fatal, even metal fume fever; however, it can be fatal, even under brief exposureunder brief exposure

•When shielding gases are released into the air, they When shielding gases are released into the air, they can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, and evencan cause dizziness, unconsciousness, and evendeath if clean oxygen is withheld for a long enoughdeath if clean oxygen is withheld for a long enoughperiod.period.




•UV radiation forms gases when it hits the air, which UV radiation forms gases when it hits the air, which can cause headaches, chest pains, eye irritation,can cause headaches, chest pains, eye irritation,and itchiness in the nose and throat.and itchiness in the nose and throat.


•Do the following to protect from fume and gas exposure:Do the following to protect from fume and gas exposure: ➤ ➤ Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area. ➤ ➤ Wear appropriate personal protective Wear appropriate personal protective

equipment, equipment, such as a respirator.such as a respirator. ➤ ➤ Read material safety data sheets before Read material safety data sheets before

beginning work to learn what fumes can be beginning work to learn what fumes can be potentially potentially released.released.

➤ ➤ Familiarize yourself with the metals that are Familiarize yourself with the metals that are being used to determine if a paint or coating can being used to determine if a paint or coating can cause toxic fumes or gases.cause toxic fumes or gases.




•Do the following to protect from fume and gas exposure:Do the following to protect from fume and gas exposure: ➤ ➤ If symptoms of dizziness, headache, or nauseaIf symptoms of dizziness, headache, or nausea

occur, turn off the welding equipment, notify occur, turn off the welding equipment, notify supervisors and coworkers, and get fresh air supervisors and coworkers, and get fresh air immediately.immediately.



Confined spacesConfined spaces•Examples of confined spaces include a boiler, tank, or Examples of confined spaces include a boiler, tank, or hold of a ship where all the welding hazards are hold of a ship where all the welding hazards are amplified, such as insufficient ventilation, fume and gas amplified, such as insufficient ventilation, fume and gas exposure, and chances of fire or explosion.exposure, and chances of fire or explosion.



Confined spaces Confined spaces (continued)(continued)



•Do the following to protect yourself when working inDo the following to protect yourself when working inconfined spaces:confined spaces:

➤ ➤ Make sure your body is insulated from the workpiece Make sure your body is insulated from the workpiece and ground.and ground.

➤ ➤ Wear dry gloves.Wear dry gloves. ➤ ➤ Use only a well-insulated electrode holder.Use only a well-insulated electrode holder. ➤ ➤ Verify that there is sufficient ventilation.Verify that there is sufficient ventilation. ➤ ➤ Always make sure there is a trained person outside Always make sure there is a trained person outside

the confined space at all times to disconnect power and the confined space at all times to disconnect power and pull the welder out if a dangerous situation occurs.pull the welder out if a dangerous situation occurs.

Loud noiseLoud noise

•Can cause temporary or permanent hearing lossCan cause temporary or permanent hearing loss



•Do the following to protect against noise:Do the following to protect against noise: ➤ ➤ Reduce the sound level when possible.Reduce the sound level when possible. ➤ ➤ Wear ear muffs or ear plugs.Wear ear muffs or ear plugs.

•Follow the rules.Follow the rules.

General Shop Safety RulesGeneral Shop Safety Rules

•Stay alert.Stay alert.•Properly use all tools and other materialsProperly use all tools and other materials•Respond immediately and appropriately to all Respond immediately and appropriately to all safety-related incidents.safety-related incidents.•Wear appropriate clothing.Wear appropriate clothing.

Appropriate Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

ATI Professional Welding Section 1 Protective Clothing - YouTube


ATI Professional Welding Section 1 Protective Clothing - YouTube

ClothingClothing

•Shirts—Wear heavy, long-sleeved shirts with pocket Shirts—Wear heavy, long-sleeved shirts with pocket flaps; remove pockets or tape themflaps; remove pockets or tape themshut if they do not have pocket flaps; keep collar and shut if they do not have pocket flaps; keep collar and sleeves buttoned to keep out sparks.sleeves buttoned to keep out sparks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JAJRRmO2sM





(continued)


(continued)

•Pants—Wear pants that have no cuffs and are long enough to cover the top of your shoes or boots.

•Welding cap—Wear a cap with a flexible bill that Welding cap—Wear a cap with a flexible bill that can be slipped around to cover either ear to keep can be slipped around to cover either ear to keep sparks and metal splatter out of the ear opening.sparks and metal splatter out of the ear opening.


(continued)


(continued)

•Boots—Wear steel-toed boots made of heavy Boots—Wear steel-toed boots made of heavy leather with uppers that reach above the ankle.leather with uppers that reach above the ankle.

•Gloves—Wear heavy leather gloves with gauntlets;Gloves—Wear heavy leather gloves with gauntlets;gauntlets may be short or extend to the shoulder.gauntlets may be short or extend to the shoulder.


(continued)


(continued)

•Jackets and aprons—Wear leather jackets and Jackets and aprons—Wear leather jackets and aprons for additional protection, especially when aprons for additional protection, especially when welding in confined areas.welding in confined areas.

Eye protectionEye protection


(continued)


(continued)

•Safety glasses—Wear at all times in the welding Safety glasses—Wear at all times in the welding area; include side protection when flying objects are area; include side protection when flying objects are possible.possible.


(continued)


(continued)

•Face shield—Wear a face shield, along with safetyFace shield—Wear a face shield, along with safetyglasses, when grinding, chipping, cutting, or shapingglasses, when grinding, chipping, cutting, or shapingmetal with any type of power tool.metal with any type of power tool.


(continued)


(continued)•If you wear contact lenses, check with your doctor If you wear contact lenses, check with your doctor to see if the type of lens you wear requires any to see if the type of lens you wear requires any special precautions in the work area.special precautions in the work area.

•If your wear prescription lenses, either wear eyeIf your wear prescription lenses, either wear eyeprotection that incorporates that prescription into the protection that incorporates that prescription into the lens or appropriate eye protection that can be worn lens or appropriate eye protection that can be worn over your existing lenses.over your existing lenses.

•Select the appropriate lens shade when wearing Select the appropriate lens shade when wearing safety glasses, goggles, or a welding hood.safety glasses, goggles, or a welding hood.

Welding hoodsWelding hoods


(continued)


(continued)

•Stationary filter lens—Contains a fixed lens housingStationary filter lens—Contains a fixed lens housingwith the shaded lens held in by a spring retainer with the shaded lens held in by a spring retainer from where a lens can be slipped out and replaced from where a lens can be slipped out and replaced as welding requires.as welding requires.



(continued)


(continued)

•Flip-front filter lens—Contains a lens housing with a Flip-front filter lens—Contains a lens housing with a front side that can be flipped up so that it leaves a front side that can be flipped up so that it leaves a clear-glass lens that permits the hood to be worn clear-glass lens that permits the hood to be worn while chipping.while chipping.



(continued)


(continued)

•Auto darkening lens—Used in helmets specificallyAuto darkening lens—Used in helmets specificallydesigned for auto darkening lenses; contains sensors designed for auto darkening lenses; contains sensors that automatically change the shade from clear to dark that automatically change the shade from clear to dark in a fraction of a second when you start to weld and in a fraction of a second when you start to weld and gradually changes back to clear when you stop gradually changes back to clear when you stop welding; can be manually adjusted for a variety of welding; can be manually adjusted for a variety of shades.shades.

Hazards Caused by Fumes and Gases

Hazards Caused by Fumes and Gases

Hazards Caused by Fumes and Gases (continued)

Hazards Caused by Fumes and Gases (continued)

Information Included on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Information Included on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

•Chemical IdentityChemical Identity•Hazardous IngredientsHazardous Ingredients•Physical and Chemical CharacteristicsPhysical and Chemical Characteristics•Fire and Explosion Hazard DataFire and Explosion Hazard Data•Reactivity DataReactivity Data•Health Hazard DataHealth Hazard Data•Precautions for Safe Handling and UsePrecautions for Safe Handling and Use•Control MeasuresControl Measures

Common Safety SignsCommon Safety Signs

Common Safety Signs (continued)Common Safety Signs (continued)

Fire Extinguisher RatingsFire Extinguisher Ratings

•Class A – Ordinary combustibles like wood, Class A – Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper and clothpaper and cloth

•Class B – Flammable liquids like grease, Class B – Flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, paints and oilgasoline, paints and oil

Fire Extinguisher Ratings (continued)Fire Extinguisher Ratings (continued)

•Class C – Energized electrical equipment like Class C – Energized electrical equipment like motors, switches, and computersmotors, switches, and computers

•Class D – Combustible metals like titanium, Class D – Combustible metals like titanium, sodium, and magnesiumsodium, and magnesium

Fire Extinguisher Ratings (continued)Fire Extinguisher Ratings (continued)

•Class K – Oils or fats used with cooking Class K – Oils or fats used with cooking appliancesappliances

First Aid Procedures for Various Emergency Situations

First Aid Procedures for Various Emergency Situations

CutsCuts

•Stop the bleeding by applying gentle, Stop the bleeding by applying gentle, continuous pressure with a clean cloth or continuous pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.bandage.•Clean the wound with clear water.Clean the wound with clear water.•Apply an antibiotic to the wound to keep it Apply an antibiotic to the wound to keep it moist.moist.•Cover the wound with a bandage to keep it Cover the wound with a bandage to keep it clean and protected.clean and protected.

First Aid Procedures for Various Emergency Situations (continued)


Cuts Cuts (continued)(continued)

•Change the dressing at least once a day or Change the dressing at least once a day or when it becomes wet or dirty.when it becomes wet or dirty.•Get stitches for deep wounds.Get stitches for deep wounds.

•Be alert to signs of infection.Be alert to signs of infection.

•Get a tetanus shot within 48 hours if your Get a tetanus shot within 48 hours if your wound is severely dirty, more than five years wound is severely dirty, more than five years have passed since your last tetanus shot, have passed since your last tetanus shot, and it is recommended by your physician.and it is recommended by your physician.



BurnsBurns

•Determine the type of burn.Determine the type of burn.

•Apply appropriate treatment.Apply appropriate treatment.

•Use clean, lukewarm water to flush the eye Use clean, lukewarm water to flush the eye for at least 20 minutes.for at least 20 minutes.

•Thoroughly wash the hands with soap and Thoroughly wash the hands with soap and water.water.

Chemicals in the eyeChemicals in the eye



Chemicals in the eye Chemicals in the eye (continued)(continued)

•Remove contact lenses if they do not fall out Remove contact lenses if they do not fall out while flushing the eye with water.while flushing the eye with water.•Seek medical assistance if necessary.Seek medical assistance if necessary.



Traumatic shockTraumatic shock

•Identify the symptoms of traumatic shock:Identify the symptoms of traumatic shock: Early stages➤ Late stages➤

•Lay the victim down.Lay the victim down.

•Elevate the legs slightly.Elevate the legs slightly.•Cover the body with a blanket to prevent Cover the body with a blanket to prevent loss of heat.loss of heat.



Electrical accidentElectrical accident

•Do not provide any medical aid until the Do not provide any medical aid until the electrical current has been shut off.electrical current has been shut off.•Administer CPR if necessary, and you have Administer CPR if necessary, and you have the proper training.the proper training.

•Treat for traumatic shock and electrical Treat for traumatic shock and electrical burns.burns.



ChokingChoking

•Recognize the signs of choking.Recognize the signs of choking.

•Perform the Heimlich maneuver.Perform the Heimlich maneuver.



Head injuryHead injury

•Keep the person still and lying down, with Keep the person still and lying down, with the head and shoulders slightly elevated.the head and shoulders slightly elevated.•Do not move the person unless necessary.Do not move the person unless necessary.•Apply light pressure with a sterile gauze to Apply light pressure with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.stop any bleeding.•If the person stops breathing, perform CPR If the person stops breathing, perform CPR if you are properly trained.if you are properly trained.



Heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion

•Recognize the symptoms:Recognize the symptoms: Extreme perspiration➤ ➤ Pale, clammy skin ➤ Rapid, weak pulse ➤ Rapid shallow breathing

•Immediately move the victim to a cool place.Immediately move the victim to a cool place.

•Lay victim flat and elevate the feet slightly.Lay victim flat and elevate the feet slightly.



Heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion (continued)(continued)

•Remove as much of the victim’s clothing as Remove as much of the victim’s clothing as possible.possible.

•Sponge the skin with cool water.Sponge the skin with cool water.

Guidelines for Proper LiftingGuidelines for Proper Lifting

•Check the box or item for nails, splinters, rough Check the box or item for nails, splinters, rough areas, grease, or slippery surfaces.areas, grease, or slippery surfaces.

•Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

•Plan your route before you liftPlan your route before you lift

•Check your path of travel and remove any Check your path of travel and remove any obstructions from your path.obstructions from your path.

Guidelines for Proper LiftingGuidelines for Proper Lifting

•Make sure you can handle the weight of the load by Make sure you can handle the weight of the load by yourself before trying to lift it.yourself before trying to lift it.

•Place your feet close to the object and about Place your feet close to the object and about shoulder-width apart.shoulder-width apart.

•Bend your knees and grip the object securely.Bend your knees and grip the object securely.

•Using your leg muscles, push up with your legs, Using your leg muscles, push up with your legs, keeping your back straight.keeping your back straight.

Guidelines for Proper Lifting (continued)

Guidelines for Proper Lifting (continued)

•Keep the load close to your body as you travel.Keep the load close to your body as you travel.

•Turn your feet to turn your body.Turn your feet to turn your body.

•Lower the load by bending your knees, again Lower the load by bending your knees, again making sure to keep your back straight.making sure to keep your back straight.

•Carefully set the load down, being careful to watch Carefully set the load down, being careful to watch your fingers.your fingers.

Proper Use of a LadderProper Use of a Ladder

Inspect the ladder before each useInspect the ladder before each use

•Verify that the ladder has no defects.Verify that the ladder has no defects.

•Verify that the steps or rungs are clean and Verify that the steps or rungs are clean and not damaged.not damaged.

Proper Use of a Ladder (continued)Proper Use of a Ladder (continued)

Properly set up the ladderProperly set up the ladder

•Follow the one-to-four ratio rule for Follow the one-to-four ratio rule for extension ladders.extension ladders.•Verify the ladder is standing on firm, dry Verify the ladder is standing on firm, dry ground.ground.•Verify that an extension ladder is leaning Verify that an extension ladder is leaning against a solid structure.against a solid structure.•Fasten an extension ladder to the structure Fasten an extension ladder to the structure it is leaning against when accessing high it is leaning against when accessing high places.places.


Properly set up the ladder Properly set up the ladder (continued)(continued)

•Verify that a stepladder is fully open and the Verify that a stepladder is fully open and the divider locked.divider locked.•Place the top of extension or straight Place the top of extension or straight ladders at least three rungs above the work.ladders at least three rungs above the work.•If using a ladder in front of a door, lock the If using a ladder in front of a door, lock the door before ascending the ladder.door before ascending the ladder.•Set up a ladder as far away as possible Set up a ladder as far away as possible from electrical lines.from electrical lines.


Be cautious to avoid accidentsBe cautious to avoid accidents

•Do not climb higher than the third rung on Do not climb higher than the third rung on extension ladders or second tread from the extension ladders or second tread from the top of stepladders.top of stepladders.•When working with both hands, lock one leg When working with both hands, lock one leg around a rung.around a rung.•Do not overreach.Do not overreach.•Keep your belt buckle between the rails.Keep your belt buckle between the rails.•Do not put one foot on the ladder and the Do not put one foot on the ladder and the other on an adjacent surface.other on an adjacent surface.


Be cautious to avoid accidents Be cautious to avoid accidents (continued)(continued)

•Never stand on the braces, extension arms, Never stand on the braces, extension arms, or paint shelf.or paint shelf.•Use a ladder only for the purpose of Use a ladder only for the purpose of reaching places you can not reach from the reaching places you can not reach from the ground.ground.•Do not work in windy conditions.Do not work in windy conditions.

•Do not leave a ladder unattended.Do not leave a ladder unattended.

Lockout/Tagout PolicyLockout/Tagout Policy

LockingLocking

•Obtain permission from a supervisor before Obtain permission from a supervisor before you plan to lockout a piece of equipment.you plan to lockout a piece of equipment.•Shut off the equipment.Shut off the equipment.•Place the locks on the switches and valves.Place the locks on the switches and valves.

•Try to start the equipment or open the valves.Try to start the equipment or open the valves.•Begin working.Begin working.

•When the work is completed, verify that all When the work is completed, verify that all employees are cleared of the equipment employees are cleared of the equipment before removing the locks and tags.before removing the locks and tags.

Lockout/Tagout Policy (continued)Lockout/Tagout Policy (continued)

TaggingTagging

•Write a brief message on the tag, if Write a brief message on the tag, if necessary.necessary.•Write your name and the date.Write your name and the date.

•Attach the tag in a visible location.Attach the tag in a visible location.

general welding safety practices tech connect welding tech connect welding

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