When it comes to protection, there is nothing more important when welding. Welding provides many potential hazards that could damage both the environment and personnel within the space. We explore the dangers and how best to protect yourself when undergoing any form of welding.

The Importance of Protecting Your Environment

Welding can be a dangerous job. Increased heat, flying sparks and fumes could be hazardous to anyone in the vicinity of your project. For this reason, ensuring you are working in a safe environment is crucial.

Sparks fly due to the intense heat from welding, and whilst they may have an attractive effect, they can be very unsafe to anyone they come in contact with. Although there are ways to minimise the sparks produced, manual welding and sparks go hand in hand, so protection is vital.

Rogue sparks can cause potential fires when they come into contact with other materials. These little flashes of heat can instantly ignite and cause intense damage to your workplace. Offering the correct equipment to safeguard your space will significantly reduce the risk of welding.

The sparks are not the only issue created when welding. The fumes from the process can also cause significant health concerns, especially in poorly ventilated areas. The build-up of fumes can cause asphyxiation and long-term lung problems when exposed for extended periods.

All these issues contribute to the dangers of welding, so offering equipment to protect your environment is essential for any welder.

Equipment to Protect Your Environment

As mentioned above, whether working in an enclosed space or outdoors, you must ensure that you do so safely. Very high temperatures are required to achieve a successful weld, which can quickly get out of hand if elements in your environment are vulnerable to heat and flames.

Consider using a heat-resistant shield to protect your surroundings when carrying out your weld. These can prevent sparks from reaching flammable items and being carried by drafts. Even if you are welding outside, the wind could pick up, and a single spark could be responsible for causing devastating damage.

Another option is to use a heat-resistant mat under your workpiece. Even though many welders will use a workbench to carry out their work, using a mat protects the floor from damage, molten metal and pesky sparks. Even if you are working in an outdoor environment, concrete, tiles and even grass should be protected by a heat-resistant covering.

Personal Protection and Protection for Onlookers

Welding does create a spectacular display of sparks, which can be very appealing to onlookers, especially young children. Avoid welding in busy environments or in the vicinity of children unable to resist watching. If you have someone with you, always aim to weld away from them. You should also advise they shield their eyes and skin from the workpiece. Even at a distance, the heat and light can cause damage to the eyes, which can lead to devastating long-term health conditions. Protective goggles are essential for anyone within the vicinity of the welding.

Keeping yourself protected is also vital. You must always weld with long-sleeve heat-resistant clothing, a welding mask and heat-resistant gloves. For added protection, consider a welding apron, which can be used over the top of your upper body protective clothing for increased protection of a vulnerable area.

Many other items of PPE must also be considered, no matter how big or small your job is.

PPE for Welding

Welding Helmet – Regardless of the size of the job at hand, a welding helmet is essential for personal safety when working with welding equipment. It protects the most exposed parts of your body; your eyes, mouth and face.

Welding Cap- this could be a bandana or beanie-style hat with heat-resistant properties to protect your head. Even with a Welding helmet, these are advisable for ultimate protection.

Safety Glasses/Goggles – Although many welding helmets will offer protection for the eyes, these are essential for anyone in the environment without a helmet.

Ear Plugs – Welding can be a deafening experience, and consistent prolonged exposure to the noise can cause severe hearing damage.

Dust Mask – Again, many good quality welding helmets already have a dust mask built-in to protect you from the fumes. However, purchasing one is essential for your protection if yours doesn’t.

Long Trousers – Many heat-resistant trousers are available to wear either as your clothing or over the top of your clothing. However, if your welding is not often enough to warrant the purchase of such equipment, be sure to wear thick trousers, such as jeans, that cover the entire legs.

Closed-Toed Leather Shoes – Avoid any material which is vulnerable to heat and flames to protect your feet. Ideally, steel toecap boots are the best choice as this can also prevent any accidents from metal dropping unexpectedly.

Keeping Your Equipment Clean

Keeping your equipment and safety equipment clean is a way to ensure that you prevent damage to the surrounding area or yourself. Poorly maintained equipment can lead to a build-up of splatter and material, which could create difficulties when trying to use your equipment again.

Build-up can also reduce the flow of the shielding gas. Whether you are using MIG or TIG welding gas, splatter could severely impact the equipment used to apply the shielding gas, compromising the weld and the hold of the weld.

Why Having the Correct Gas is Essential

As welding gas suppliers, we understand the importance of getting suitable gas for the right product. Each of our products works uniquely to each method of welding. So having the correct shielding gas for your preferred method is essential.

We have a wide variety of products, from pure argon for TIG applications or CO2 mixes for MIG welding gas. Each of our gases is tested for reliability and lack of contaminants, ensuring our customers receive only the best quality gas for their work. So, if you need help choosing the correct gas for your welding project, we can help. Order yours online today and take advantage of our speedy service.