Welding is used as a part of fabrication process that joins
materials, usually metals or other types of material together. The materials
are heated, melted and mixed to produce a joint with properties similar to
those of the materials being joined.
A number of welding supplies are needed in the welding process:
welding rods, welding gloves, welding machines, cables, torch hose, holders and
more. The quality and origin of the welding equipment used during the process
is very important, to deliver the safety and performance needed
WELDING EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY GEAR NEEDED
Welding is a hazardous undertaking and precautions are required
to avoid burns, electric shock, vision damage, inhalation of
poisonous gases and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet
radiation. Certain protective measures – providing personal
protective equipment (PPE), including filter shades for goggles, face shields
to protect the eyes from radiation, and gloves and other protective clothing to
cover exposed skin are needed. PPE is provided and selected by ensuring that
the equipment is:
- suitable for the nature of the work
and any hazard associated with the work
- a suitable size
- fit and comfortable
- maintained, repaired or replaced
when required and used or worn by the worker
ENSURING SAFETY
DURING AND AFTER THE WELDING PROCESS
Types of personal protective equipment needed:
Workers should always have their eyes, face and head protected
whenever they are welding. The hazards are: light, radiation, burns from hot
debris and sparks. Eyes, face and head protection (e.g. goggles, helmets, hand
shields and protective filters) are needed to avoid these risks.
.
Ear plugs or
ear muffs may be required to minimise the risks of noise that can lead to
hearing loss.
Gloves or gauntlets are
needed to protects from heat, ultraviolet light and burns from hot debris and
sparks. Gloves should be fire resistant and protect exposed skin on the hands
and wrists.
Clothing also
needs to be protective from heat, ultraviolet light and burns from hot debris
and sparks (flame resistant long sleeved shirts, long trousers, aprons and
leather spats). Avoid clothing that has the potential to capture hot sparks and
metals, for example in pockets or other folds. Clothing should be made of
natural fibres.
Foot protection is
needed from hot metal debris, other metal debris and electric shock. Foot
protection should be non-slip and be heat and fire resistant. Avoid using foot
protection that can capture hot sparks and metal debris – like open style shoes
or laces.
Screens are
needed to protect against exposure to the rays of an arc during electric
welding operations. Opaque or appropriate translucent screens can be used to
protect the health and safety of people within the vicinity of welding.
Respiratory protective
devices (face respirators and air supplied respirators) are needed
to protect from dusts, hazardous fumes, gases and chemicals and oxygen depleted
atmospheres. Respirators should be fitted for each user individually and if one
is to be used by another operator, it must be disinfected and refitted before
use. The tightness of all connections and the condition of the face piece,
headbands and valves needs to be checked before each use. Air supplied
respirators may be required in some situations, like confined spaces.
Taking in account these measures and using the recommended
equipment ensures that the process of welding is carried out in a safe manner
and environment, providing good results each and every time.
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