If you have just enrolled in a program to learn to weld, you may still have lingering fears about being injured while using the machines and accompanying equipment. If so, keep the following basic tips in mind to help you stay safe when you first start welding.
Never Skimp on Safety Gear
Before you step into the classroom and turn on a welder, you will need to purchase your own safety gear. Items such as a helmet, goggles, apron, and gloves are necessities to protect your eyes and skin from sparks or flashback from the rods and materials.
Since you are first starting out, you may believe you can get away with buying cheap gear. However, you should reconsider doing so. While you may save money, buying thinner aprons and jackets may leave you open to burns.
And if you are thinking you can just wear tinted goggles instead of a helmet, be aware that the former will not be enough to protect your eyes from constant glare. They also will not shield your face like a helmet does.
Be Aware of Everything Around You
When you do start practicing using a welder, make sure you are always aware of everything around you. Before you turn on the machine or pick up a rod, ensure that any papers, cloths, or other potentially flammable materials are far away from your work area.
When positioning your equipment, you also want to make sure any tanks of oxygen or argon gas are not located directly next to the metal on which you are welding. If the rod arcs or sparks fly towards the tanks, they could ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
Ensure Your Workspace Is Properly Ventilated
Another thing you should do to ensure the safety of you and everyone around you is to make sure your workspace is properly ventilated. Since you will be working with gases, they can build up in an enclosed area and cause asphyxiation if they have nowhere else to go.
Also, some of the metals themselves can create toxic fumes when heated. To keep from breathing in air poisoned by these fumes, make sure there is either a window opened with a fan running or a negative pressure vent that pulls these fumes out of the room.
Keeping the above safety tips in mind every time you start welding can help prevent injury. Speak with your welding program instructor to learn more about staying safe while welding, as well as get their recommendations on what gear you should have.