Weldfabulous Blog

FIRE SAFETY

Independence Day is just around the corner and with it will come bonfires, sparklers, and fireworks galore. There’s no better time of year to review fire safety in both your personal and professional lives! In keeping with that recommendation, we thought we’d share a few reminders as well as a few guidelines for protecting yourself and your working environment.

The first, and easily the most basic guideline is simply to be smart. It’s not difficult to become careless in our safety practices, particularly as we gain experience and develop a routine. Regardless of the number of times you’ve completed a specific task, always be sure to take a moment to verify you’re wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that your work area is clear of any potential hazards. The Occupational Safety & Health Organization (OSHA) has an extensive list of standards outlined on their website, standards you should also have access to through your employer. We will highlight a few of them below, but you can view the entire document by clicking here.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Every welding job will require some sort of Personal Protective Equipment. Following are some basic examples and suggestions from Weldfabulous.com to help you get the job done.

EYES

Depending on the type of welding, your project may require either a helmet (to be used in all arc welding and arc cutting operations), goggles (gas welding or oxygen cutting operations), or a face shield (resistance welding or resistance brazing). Different projects also require different lens shades, charted in the table below.

GLOVES

Welding gloves protect the skin from burns and allow welders to handle machines and materials safely. They come in an extremely wide variety of styles and materials, each appropriate for different jobs. Ranging from cowhide and pig skin to acrylic and aluminized, gloves are available to fit any welder’s preferences. Weldfabulous.com has literally thousands of options for you to peruse. Check out our previous blog post for more detail on how to select the proper pair of gloves for your application.

WELDING ATTIRE

In addition to protection for your eyes and hands, many welding projects will require other PPE. The necessity of such items is largely dependent upon the project and the welder’s personal preferences. Sleeves, bibs, and jackets are just a few examples of potential additional attire. If you’re ever curious whether additional PPE is necessary for a particular project, it is always best to err on the side of caution. It is doubtful that you’ll regret using extra protection and not difficult to imagine a situation in which you wish you had used it.

BASIC REMINDERS

• Be certain fire extinguishers are maintained and properly located
• Use curtains, blankets, and umbrellas to keep your work environment safe
• Have work moved to a location free from dangerous combustibles
• Monitor ventilation
• Develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

A good majority of fire-related accidents can easily be avoided with a bit of vigilance and proactive preparedness. Review your safety standards, keep your shop above par, and remember to shop Weldfabulous.com for all your welding and fire safety needs.