constructing a mechanic's garage

Two Safety Tips Novice Welders Should Always Follow

Welding is often an essential part of many home renovations and general construction projects. For those attempting to do their own renovations, the welding part of the project can be extremely intimidating because of the threat of injuring yourself. This is especially problematic for those that have never welded before. However, there are some relatively simple steps that you can take to help minimize the chances that you encounter some of the more common injuries that these projects can cause.

Protect Your Ears

The ears are an often overlooked part of the body that needs to be protected when you are welding. In addition to the loud sounds that this task produces, there is also the threat of burning your ears. It is possible for hot embers to be sent into the air, and these can land in your ears. If this happens, you can experience an extremely painful injury that may also damage your ability to hear. 

To avoid this type of damage, you should always wear welding earmuffs when you are performing this work. These earmuffs are designed to protect your ears from the sounds of welding as well as preventing hot embers from harming your ears. 

Invest In Auto-Darkening Welding Eyewear

The bright flame from the welding can quickly cause severe damage to your eyes. While there are many different welding goggles and masks that can prevent this type of injury, many people will overlook the benefits of using those with auto-darkening glass. 

Over the course of a welding sessions, you will routinely need to stop for a variety of reasons, such as making adjustments, getting supplies or even just having a drink of water. Normal welding goggles are always extremely dark, and this can make it difficult to do these tasks without removing the goggles. However, these goggles are notoriously difficult to adjust, and this can make putting them back on time-consuming. By opting for auto-darkening goggles, you can avoid this inconvenience because the glass used in these goggles will instantly darken once exposed to the bright light of the welding torch. This shading will then fade within seconds of stopping the torch. 

Having the right equipment is essential to ensuring that you are safe while you are welding. However, if you are not well-versed in the details of welding safety, following these two tips can help you to avoid some of the more common sources of injury while doing this type of work. For more information, contact a professional like those at Vern Lewis Welding Supply Inc.


Share