| Welding is a dangerous activity that can cause a | | | | sparks from burning the body or catching clothing on |
| number of injuries if the proper precautions are not | | | | fire. |
| taken. Knowing what to do and how to do it will make | | | | No one should operate a welder that has not had the |
| welding much safer. Most precautions are basically | | | | proper training. The floor on which the welding is |
| common sense for any activity in which you have an | | | | occurring must be either fireproof or have a fireproof |
| open flame. | | | | mat on it. Welding areas should be cleared of any and |
| PPE or personal protective equipment is the first step | | | | all things that sparks could fall on and burn or catch on |
| in maintaining welder safety. All welders need | | | | fire. No flammable liquids should be in the area. Things |
| protective gloves, apron and shield. Shields vary and | | | | like gas containers or bottles of oil. People in the area |
| need to be rated for the type of welding that is being | | | | need to be warned not to look at the welder without |
| done. The shield protects the eyes from the ultraviolet | | | | protective eye wear. Remove parts from the item to |
| light that is put off by welding equipment. This light can | | | | be welded that may catch fire or melt during the |
| cause significant damage to the eyes. The shield also | | | | welding process. |
| protects the face and hair from stray sparks. The | | | | Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher handy. A |
| gloves protect hands which would otherwise would be | | | | fire blanket is a good idea too. |
| exposed to the stray sparks and the apron prevent | | | | |