| y is vitally important when working in the | | | | worn hoses or leaky connectors and do not be |
| workshop or when welding to ensure both your | | | | tempted to patch them up with duck tape. |
| own safety and that of other people in the | | | | 6. Ensure you have the correct tools at hand so |
| workshop. Below are the most important safety | | | | you are not tempted to perform unsafe tasks. |
| considerations to help prevent accidents occurring | | | | For instance use pliers for handling hot metal, |
| and to keep everyone involved out of the ER. | | | | even heavy duty gloves are not adequate |
| The Occupational Safety and Health Administration | | | | protection. use the proper tools for such tasks as |
| (OSHA) report over 1000 eye injuries occurring | | | | sanding, brushing slag or chipping. |
| every year in the US, mainly to mechanics and | | | | 7. When cutting or grinding wear a pair of high |
| and in workshops. Wearing good eye protection | | | | impact glasses and get into the habit of putting |
| at all times in the workshop is essential for your | | | | them on safety glasses as soon as you enter the |
| protection. | | | | workshop. remove them only when you leave |
| 1. Welders should always be placed on a flat | | | | and resist the temptation to remove them while |
| surface with no water, oil, gasoline, cloth rags, | | | | working. |
| paper or other flammable materials close by. | | | | 8. Make sure your work area is properly |
| Welding should not be carried out in wet conditions | | | | ventilated. Leaving doors and windows open and |
| to prevent the occurrence of electric shocks. | | | | having a small box fan to extract the fumes |
| 2. Make sure grounding is properly carried out | | | | should be enough for a small workshop. |
| using metal to metal connections without paint or | | | | 9. Wear safety clothes and equipment that is |
| any other materials that can decrease the effect. | | | | approved by the OSHA. Always wear flame |
| Do not use inadequate means such as wire ropes | | | | resistant clothes to cope with any sparks or |
| or chains for connectors. | | | | spatter produced during welding operations. Tennis |
| 3. Gas cylinders must be securely chained in place | | | | or other cloth shoes can smolder and melt so a |
| either in a cart or to an adequate support. Only | | | | proper pair of leather shoes is essential. Wear a |
| use hoses that are manufactured for welding and | | | | pair of leather gloves specifically made for welding. |
| fasten any protective caps on gas cylinders when | | | | 10. Repeated exposure to the radiation from the |
| moving. | | | | arc can cause permanent damage to eyes and |
| 4. Do not work in a cluttered area. Put tools in | | | | skin so wear proper face and eye protection. |
| draws or on shelves and clear away paper, rags | | | | Safety glasses should be worn at all times in the |
| and other clutter before working. Not only will this | | | | workshop and underneath your helmet when |
| be safer and help to prevent fire but it will be | | | | welding. Auto darkening helmets that comply with |
| easier to find tools and equipment when needed. | | | | the standards laid down by the American National |
| Don't leave hoses trailing in the ground and coil up | | | | Standards Institute allow you to reposition work |
| hoses after use to prevent excessive wear and | | | | or your hands without needing to be flipped up. |
| tear occurring from kinks and tangles. | | | | Conclusion |
| 5. Use a soapy solution on hoses and connectors | | | | Never compromise on safety and be aware of |
| regularly to spot and leaks. It will bubble if there | | | | the hazards that can occur in any procedure that |
| are any gas leaks present. Immediately replace | | | | you undertake in the workshop. |