How to Weld Safely
Due to the highly flammable nature of arc welding, you must employ a number of safety precautions in order to weld safely. Do not minimize or ignore safety precautions--welding is not an activity conducive to shortcuts. Welding has many uses, but improper procedures can prove disastrous. Always choose to weld safely.
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Things You'll Need
- Dish soap and water mixture
- Welding torch and tanks
- Protective helmet and clothing
- Spray bottle
- Fire extinguisher
- Assistant
- Welding cart
Instructions
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Examine all equipment for signs of wear. Check all valves and hoses for possible leaks. Spray all hoses and fittings with a mild mixture of dish soap and water. The soap creates bubbles through leaks. Replace any damaged equipment before use.
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2
Prepare the area in which you'll be welding. Remove trash, cardboard, shop rags, flammable liquids and all other combustible materials that can ignite from a stray welding spark. Open doors and windows and turn on exhaust fans to ensure adequate ventilation. Have a working fire extinguisher nearby.
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3
Dress appropriately. Wear grease-free flame retardant clothing that fits close to your body. Wear gloves, long pants and shirts with long sleeves to protect your skin. Place rubber bands around loose fitting ankle and wrist cuffs.
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4
Wear an arc welder's mask that filters 100 percent of UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared) rays at all times. Severe retinal damage can occur without one.
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Weld when you have an assistant in the room. Teach your assistant how to turn off the torch, shut off the tanks and use the fire extinguisher. Ensure that your assistant wears a welder's mask or looks away as you work.
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Move welding tanks sparingly. Keep them upright and securely chained to a welding cart. You can use a heavy-duty shop dolly, if preferred.
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Stand back from welding regulators when opening the valves. Keep the wrench attached to the acetylene valve in case you must shut it off quickly. When you're finished welding, turn off the acetylene first and then the oxygen.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not drag the tanks across the floor, where they can incur damage or create spark. If you must move the tanks without a cart, hold them upright and roll them along the bottom edge.
