Arc Welding Hazards and Precautions
Hot Metal and Burns
Hot metal and flying sparks have the potential to cause severe burns. Never handle hot metal with bare hands until it has cooled naturally or has quenched in the quenching tank.
Welding PPE Case Study
Be sure to use leather gloves with tight fitting cuffs that fit over the sleeves of the jacket. Many welders wear a full set of leathers that consists of the following:
- a jacket or set of sleeves
- gauntlet gloves
- leggings
- spats
- apron
- welders hat liner
In gas welding, the high temperatures of the welding flame and the sparks will burn skin. Gas welding can also cause radiation burns due to infrared rays emitted by the red-hot material. Wear flame-resistant or flame-retardant clothing and hair protection at all times.
Real-World Accident
An employee was tasked to pin weld the inside insulation of the metal duct and wipe the surface with a propanol solution for shipment. The employee noticed that one pin weld of the duct failed. He decided to replace the defective pin. When he drove a new weld, the sparks from the weld ignited the propanol's residue on his glove. His right hand caught fire and caused second-degree burns.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-9. Why are welders encouraged to wear a full set of leathers?
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