Arc Welding Safety

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Arc Welding Safety
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What is Arc Welding?

• General term for many processes of electric arc
  welding
  
• Process for Joining Metals
• Intense heat produced by electric arc (6500 deg.
  F)
  
• Metals intermix, usually with filler metal
• Bond can have same strength properties as metal
  parts
  
• Stronger than welding or brazing

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How is it performed?

• Can be manual or mechanical process
• Power Source supplies Electric Current (AC/DC)
  which forms electric arc between electrode and
  metals
  
• Mainly used to join Steel and iron

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Arc Welding

• Versatile process
• Practiced everyday in construction, maintenance,
  manufacturing, production
  
• Safe process with necessary precautions

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Potential Hazards

• Fire
• Explosion
• Burns
• Heat stress
• Radiation

• Asphyxiation
• Electric shock
• Foreign bodies
• Falling

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Safety Statistics

• ¼ of all welding injuries are eye injuries
• 21,000 welding injuries required hospital visits
  in 2004
  
• 75 of these visits involved burns to the eyes
• Others include Electrocution, Burns, etc.

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OSHA Regulations

• 1926.351
• (d) Operating Instructions. Employers shall
  instruct employees in the safe means of arc
  welding and cutting as follows
  
• 1. When electrode holders are to be left
  unattended, the electrodes shall be removed and
  the holders shall be so placed or protected that
  they cannot make electrical contact with
  employees or conducting objects.

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A little more OSHA

• 1926.351
• (b)2. Only cable free from repair or splices for
  a minimum distance of 10 from the cable end to
  which the electrode holder is connected shall be
  used, except that cables with standard insulated
  connectors or with splices whose insulating
  quality is equal to that of the permitted cable

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Safety Procedures
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PPE

• approved safety goggles under welding helmet with
  No. 10 shade lens
  
• welders cap, ear protection
• Wear safety harness if working above floor level
• Dry, hole free insulating gloves and complete
  body protection
  
• Apron, rubber-soled boots, heavy pants, long
  sleeve shirts, etc.
  

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PPE
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Electric Shock Prevention

• Do not touch live electrical parts
• Do not use AC in wet, damp, confined spaces
• Insulate self from work and ground, use dry
  insulating materials to cover full area of
  contact
  
• Inspect input power cord for damage
• Ensure ground terminal is properly installed

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Other Safety Tips

• Avoid breathing welding fumes, use forced
  ventilation or suction to remove fumes
  
• Use typical engine safety
• Do not weld near flammable materials. Keep 35
  away
  
• Sparks can cause fire. Have extinguisher near by

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Thank you!

• Be Safe, Happy Welding!