process will burn skin. Gas welding can also cause
exposure has been known to cause permanent damage
to the retina of the eye. If someone is severely
hot material. Flame-resistant or flame-retardant clothing
"flashed," special treatment should be administered at
must be worn and the hair protected at all times.
once by medical personnel.
--Fluxes used in certain welding and brazing
Arc welding is usually accompanied by flying
processes produce vapors that are irritating to the eyes,
sparks, which present a hazard if they strike unprotected
nose, throat, and lungs. Oxides produced by these
skin, lodge on flammable clothing, or hit any other
volatile elements are very poisonous. Therefore,
flammable material. When arc welding, you should
welding must be performed in a well-ventilated area
wear suitable weight clothing and cuffless trousers.
and approved safety goggles must always be worn. The
Cover your pockets so they will not collect sparks, and
remove any flammable materials, such as matches,
darkest shade of the goggles that still show a clear
plastic combs, or gas lighters. You should also ensure
outline of the work without producing eyestrain are
that you wear the proper foot protection. High top boots
recommended. Sun glasses are not adequate.
or boondockers with steel toes should be worn.
--Do not smoke or work near hot surfaces or open
Hot metal will cause severe bums and should never
flames.
be handled with bare hands until it has cooled naturally
or has been quenched in the quenching tank. Therefore,
SOLDERING AND BRAZING
you should use leather gloves with tight fitting cuffs
SAFETY PRACTICES
that fit over the sleeves of the jacket. Many welders
wear a full set of leathers that consists of the following:
cadmium or beryllium can be extremely hazardous.
Jacket or set of sleeves
Fumes from cadmium or beryllium compounds are
extremely toxic. In fact, several deaths have been
Gauntlet gloves
reported from inhaling cadmium oxide fumes.
Skin contact with cadmium and beryllium should
Leggings
also be avoided. An expert in industrial hygiene should
be consulted whenever cadmium or beryllium
Spats
compounds are to be used or when repairs are to be
Apron
made on parts containing the metals.
Welders hat liner
Fluxes containing fluoride compounds are also
toxic. Good ventilation is essential when soldering or
Following is a list of other safety precautions that
brazing and the operator must always observe good
you should keep in mind when performing welding
safety practices.
operations:
A common hazard when soldering is exposure of
--The possibility of dangerous electric shock can be
the skin, eyes, and clothing to acid fluxes. You should
avoided by using insulated electrode holders and
observe the following safety precautions when soldering
wearing dry leathers and gloves. When possible, avoid
or brazing:
using arc welding equipment in wet or damp areas.
ARC WELDING SHOULD NEVER BE DONE IN AN
--Always work in a way that flux will not be
AREA THAT IS NOT WELL VENTILATED.
spilled on the skin or clothing.
--Use a welding helmet with a No. 10 or No. 12
--Always wear chemical splashproof goggles,
shade along with good quality work clothing and
rubber gloves, and long sleeves when using cleaning
gauntlet-type gloves. Wear ear protection when
solutions, pickling solutions, or acids.
sound-pressure levels exceed 84 dB(A).
--If at any time you are exposed to any chemical
--In gas welding, the high temperatures of the
solutions, acids, or fluxes, wash the affected area at
welding flame and the sparks created by the welding
once, and seek medical attention immediately.
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