Safety rules at work are essential. That’s all the more important when it comes to welding safety. Accidents can spring up if you aren’t careful enough. If you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to boost safety on-site, here are a few reminders to help you out:
Quality Arc Welding Equipment
Check the source of power before you proceed to anything else. Make sure the electrical connections are tight as well as excellently made. Check if there’s enough amperage when you turn on the generator or disconnect switch. The detaching plus also need to be within easy access on smaller equipment. Also, whatever machines or tools you use, they have to meet the standards and requirements stated in the law.
Consult Operations Manual
Always check the manual to know what the right current for your operations is. If there’s too much, this can cause inferior welds, making overloads a common problem in a range of welding applications.
Check the Cables
One of the things on your safety checklist you shouldn’t ever skip is checking out the cables. Here are a number of things you should keep in mind:
- High quality welding cables are well insulated and should provide you with enough give for the job. It should be large enough to handle the load as well.
- Put on only as much as your cables can hold. Overloading can seriously compromise insulation and can eventually lead to shock or cause a fire, says The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
- Regularly inspect your cables for wear and tear. This helps you be on the lookout for signs that your cables are starting to go.
- Do repairs the minute you see frayed portions. That or buy new ones. When damage is particularly extensive, it’s best not to compromise your safety by investing in replacements instead of repairs.
- Keep the cables out of water and oil as well as ditches. Don’t leave them at the bottom of a tank either. Prolonged exposure to moisture could hasten the wear and tear on your cables.
- Ensure the cables don’t get abraded or dragged around in construction sites. This can also inflict damage on your cables. Keep them out of the path of workers as well as trucks. Suspend the cables if you have to, just make sure they don’t get trampled on.
Conclusion
So know your safety rules, along with how to take proper care of your cables and equipment. That’s one way to ensure your safety and protection.