Tips For Creating A Safe Welding Environment In Your Factory

If your factory is like many, welding might be a necessary part of your day-to-day processing. As you probably already know, however, welding can be quite dangerous for those who don't know how to do it properly or for those who don't have the right equipment. Luckily, following these tips will allow you to create a safe and effective welding environment in your factory.

Create a Dedicated Welding Area

Don't allow or encourage welding in open areas of your factory where other workers might come in contact with it. This is because even those who are reasonably far away from the welding equipment can still end up with damage to their eyes if they aren't wearing the proper eye protection. Instead, create a dedicated welding area that isn't within view of other work areas in your factory.

Keep Water and Chemicals at a Safe Distance

Keep water sources and flammable materials, such as chemicals, oil and gas, out of the welding area. Water obviously conducts electricity, and the fumes from flammable materials can also catch fire in a welding area. It's best for dedicated welding areas to be on flat surfaces that are away from these substances.

Maintain a Clutter-Free Welding Area

There is no room for clutter in a welding area. Hoses and debris can cause tripping hazards, which can be extremely dangerous when one of your employees are handling welding equipment. Install shelving and hooks on the walls in the welding area so that these things can be kept off of the floor.

Provide Ample Ventilation

The fumes from welding equipment can be harmful, so make sure that you offer ample ventilation in your welding area. This can be achieved with opened windows or with extra-large, industrial-quality box fans that will help stir the air around.

Keep Safety Equipment Close at Hand

Keep extras of all of the necessary safety equipment -- including gloves and face shields -- close at hand at all times. Then, welders will have all of the equipment that they need close by if they misplace their existing equipment or if someone comes along to help them with a project.

Welding might be a necessity at your factory, but it can be hazardous for your employees. Luckily, following these steps will help you provide a safe welding environment in your factory so that this important job can be done without the risk of any harm. Consider contacting metal fabrication shops, such as Moorhead Machinery & Boiler Co., for more safety tips.