Welding is a satisfying and lucrative career, especially in the shipyard industry. However, welders must also be safety experts. When working with fire and electricity, often in small spaces or surrounded by water, you need to understand the most basic safety tips. Here is a guide that can act as reinforcement as you prepare for your next welding job.
1. Wear the Right Clothes
It sounds like hyperbole, but the energy you’re working with when welding can reach extreme temperatures that can burn after just a second of exposure. Always wear the right clothes when welding.
- A welding helmet
- Safety glasses
- Leather gloves designed for welding
- Fire-retardant clothes with long sleeves or a leather welding jacket
- Cotton or fire-retardant pants
- Leather boots high enough to tuck in your pants
2. Inspect Your Equipment
Before you start, always inspect your equipment. Any problems with your welding equipment could be catastrophic, no matter how small. Look at the welding gun to ensure everything is in good repair and operational before starting the job.
3. Follow Safety Guidelines
Always follow the required safety guidelines established by your company and OSHA. Especially in shipyards where you could be in enclosed spaces or working around water, you want to remain safe at all times when welding.
4. Don’t Allow Yourself to Get Careless
It’s easy to become comfortable when you’ve been welding for a long time. But even short exposure can leave you injured. It can feel like the right thing to avoid all the safety gear when it’s hot in the summer, but you may pay too high a price.
Are you looking for your next welding position?
Contact the recruiters at Hutco to see what we’re working on today.
