While welding is a staple part of several industrial processes, it’s not something you should take lightly. After all, working with high-temperature arcs presents a unique set of dangers. Thus, there are specific precautions to keep workers safe. No one wants to get injured on their job. With that reasoning in mind, these are some safety precautions to consider as a welder to keep you safe on your next big project.

Many people are unaware of everything that goes on at the point of contact during a weld. There are several threats to the body that come to mind. Some of them consist of heat, infrared radiation, and electrical shocks. The issue is that many welding methods require the hands to be near that high-risk zone. Wearing welding gloves helps prevent injuries.

When it comes to keeping yourself safe, it’s important to be aware of the grounding status of your equipment. Going into a workplace and grounding your arc welder without keeping track of the power source specifications comes with a risk. In the worst-case scenario, a fire can start due to an electrical failure. It’s a good idea to work with onsite electricians to ensure the work area is safe for operation.

When certain chemicals and metals burn, they create toxic fumes in the human lungs. Regardless of your job, you must be aware of the ventilation in your surroundings. Additionally, having a good mask to filter any harmful particles in the air makes breathing easier while on the job. Welding helmets have come a long way, but if yours lacks an air filtration system, you should prioritize getting one with that feature.

One of the most important things about welding is ensuring the job doesn’t negatively affect your physical health. While younger workers are more likely to forego some basic safety measures, they are the most likely to suffer aftereffects in the future. Knowing about these safety precautions to consider as a welder helps keep you safe and lowers the risk of any adverse effects from your job.