SAFETY TALK

Welding
Welding is a process, in which two parts of the same or different metals
are joined by causing the edges to melt and unite while molten without
the aid of hammer or compression. When cool, the parts form one piece
of metal.

SAFETY MEASURES FOR WELDING ACTIVITY

o Double earthing should be provided to welding machine.

o Terminals of the welding cables should be provided with lugs and
kept tight.
o Cables should be free from joints at least for a length of three meters
from electrode holder to avoid electrical hazards.
o Other electrical cables & gas cutting hoses should not be laid with
welding cables to avoid insulation damage and fire.
o Never change electrode with bare hands or wet gloves.
o Fixing return lead on bottom of steel structures and welding at
elevation should be strictly prohibited.
o Welding machine should be kept within the visibility of the welders.
o Welding bits should not be allowed to drop from height. Suitable box
should be provided to keep the hot welding bits and should be lowered
down on daily basis.
o Molten slag should not be allowed to fall down. Suitable protections
like fire blanket /G.I. sheet etc should be used to arrest the falling slag.
o Hot work permit should be used for the welding jobs.
o Fire extinguisher should be kept near the welding spot.
o Welding area should be free of combustible materials such as wood,
paper, textiles, plastics, chemicals and flammable liquids and gases.
o Personal Protective Equipments like welding screen, leather apron,
hand gloves, dust mask, hand sleeves & leg sleeves should be used
along with the safety helmet and safety shoes. Full body safety
harness should be used for welding at height.
o Uniform of polyester or other synthetic fibers should not be used
while doing welding job because it may melt and cause severe burns
if struck by welding sparks.
o Never perform welding on barrels, tanks, pipes or other vessels that
may have contained combustible or unknown materials without
clearance from concerned department.
 o UV radiation from welding can cause arc eyes (Inflammation of the
cornea), Infrared radiation may damage the cornea and results in
cataracts. Intense light can cause damage to retina.
o Welding fumes may cause chronic respiratory problems including
bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, pneumoconiosis, decreased lung
capacity & silicosis.

Prepared by: HSSE Department Date : 10.11.2016