Welders play an important role in the building and construction industries. However, the job of a welder comes with inherent hazards, including exposure to fumes and gases, electric shock, fire, and explosions. Fortunately, these risks can be minimized by following correct safety procedures in the metal shop.

Here are the steps welders must take to remain safe on the job:

• Follow the Manual: Before any work begins, welders should know the capabilities of the work equipment and read the operation manual. They need to follow the recommended safety guidelines and make sure their colleagues in the metal shop are familiar with the manual’s contents.
• Wear Safety Gear: When working on a project, welders should suit up in long-sleeve shirts and pants made of tightly woven material like denim to cover their arms and legs from sparks. Their hands should also be covered with a pair of ergonomic heavy-duty gloves. For added safety, flame-resistant clothing is ideal. High-top leather boots offer the best foot protection from sparks and corrosive material on the floor of the metal shop. Additionally, it’s crucial for them to wear a helmet, preferably with an auto-darkening lens to protect their heads and shield their eyes from the harmful UV light of the welding torch.
• Stay Organized: Professional welders must keep clutter-free workspaces, whether it’s at the metal shop or on a job site. All their equipment should be correctly labeled and placed in a designated storage area when they are not in use. They should also be familiar with the layout of their work environment and know where exits and the fire extinguishers are located in the event of an emergency.

Following proper safety standards keeps welders and their clients from injury and prevents project delays and poor-quality workmanship. The team at Nadler Welding & Repair Shop in Wentzville, MO, follows all the correct procedures when carrying out a job. You can trust this metal shop to take care of your welding and metal fabrication needs, including mobile, cast, and aluminum welding. Call (636) 327-4404 or visit their website to learn more.