Welding Safety Toolbox Talk
Use this welding safety toolbox talk for information to help carry out welding activities safely in the workplace. Safe welding operations reduce the risk of minor and major accidents and injuries. You can also learn more about TBTs and view and download 60+ others covering many more topics. Simply head over to our online toolbox talks library.
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Introduction
Welding is a multi-risk operation to both operatives and others in the vicinity that must be strictly controlled.
Main points
- Only trained operatives can undertake welding operations.
- Welding operations will always require the wearing of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Fire is an ever present risk when welding and suitable precautions must be taken.
Discussion points
- Infrared rays, visible light rays, and ultraviolet radiation are hazardous to the eyes and skin. Wear suitable skin and eye protection (basic eye protection will always be required, and normally filter protection will be required).
- Consider the risks to other employees and provide suitable protection/procedures such as confining welding to specific areas and the use of welding screens.
- Wear suitable clothing that covers bare skin and is flame resistant.
- Welding and cutting produces fumes and gases that can harm the respiratory system (some fumes from lead or toxic coated materials can also affect the rest of the body) – wear filtered respirators for low-volume work. Permanent welding locations should have local exhaust ventilation fitted.
- Have CO2 or dry powder fire extinguishers at hand, and check areas where welding operations have been undertaken at least 30 minutes after work has been completed for any residual fire risks.
- Compressed gas cylinders pose a fire and explosive risk. They must be secured as soon as delivered to site this should be by the use of trolley and securing chain or a cage.
- Ensure only the minimum number of cylinders are stored on-site as required. Ensure they’re stored upright, flash back arrestors are fitted at cylinder gauge ends, and non-return valves at inlets to the blowpipe. Ensure valves are closed prior to moving.
- Ensure that bottles/pipes are left safe while unattended, and keep the key with you.
- The primary risk from electric arc welding is electric shock – check insulation, earthing, equipment condition, and protective devices.
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