If your business depends upon arc welding, put together an arc flash protection list for safety, posting it around your work station and regularly inspecting your safety equipment. It's vital that you keep your team of welders protected from unnecessary dangers associated with arc welding, and you can find arc flash protection information readily through workplace safety resources.
Because arc welding produces ultraviolet light at intensity that burns at approximately 9,000 degrees, you should provide employees with full body ark flash protection. This includes coveralls and Number 10 shade welding helmets. There are three main considerations you should look at when considering the safety of you and your employees:
1. Properly fitting, flame resistant clothing is essential for arc flash protection.
2. Having a well-designed work station greatly reduces the risk of injury due to arc flash.
3. Your eyes need the most attention when it comes to arc flash protection. Make sure your welding helmets are in good repair.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get the right clothing for arc flash protection
Polyester probably shouldn't have made it out of the 1970s, and it definitely has no place near a welding apparatus. Many synthetic materials will melt painfully to your skin when exposed to an arc flash. Instead, make sure your coveralls and other work clothing are made from some combination of cotton or leather.
I recommend: Salisbury has an online catalog of welding jackets, pants, overalls and shirts that provide ark flash protection. All of these come in bright orange for increased visibility and safety.
Grainger has a slightly more extensive catalog, also offering hoods and storage bags in several colors.
A Plus Electrical Safety Equipment also offers quality arc flash protection clothing.
Find arc flash protection experts or a professional arc flash protection provider
When you're operating arc welders with any degree of regularity, you're placing a huge strain on your wiring system. This may create dangerous electricity fluctuations. While it may not be feasible to completely rewire your building, you can work with the existing electrical components to install a safe system.
I recommend: Eaton Arc Flash Electrical Safety is an arc flash protection provider that can help redesign your shop to maximize safety. They also offer training sessions and hazard analysis for your company.
ESA has an extensive collection of tutorials and training videos designed to reduce arc flash injuries due to human error.
Find arc flash protection for your eyes
Intense ultraviolet energy from an arc flash can instantly sunburn your eyeballs. Apart from being painful, repeated exposure to arc flash can permanently damage your vision. The best protection is either a number 10 shade lens or a self-darkening lens. Either way, you need to provide yourself and your employees with adequate eye protection.
I recommend: Arc-Zone includes several models of welding helmets to choose from, all with appropriate lens shades.
Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. offers several levels of helmet and lens shade to choose from, depending on your business needs.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Knowledge and diligence are the best ways to prevent against any sort of industrial accident. Schedule regular training sessions that focus on arc flash protection, preventing arc flash injuries.
The official source of Arc Flash Protection is the Arc Flash Protection page at Business.com
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