Safe Practices:

In case of welding or thermal cutting it is significant for the operator to take sure precautions to ignore untoward incidences. Some of them are listed below

Use a Mask

Generally wear a filter mask for fumes and dust, and a supplied-oxygen mask for gases where you might run out of air. Remember that a filter mask or a gas mask is not a supplied-oxygen mask. The filter mask stops particles down to a definite size, based upon the filter. The gas mask adsorbs gases. It does not supply oxygen if you run out while working inside an enclosed tank or in excavation or sewer. Only a mask along a tank of air or a long breathing air supply line is secure when the oxygen in the work area is decreased. Most work in plants would not involve flame-cutting coated steels. But the security director will be happy to provide the right mask for your work if you ever require it.

Ø  If you have doubts regarding cutting any material with which you are not familiar, discover first or do not do it at all. Mostly time you will be cutting familiar materials. This is not right to think that you will run into these flame-cutting risks every day, but you know about them for those rare instances while you may have a problem.

Ø  Fumes are a potential health hazard. When the procedure is used in semi-enclosed or enclosed area, exhaust ventilation must be provided and the operator must be equipped with a respirator. Noise from the operation might exceed safe levels in some circumstances. While necessary, ear protection must be utilized by the operator. Fire is another potential hazard and combustible materials must be cleared away from the cutting area for a distance of at least 10 m.

Ø  Suitable protective clothing and equipment for a cutting operation shall vary with the nature and location of the work to be carried out. Some or all of the following might be needed:

1. Tinted goggles or face shields having filter lens

2. Flame resistant gloves

3. Safety glasses

4. Flame resistant jackets, hoods, coats, aprons, etc.

5. Leggings and spats

6. Hard hats

7. Safety shoes

8. Supplemental breathing equipment

9. Flame extinguishing protective equipment

10. Other safety equipment