Custom Metal Fabrication Safety Precautions and Tips
Metal fabrication is an integral part of many different industries with custom metal fabrication serving an even more niche role yet still widely important. It is a process that involves the use of raw materials to create structures and components. However, your metal fabrication workshop can be a dangerous job because it can sometimes require your employees to engage in high-risk activities.
Custom Metal Fabrication Dangers
Some of these dangerous activities may lead to:
- Cuts
Cuts are some of the most common injuries in the metal fabrication industry. Arm injuries can occur during any of the processes found in metal fabrication processes.
For instance, the edges of sheet metal are often razor-sharp. A hand tool can also be a source of injury in metal fabrication processes. Excessive tool handling or repetition and poor equipment maintenance can also lead to hand injuries.
- Burns and Lacerations
Many metal fabrication burns are caused by hot substances or fire touching the skin. Metal fabrication exposes your workers to intense heat, making burn injuries common. These welding injuries are also known as arc eye or flash burns. The welding arc emits extremely concentrated rays.
One of the common and well-known metal fabrication related injuries is the flash burn. A flash burn can be caused by exposure to a welder’s arc or even a desk lamp. Your welder can also come into contact with toxic chemicals while performing his work.
Safety Precautions and Tips
Here are a handful of metal fabrication safety tips from the experts to reduce the potential for injury or disease.
- Wear Heavy-duty Gloves
Heavy-duty gloves have a three-layer design focused on increased burn protection, heat resistance, and comfort. The ideal gloves provide a balance of durability, dexterity, abrasion resistance, and comfort. Heavy-duty gloves can only protect you while they’re on your hands.
General-purpose welding gloves are made of resistant split cowhide, which provides exceptional durability and abrasion protection. These gloves should be used by any person involved in either light-duty or heavy-duty welding works.
- Wear a Respirator or Dust Mask
Dust masks will protect your mouth and nose from droplets and dust. It is well suited for maintenance welding operations, torch cutting, and brazing.
On the other hand, a respirator includes a facepiece or mask, and a filter/cartridge. A respirator can be worn for comfort against non-toxic nuisance dust. The use of any respirator, including a dust mask, is mandatory in any metal fabrication workshop. However, if you wear a mask long enough, it can damage the lungs.
- Sufficient Training
It is your responsibility to train your employees to work safely. Metal fabrication safety courses such as welding safety rules and tips are specific to each metal fabrication company. The training provides a high-level overview of the most common types of metal fabrication injuries. Other safety programs cover the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) requirements and environmental safety.
Your employees need to be trained to follow safe fabrication procedures. These welding safety courses will help keep your employees safe. Your employees should also know how to read and follow the safety labels and safety precautions.
- Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire prevention and safety are a must when using metal fabrication equipment. First, you have to train your staff in the use of fire extinguishers. It would be best if you also kept a suitable Class ABC fire extinguisher nearby while welding. Type A fire extinguishers are used for combustible solids such as wood. For magnesium fires, it is best to use a Class D fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher(s) must be located so that it is easily accessible for use. It must also be tested annually. You should also have the extinguisher replaced or repaired if you find any damage.
Be Safe
Metal fabrication safety is obligatory, not an option. Follow all the instructions and metal safety tips to avoid any hazards. ProfusionUSA exercises the utmost safe practices with all their projects to guarantee a successful job as well as a safe one.
