Page 149 - Quick Guide to Welding and Weld Inspection by S.E. Hughes, Clifford Matthews

Health and Safety

(PUWER), which covers tools and equipment used in the
workplace.
Hand tools and grinding machines
Hand tools must be kept in a safe and serviceable condition
and only used by persons trained to use them correctly.
Portable cutting and grinding equipment should have the
correct disc fitted for cutting or grinding suitable for the
material in use. Fixed grinding machines should only have
their wheels changed by a suitably qualified and approved
person and must always be used in a safe and correct manner.
Other precautions before welding starts
. Ensure persons in the area are shielded from welding arcs
(use screens).
. Give a warning to persons in close proximity before
striking an arc.
. Do not arc weld close to degreasing baths as UV
decomposes the vapour into a toxic gas.
. Ensure firefighting equipment is in good order and close to
hand.
. Ensure fire sentries (if required) are briefed and in
position.

Causes of accidents
Accidents do not just happen but are usually attributable to
one of the following:

. Poor communication (by the spoken or written word).
. Unfamiliarity (with the equipment, workplace or working
practices).
. Just doing something wrong (because you haven’t checked
if it’s ok to do it).
. Complacency (you reckon it will be fine – but based on
what?).
Do not leave things to chance. If in doubt – check it out.

133

Woodhead Publishing Ltd – A Quick Guide to Welding and Weld Inspection
Data Standards Ltd, Frome, Somerset – 17/9/200909QG Welding chap9.3d Page 133 of 134