Metal Shop Safety

MIG Welding:

Safety Precautions for MIG Welding:

1. Do not operate MIG welder without instructor / studio technician approval. They will help you to adjust the voltage, gas, and wire speed setting correctly for the piece that you are welding on.
2. Wear appropriate protective clothing, including safety glasses under welding helmet.
   
3. MIG welding uses electricity. Avoid electric shock by checking cables for damage and wear, do not touch or come in contact with “live” connections.
   
4. Make sure that your work area is clean, that any combustibles have been removed, and that the welding shields are placed properly.
   
5. Make sure exhaust system is running and that the exhaust hood is placed close to weld area.
   
6. Make sure to have a clean ground connection. Make sure ground clamp is clamped metal to metal on work piece or table. Remove any rust, paint, oils, etc from ground area before connecting ground clamp.
   
7. Weld only on clean work piece. Remove any rust, paint, oils, etc from weld area before welding.
   
8. Do not remove gloves or touch work piece until metal has been quenched and has had time to cool.
   
9. Weld only uncoated untreated steels. Absolutely no galvanized metals allowed.

MIG Welding: Tips:

1. Create a procedure for yourself. Place welding gun, tools, etc in the same place each time you weld.
   
2. Hold welding gun tip approximately 1 / 4 in away from metal at a 45-degree angle. Pull trigger and make small circular movements with tip. Keep welding gun tip clean to allow shielding gas to flow properly.
   
3. Pay attention to your rate of speed and movement when welding. Practice is the only way to get a feel for the proper angle, distance, and speed.
   
4. When finished check area for any smoldering metals or debris. Clean up area and machine when finished. Turn off cylinder and bleed line. Return all clothing and helmets to proper place.