Welding Tank Safety

If users of welding tanks and other welding equipment fail to prepare adequately, they may be prone to various injuries and may even be putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. Welders and companies must make sure to use the right protective equipment, employ correct working practices and know the appropriate emergency response procedures as well.

  1. Welding Tanks

    • In welding, separate pieces of thermoplastic or metal are joined. These pieces are first melted using energy from various sources, such as lasers, gas jets or electricity. After melting, they are then joined using other pieces of metal, powders or wires as fillers to form strong joints. In tank welding, compressed and liquefied gas stored in pressurized tanks serves as the energy source. Compressed gases such as acetylene are very flammable. In addition, exposed welding gas jets are very dangerous and must be used with extreme caution. For these reasons, welders must strictly comply with established safety principles.

    Health Hazards

    • According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), welding can be hazardous thanks to its innate health and safety risks. Welders can inhale metal fumes from chemicals such as magnesium oxide or zinc oxide, which can result in flu-like symptoms. Unprotected exposure to bright ultraviolet light can result in flash burns to the eyes. In addition, other areas of the body may also suffer from burns of varying severity if exposed to welding spatter or to the welding gas jet.

    Protective Equipment

    • OSHA recommends the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to increase welding metal safety. Helmets and safety visors have to be worn to protect the head and face. Properly fitting woolen long-sleeved shirts, long pants, thick gloves, flameproof aprons and sturdy shoes must be worn to guard against spatter and heat. On the institutional level, companies need to run PPE programs to determine the safety needs of employees, provide them with the requisite personal equipment, train them in its proper use and monitor effectiveness of said equipment.

    Correct Work Practices

    • OSHA also advocates strict compliance with welding safety procedures. For example, all equipment must be minutely inspected before and after use. Equipment that is damaged must be replaced immediately, and must also be kept free of oil and grease, as these substances are flammable. Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible in case of fires. Compressed gas cylinders must be stored properly, moved with extreme care and used judiciously. Welding site ventilation must be sufficient to dispel any gas leaks.

    Emergency Response Procedures

    • Emergency response procedures exist to minimize and contain damage. In case of any incidents, all efforts should be made to put out welding jets before they can aggravate said incidents or cause other problems. Welding fires must be contained and put out as rapidly as possible. Injured personnel should immediately be distanced from the welding area and treated at appropriate facilities.