Title: Discuss important safety considerations related to the welding environment prior to welding.
Course: Agricultural Fabrication and Emerging Technologies (18404) > Section: Performing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Operations

Discussion should include

- keeping the welding environment free from flammable materials
- keeping a fire extinguisher accessible to your welding environment
- ensuring a qualified person install and operate this equipment
- ensuring the welding area is clean, dry and ventilated
- ensuring one never operates the welder in humid, wet, or poorly ventilated area
- ensuring the welder has been maintained by a qualified technician in accordance with local, state and national codes
- being aware of the work environment to ensure others are away from the welding area while welding
- keeping harmful arc rays shielded from the view of others
- mounting the welder on a secure bench or cart that will keep the welder secure and prevent it from tipping over or falling
- checking ground cable, power cord and welding cable to be sure the insulation is not damaged
- replacing or ensuring damaged components are replaced prior to using the welder
- checking all components to ensure they are clean and in good operating condition prior to use.

Source: Home Depot (https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/8c/8ce6a30b-0569-4387-bf07-d2d95cb38205.pdf)

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to follow the instructions in a welding manual?
- Why is it important to keep the welder in the off position when not in use?
- Why should one connect the ground lead as close to the area being welded as possible to ensure a good ground?
- Why should one prevent body contact with the welding wire, if one is in contact with the material being welded, ground or electrode from another welder?
- Why should one not weld if in an awkward position?
- Why should one always have a secure stance while welding to prevent accidents?
- What is the importance of wearing a safety harness if working above ground?
- Why should one never drape cables over or around one’s body?
- What is the importance of wearing a full coverage helmet with appropriate shade (see ANSI Z87.1 safety standard) and safety glasses while welding?
- How does wearing the proper gloves and protective clothing help prevent one’s skin from being exposed to hot metals, UV and IR rays?
- Why is it important to not overuse or overheat your welder and allow proper cooling time between duty cycles?
- Why should one keep one’s hands and fingers away from moving parts and stay away from the drive rolls?
- Why should one never point the torch at any body part of yourself or anyone else?
- Why should one always use the welder in the rated duty cycle to prevent excessive heat and failure?