Basic Safety Rules for MIG Welding

Safety is an integral component of MIG welding procedures. MIG, metal inert gas, welding is a method of joining two pieces of metal using heat and electricity. This process requires strong electrical current, ultraviolet light and high temperatures that create health hazards to the operator and others in the work area. Those who engage in MIG welding must integrate basic welding safety rules into their work procedures at all times.

Welding Machine Safety

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Keep welding machines dry and properly grounded. Ensure that the power source is appropriate for the welding machine. Unplug the MIG welding machine before opening the cover plate to examine or adjust interior parts. Capacitors store enough energy to generate shocks even in unplugged welding machines, according to MillerWeld writer Marty Rice. Always check cables and other connections for frayed wires or improper insulation and replace faulty cables immediately.

Shielding Gas Tank Safety

Ensure that gas tanks are clearly labeled. Keep tanks for shielding gas properly chained at all times. Do not use or store tanks near furnace areas or where there is a risk of open flames. Close the valve whenever the gas is not in use. When moving tanks, secure them firmly in position so there is no rolling. Keep the cover cap on tanks when transporting them. Protect the tanks from impact when loading or unloading. Move only one cylinder at a time, according to the Oklahoma State University EHS Safety Training site.

Work Area Safety

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Keep the work area clean and free of debris and flammable materials. Remove and store paints, solvents and other hazardous materials that could ignite from welding sparks. Ensure there is proper ventilation to remove hazardous welding fumes. Ensure the area is completely dry, with no puddles or standing water. Lay a rubber mat on the floor of the work area to insulate the area from electrical shocks.

Operator Safety
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Wear clothing that covers the operator's neck, arms, hands, legs and feet to protect from heat and welding sparks. The welding helmet is the operator's most important piece of equipment. Ensure the helmet opens and closes freely, with the correct amount of darkening on the lens. Use a fan or hood to remove hazardous welding fumes from the area when welding. Wear the proper respiratory mask to protect lungs from fumes and particulate matter that occurs during the welding process.

MIG Welding Hazards

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Painful burns can occur from eye exposure to the welding arc light. Protect eyes at all times when using welding equipment. See a physician immediately if eye burns occur. Welding fumes contain oxides of iron, nickel, zinc, manganese and chromium. Exposure to these compounds can cause dizziness, nausea, muscle pains and flu-like symptom. Long-term exposure to welding fumes is associated with lung cancer and a Parkinson'slike disease called manganism. Use respiratory protection when MIG welding and keep other people out of the welding area.

How to Stay Safe While MIG Welding

By an eHow Contributor

Stay Safe While MIG Welding MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas. MIG welding is one of the easiest forms of welding to learn. Nevertheless, much harm can result if the proper safety equipment isn't used. The following precautions will help you stay safe while MIG welding and get the most out of your welding experience.

Things You'll Need

Fireproof overalls Safety gloves Hand shield

Instructions
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1 Wear fireproof overalls. The light resulting from MIG welding is ultraviolet and can cause sunburn and skin cancer. Fireproof overalls also protect you from hot sparks and molten metal.

2 Buy safety gloves. They'll protect your hands from hot metal and the ultraviolet light.

3 Invest in a hand shield with darkened glass and a safety screen. This is the most important piece of safety equipment you can have. MIG welding produces strong light which can damage your cornea if you look directly at an arc weld just for a split second. Reflected light can also cause arc eye (also known as welder's flash or flash burn) if you're exposed for a length of time.

4 Use proper ventilation. MIG welding produces hazardous metal vapors, which can result in heavy metal poisoning. Remove coating from galvanized steel before you start welding. Wear a charcoal welding mask if you go near metal with zinc coating.

5 Keep a fire extinguisher near your work area. Welding sparks can start a fire if there are any papers or flammables nearby. A bucket of sand is a good alternative.

6 Consider buying a pair of high leather work boots. Boots will protect your feet if any sparks or hot molten metal should fall on your feet. Tennis shoes are not a good idea to wear while welding as they can catch on fire.

Tips & Warnings

Do not look directly at an arc weld. The ultraviolet light can flash burn your cornea and result in severe pain and damage. If someone else is welding nearby, protect yourself or walk away, as reflective light can produce the same result.