Like all types of welding, MIG welding brings with it unique hazards and dangers to be aware of. Here are some of the common dangers when MIG welding and how to keep yourself safer.
MIG welders are notorious for the extremely bright light of their arc. Wearing protective eyewear and a welder's cap is essential to protect yourself from "arc eye". Arc eye occurs when the cornea and in extreme cases the retina of your eyeball is burned by the light causing pain, inflammation, and in some instances blindness. Part of the danger of arc eye is that it's not just caused by looking at the light from your equipment. The reflecting glare of a welding light is sometimes enough to cause damage to your eyesight, which is why a welder's cap is necessary.
Part of the reason the light from a MIG welder is so bright is due to the ultraviolet (UV) rays that a MIG uses. Without proper protective clothing, it is actually possible to get a severe sunburn from welding equipment. Long sleeved protective clothing, as well as the aforementioned eyewear, will protect you from the UV rays a MIG welder puts out. Welding shields can protect bystanders from UV radiation as well as keep individuals out of your workspace.
Welder's who come down with flu-like symptoms may not be suffering from a virus but may instead have heavy metal poisoning from exposure through welding. MIG welders give off ozone and chromium, both of which are extremely dangerous and can build up in a room. Exhaust fans, proper ventilation, and vapor masks are all indispensable steps a welder must take to keep himself protected from the toxins he works with.
As with any variety of welding tools, MIG welders create sparks which encourage a greater risk of fire and explosions. Keeping the area you are working in clear of all flammable objects and debris is crucial to preventing a fire. A bucket of sand or a dry chemical fire extinguisher should always be nearby in case of emergency. Explosions are a common danger in the welding profession. Just recently a welding supply shop in Philadelphia was severely damaged and several people were injured after a series of explosions .
Author Resource:-
Ray Subs is a public relations expert who is working with Baker's Safety. More information about Baker's Safety can be found at
Baker's Safety
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