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B112
USA
5230 Posts |
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oldron
USA
2732 Posts |
 Posted - 01/24/2009 : 10:41:32
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I don't weld much so don't put a lot of weight in what I say.I have been flashed when switching from stick to wire feed duh.I have been "sunburned"welding in a tee shirt duh and burned with flying hot metal.Welding is only as safe as the person.
Ron |
 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!' |
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Roy
USA
1366 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2009 : 10:46:23
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There is always the possibility of being exposed to an arc flash which is not good for the eyes. There is potential to burn your eyes even if not looking directly at the arc. As with electricity and many other tools one must be very careful all the time.
Best thing I've found for arc welding are the automatic welding helmets that go dark the instant the arc is struck. Casual welders are not subject to the hazards of long term exposure that professional welders are.
Bottom line, what you were told is partially true but not as catastrophic as they said else many welders would have impaired vision or be blind.
My take on the subject. |
Roy
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simplelife
USA
1385 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2009 : 10:54:19
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As one who always has to lift the hood to get the stick lined up with it's intended target,  I can say it is probably true. A good helmet and lens will help a great deal in safety and I don't feel your damage will be any more than driving off into the sunset.  With a wire welder I can line up the target, drop the hood, and pull the trigger. Auto darkening lenses have been argued to not change fast enough to completely protect that initial flash.
For an occasional welder, unless you don't use the hood properly, I feel there will be little damage. Like Ron said, wear protective gear. Make sure your boots or shoes are covered so a spark or slag cannot fall into them. Same with gloves, and fasten the top button on your shirt.
Above all don't bend over in plumber fashion in front of someone who is welding!  |
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skunkhome
USA
12827 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2009 : 13:45:05
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quote:
Above all don't bend over in plumber fashion in front of someone who is welding!
The mental image is hilarious! ROFLMHO |
  Phil
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty."
Benjamin Franklin |
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Richard L.
USA
483 Posts |
Posted - 01/24/2009 : 16:20:39
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| One of my first jobs out of high school was working at a welding shop that did about everything. On occasions there'd be the time I'd be walking by a welder and his welding would be going on and I'd get the bright flashes. This happened more than once and one night my eyes felt like I had sand in them which is kind of common when you are working in that environment. It was tough to get over but the next day I was fine. I did that job for at least a couple years and don't recall anybody out of that bunch I worked with ever going blind. I've been a mechanic now for close to 40 years and have had tons of experience welding and never had any problem since that time. Mind you, you have to be extra careful but it's not as bad as some would have you think. |
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JoeJ
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2009 : 09:34:10
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What every one said,,,,,,,BUT!!!!!
Another thing to be VERY CAREFUL of is breathing the fumes !!
ALWAYS remember to have more ventilation than you figure you need.
Oh yea, I tried one of the sissy auto helmets once and didn't like it!! *LOL*
BTW, this is from 30+ years as a welder/fabricator |
 ....JoeJ |
Edited by - JoeJ on 01/25/2009 09:35:31 |
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B112
USA
5230 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2009 : 10:45:13
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Thank you for the advise guys, you're helped me choose to continue my desire to do some welding and I'll definitely play it safe. My jobs require good eyes, so I need to be careful. Also, thanks JoeJ for pointing out the fresh air requirements.
Well back to some paperwork over here. Have a good day. |
Michael |
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Roy
USA
1366 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2009 : 18:11:05
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"Oh yea, I tried one of the sissy auto helmets once and didn't like it!! *LOL*"
Joe,
I love my auto-darkening helmet. Want to see the lace on my shorts.  |
Roy
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olcowhand
USA
5115 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2009 : 19:33:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Roy
"Oh yea, I tried one of the sissy auto helmets once and didn't like it!! *LOL*"
Joe,
I love my auto-darkening helmet. Want to see the lace on my shorts.
Yeah, pretty much everyone loves auto helmets EXCEPT JoeJ! He's just stubborn to change! I would likely be the same about the helmets if I used the old style as much as Joe has.
I've had "welder flash" once, and believe you me....once is enough to teach you NEVER to let it happen again! They say if you think you caught too many flashes, grind up a raw potato & place the mash on your eyes for a bit. The starch is supposed to draw something out. Hey JoeJ, any truth in that? |
Daniel in Ky -- So much to do, so little time!
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JoeJ
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2009 : 09:34:54
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yup,,,,damp tea bags will help to.
BUT,,,I don't think it was the starch,,,,I got it in my head it was an acid that was common between the two.
BTW,,,the dark glasses were for ice fish'n,,,NOT weld flash |
....JoeJ |
Edited by - JoeJ on 01/26/2009 09:35:58 |
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andrewk
USA
180 Posts |
Posted - 01/26/2009 : 20:46:27
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When I worked for Al he taught me the basics of welding, and had me read a really good book on metallurgy. I think that by learning exactly what was happening, I had an easier go at it when I started trying it myself. To this day I can't torch weld worth a darn (Al sure can though) but I know the science behind it, LOL.
The best safety is a good helmet, and plenty of ventilation. Get a leather apron, and a long sleeved shirt-
If there is a class at a local community college, it might be worth your time and money to take, depending on how you learn. |
You know the nearer your destination, the more you're slip slidin' away...
--Andy
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Leroy
USA
413 Posts |
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ozzman232001
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2009 : 17:36:45
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| i do some wealding here n there, they tought us how in school. I use stick and mig. One thing i was told and im not sure if its true or not is if you are wearing contacts and u stare at the bright arc they "could" melt in your eyes. Other then then just common sense, i have to look to make sure im in the right place before i start to weld then once it arcs i put the shield down, so unless you stare at the arc and not shield your eyes it would have an efect on your sight. |
for free fun and wast of time go to http://ozzman232001.evony.com/ |
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Welding Safety
