metal works

1. Applying Safety
Practices

2. Types of Workplace Hazards
1. Physical
- Hazards due to a transfer of
energy between an object and
a worker (e.g., falling from a
height, a burn from a hot oven,
the loss of a finger while
Operating a machine, loss of
hearing from noisy machinery.)
2. Chemical
- Hazards due to contact
with chemicals (e.g., cleaners,
pesticides, fertilizers)

3. 3. Biology
-hazards due to contact with living organisms or their by-
products (e.g., molds, bacteria, HIV, grain dust)
4. Ergonomic
- workplace conditions that stress and strain the body. They can
caused by the design of machinery, the use of tools, and the
way work is done (repetitive motion, stooping, etc).

4. Common Workplace Injuries
1. Falls
-most common types of workplace accidents are falls to the
same surface, and falls to below. The severity of injury from a
fall depends on the three factors:
• Velocity of an initial impact
• Magnitude of deceleration (due to hardness of the surface)
• Orientation of the body on impact
2. Impact
-resulting from being struck by and struck against objects may
cause serious accidents. The severity of injury from impacting
objects depends on three factors:
• Velocity of the impact
• Characteristics of the object (size, hardness, shape etc.)
• Body part impacted

5. 3. Mechanical
- Caused caught-in, caught out, and crush accidents that can
cut, crush, amputate, break bones, strain muscles, and even
cause asphyxiation.
4. Noise
- Exposure to excessive noise can result in hearing loss that not
only affects you but can impact on the people who live and
work with you.
5. Toxics
- At work, a material may be considered toxic if a small quantity
can cause injury, such as tissue damage, cancer, mutations. Its
important to consider the four (4) possible routes to entry of
toxic materials into the human body.
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Absorption
• Injection

6. 6. Heat and Temperature
- Overexposure to heat and temperature extremes may result in a
range of injuries from burns to frostbite. Heat is produced as a result
of chemical reaction, combustion, electrical current, mechanical
motion and metabolism. Heat is transferred by:
• Convection- heat is transferred by molecules moving through a fluid,
gas or liquid.
• Radiation- occurs when a body’s temperature is above absolute zero
• Conduction- heat is transferred through a substance or between
substances without physical movement of the substance itself.
7. Flammability/Fire-
- Fire may cause burn injuries. Flammable materials include:
Fuel solvent lubricants
Cleaning agents chemicals coatings
Refrigerants insecticides plastics
Hydraulic fluid vegetation fabrics
Wood/paper metals rubber

7. 8. Explosives
- Results of an explosion may range from minor injury to major
catastrophe. Explosives are used mostly by industry in
construction, mining, quarrying, and seismographic work.
9. Pressure Hazards
- High and low pressure conditions in the workplace can result
to injury. Standard atmospehric pressure is 14.7 pounds per
square inch (psi). Examples of pressure hazards include:
• Ruptured cylinders
• Whipping hoses and lines
• Water hammer
• Using compressed air for cleaning tools

8. 10. Electrical contact
- Exposure to electrical current may cause injury or death. The
voltage is not so important as is the amount of current. There
are five (5) principle categories of electrical hazards:
• Shock- electrical shock may be caused by bare conductors,
insulation failures, build up of static electricity, and faulty
electrical equipment.
• Ignition of combustible material- Ignition is usually caused by
a spark, arc, or corona effect (ionized gas allows a current
between conductors).
• Overheating- high current creates high heat that can result to
fires, equipment burnout and burns to employees.
• Electrical explosions- fast overheating of circuit breakers,
transformers, and other equipment may result in an
explosion.
• Accidental activation of equipment- unexpected start up of
equipment and machinery can injure and kill. That’s why
lockout/tag out procedures are important.

9. 11. Ergonomics
- Improper lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and twisting can cause
strains and sprains. Ergonomics hazards exist in:
• The worker- physical/mental capability, preexisting conditions, etc.
• The task- work that includes high force, repetition, frequency and
duration, and inappropriate posture, point of operation.
• The environment-noise, temperature, humidity, color, etc.
12. Biohazards
- People who work with animals, animal products or animal wastes
have a greater risk of infection. Biohazards agents include:
• Bacteria- simple, one-celled organisms that may or may not be
harmful
• Viruses- organisms that depend on a host cell for development or
reproduction.
• Fungi- may be small or large parasitic organisms growing in a living
or dead plant or animal matter.
• Rickettsia- rod-shaped microorganisms that are smaller than
bacteria and depend on a host for development or reproduction.
Microorganisms transitted by fleas, ticks, and lice.

10. 13. Workplace Violence
- Brought on by any violent act that occurs in the workplace which
creates a hostile work environment that affects employees’ physical
or psychological well-being. A risk factor is a condition or
circumstance that may increase the likelihood of violence occurring
in a particular setting. Risk factors include:
• Employee contact with the public
• Exchanging money
• Selling/dispensing alcohol or drugs
• Delivering passengers, goods, or services
• Mobile workplace (such as a taxicab)
• Exposure to unstable or volatile persons ( such as in health care,
social services)
• Employees working alone, late at night/early morning, or in small
numbers
• Employees working in high-crime areas
• Employees guarding valuable property or possessions
• Employees working in community settings
• Employees deciding on benefits, or in some otherway controlling a
person’s future, well-being, or freedom (such as those in a
government agency)

11. Hazards In Welding and How
to Avoid Them
Hazard #1. Electric shock from welding electrodes or wiring can kill
you
- Insulate yourself from electric shock. Use non-flaamable, protective
material like dry rubber mats, dry wood or plywood, or other
insulating materials board enough to cover your full area of contact
with the work or ground.
- -Do not touch electrode with bare hands. Do not wear wet or
damged gloves.
Hazard #2. Breathing welding fumes can be hazardous to your health
- Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not inhale the fumes. Use
enough ventilation, exhaust at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and
gases from your breathing zone and from the general area.
- -Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of any substance you
handle so that you can quickly identify the dangers it may present.

12. Hazard #3. Welding can cause fire or explosion
- Welding sparks can cause fire. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby,
and make sure there is a trained fire watcher ready to use it.
- Do not weld near flammable material.
Hazard #4. Arc rays can burn your eyes and skin
- Use welding helmet with correct filter shade. Wear a welders
cap and safety glasses with side shields.
- Use ear protection when welding out of position or in
confined spaces. Button your shirt collar.
- Always put on complete body protection.
Hazard #5. Confined spaces can be hazardous
-Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while
wearing an air-supplied respirator. Always have a trained or
experienced person nearby.

13. Hazard #6. Hot parts can cause severe burns
- Do not touch hot parts with your bare hands. Always allow a
cooling period before working on a gun or torch.
- To handle hot parts, use proper tools and wear heavy,
insulating welding gloves and clothing to prevent burns.
Hazard #7. Flying metal can injure eyes
- Welding, chipping, wire brushing, and grinding cause sparks
and can result in flying metals. As welds cool, they can also
throw off slag.
- Wear approved safety glasses with side shields even under
your welding helmet.
Hazard #8. NOISE can damage hearing
- Always wear approved ear protection if noise levels are high.
Hazard #9. Cylinders can explode if damaged
- Install cylinders in an upright position by securing them to a
stationary support or cylinder rack to prevent falling or
tipping.
- Keep protective cap in place over valve except when cylinder
is in use or connected for use.

14. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA
SHEET (MSDS)
• Form containing data regarding the properties of a perticular
substance. It is intended to provide workers and emergency
personnel with procedures for handling or working with that
substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as
physical data (melting point, boiling point, flashpoint, etc.)
toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal,
protective equipment, and spill handling procedures.

16. Purpose of the MSDS
• The purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is to
inform industrial purchasers and users of hazardous chemicals
about the reasonably foreseeable physical and chemical
hazards that may arise from the use of those chemicals.

17. Content of an MSDS
• Each Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) contains at least the
following information:
• The identity (product name) used on the label, and chemical
and common name(s) of ingredients which have been
determined to the health hazards, and which comprise 1% or
greater of the composition, except carcinogens which shall be
listed only if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater.
• The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which
have been determined to present a physical hazard when
present in the mixture.
• Relevant physical and chemical characteristics of the
hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point)
• Relevant physical hazards, including the potential for fire,
explosion, and reactivity.

18. • Relevant health hazards, including signs and symptoms of
exposure, and any medical conditions generally recognized as
being aggravated by exposure to the chemical.
• The primary route(s) of entry into the body
• The OSHA-permissible exposure limit and *ACGIH Threshold
Limit Value
• Additional applicable exposure limits may be listed
• Whether the hazardous chemical has been found to be a
potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) Monographs(Latest editions), or by the
OSHA
• Precautions for safe handling and use, including appropriate
hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and
maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for
clean-up of spills and leaks.
• Appropriate control measures, such as engineering controls,
work practices, or personal protective equipment.

19. • Emergency and first aid procedures
• The date of preparation of the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) or the last change to it.
• The name, address and telephone number of the chemical
manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party
preparing or distributing the MATERIAL Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS), who can provide additional information on the
hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if
necessary.
B. If no relevant information is found for any given category, it
should be marked to indicate that no applicable information was
found.
C. If significant new information becomes available regarding the
hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards,
this new information shall be added to the Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) within three months.

20. D. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must provide
information about the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical,
and the first shipment after the MSDS is updated.
E. The MSDS shall also be made readily available, upon request,
to designated employee representatives and to OSHA
representatives.

21. HAZARD RECOGNITION
• Hazard recognition involves basic identification and
information gathering. It is sometimes like performing police
work. You will find some exposure hazards obvious, such as
high noise levels. Others are not so easy to spot, such as any
cause of employees’ health complaints.
• In either case, hazard recognition attempts to gather existing
information about the exposure.

22. • Many methods, tools and resources are available for
completing the hazard recognition phase including:
• Plant/facility walk-around surveys
• Employer/staff interviews
• Records review
• Government/non-government standards review
• Literature Review

23. • The walk-out surveys use observational skills and other
senses, such as hearing and smelling to gather information
about a particular process or task. Real-time monitoring
equipment, such as a sound level meter, may be used to
qualify the hazard for further evaluation. Most of the
monitoring sampling data collection, however, is reserved for
the hazard evaluation phase.
• Employee/staff interviews attempt to captue the hands-on
personal aspects that the hazard presents.
• Records Review may require evaluation of process flow
diagrams, exposure monitoring data, environmental reports,
procedures and job hazard analysis documents
• Standards review will consider applicable exposure limits and
performance standards.
• Literature reviews, such as Material Safety Data Sheets and
toxicology profiles/studies, provide significant amount of
information concerning a hazard.

24. Hierarchy Of Controls
To more effectively improve the safety and health management
system, we need to anticipate potential hazards before they exist, or
we need to control existing hazards when they have been identified.
According to the best practices, two (2) primary control strategies are
used.
• Control the hazard
• Control exposure to the hazard
Generally, there are five (5) major types of control measures:
1. Elimination
2. Substitution
3. Engineering controls
4. Management controls
5. Personal protective equipment

25. • Eliminating a hazard means removing it completely or
preventing its entry into the workplace. Clearly, this is the
most effective way of dealing with a hazard or hazardous
condition at work.
• Substitution is replacing one potentially dangerous substance,
equipment or work process with a less risky one.
• An engineering control involves the identification, evaluation,
and control of hazards in man-made machine systems
(products, machines, equipment, or facilities) that may
potentially cause injury to people or damage to property.
• Management controls refers to safety program elements,
policies, and procedures that manage the conduct of safety
activity.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes ear and eye
protection, respirators, and protective clothing.

26. Engineering Control Strategies
• These controls focus on the source of the hazard itself, unlike
other types of controls that generally focus on the employee
exposed to the hazard. The idea is to “engineer” or design the
work environment and the job itself to eliminate or reduce the
hazards. Engineering controls may employ the following
approaches to eliminate or reduce hazards:
• Substitution. Switching to something that is not hazardous or
is less hazardous. Examples includes:
1. Replacing malfunctioning machines, detective tools, or faulty
wiring.
2. Using non-toxic or less-toxic substances in place of
poisonous material

27. • Design. If feasible, plan or recreate the facility, equipment or
process to remove or reduce the hazard. Examples includes:
1. Redesigning, overhauling or retooling equipment,
machinery and materials
2. Restructuring or redesigning a chemical process to use less
toxic chemicals
3. Creating more ergonomically correct workstations
• Enclosure. If total elimination of the hazard is not feasible or is
impossible, confine its use or operation to prevent exposure in
normal work activity. Examples include:
1. Keeping moving machinery or parts in an enclosed or
fanced-in area
2. Keeping toxic liquids or gases in air-tight or sealed
containers, labeling them properly and limiting employee
access to them.
3. Keeping noise, heat or pressure-producing processes in a
restricted area that employees can enter only if they are
wearing the appropriate protective gear.

28. • Barriers. Where complete isolation or enclosure is not
feasible, restrict access of employees to the hazardous area or
install appropriate barriers. Examples of these are:
1. Machine guards, electric insulators and even simple barriers
like equipment covers.
2. Mufflers or other noise-reducing barriers.
• Ventilation. Because some workplace activities(welding,
working in confined spaces, etc.) can degrade the quality of
air, employers must assure that ventilation is provided to such
an extent that it contributes to the comfort and efficiency of
employees. Examples includes:
1. Air inlets or openings through which outside air enters an
enclosed space or building.
2. Exhaust fans to remove contaminated air from a space.

29. Management Control
Strategies
• Management controls eliminate or reduce exposure to
hazards through policies and procedures such as those
involving changing work habits, improving sanitation and
hygiene practices, or making other changes in the way
workers perform their jobs.
• In contrast to engineering controls which deal with the source
of the hazard, the focus of management control is on
organizing or managing what employees do. These are the
three(3) basic areas of concern in management control that
may be addressed to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards:

30. • Practices. Some of these practices are general in their
applicability. They include housekeeping measures such as:
1. Placing warning signs that inform and restrict access
2. Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. Cleaning tools and equipment at regular intervals
4. Proper waste disposal
5. Correct storage and labeling of materials
• Procedures. These procedures apply to specific jobs in the
workplace such as:
1. Permit-required confined space entry procedures
2. Lock-out/Tag-out procedures
3. Fork-lift safety inspection procedures

31. • Schedules. Measures aimed at reducing employee exposure to
hazard by changing work schedules. Such measures include:
1. Modifying work schedules or rotating shifts( for example,
four people may be able to work for two hours each with a
machine instead of one person working uninterruptedly for
eight hours with the same machine.)
2. Allowing longer rest periods or shorter work shifts for
workers to reduce their exposure time to hazards.

32. Safety Signs And Symbols
• Safety symbols are pictures sometimes called safety
pictographs, pictograms, or pictorials. They are used in place
of, or as a supplement to written words. These symbols
provide warnings or alerts about a possible hazard.
• Conveys information better than words, graphic symbols are
added to precautionary labels to show major workplace
dangers like welding or cutting hazards.
• The use of symbols on precautionary labels is optional, and is
recommended for the following reasons:
• Symbols may show and help to explain the hazards quickly
• Symbols can be understood by both readers and non-readers
• Symbols may be multilingual and usually translate directly
into all languages.

33. WORDS
• The larger word at the top of the label is called the signal
word.

34. 1.DANGER
- Used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
2.WARNING
- Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
3.CAUTION
-Used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. CAUTION may
also be used without the safety alert symbol (the triangle with
exclamation mark) to indicate property-damage-only.

35. COLOR
• Since color is typically the first thimg that draws the attention
of the viewer, the color-coded surround shapes act as a first
level of meaning and, as you draw closer to the sign, you are
able to distinguish the specific information conveyed by the
graphic symbol.

36. Understanding Safety Signs
• Safety signs are classified by their function:
Regulatory Signs contain instructions. Failure to comply with
them constitutes an offense under law, standing orders,
company policy, etc. Mandatory and Prohibition signs are the
most commonly used regulatory signs.
Mandatory Signs are regulatory signs which indicate that an
instruction must be carried out. When symbols are used they
are white on a blue disc. Text-only mandatory signs are black on
white in a portrait format.
Prohibition Signs are regulatory signs which indicate that an
action or activity is not allowed. The symbolic shape used on
prohibition signs is the red circle and slash over a black symbol.
Prohibition signs may contain only the red circle and text with
no symbol.

37. Warning Signs are hazard signs which warn of a hazard or
hazardous condition that is not likely to be life-threatening. The
symbolic shape used on warning signs is a black triangle with
yellow interior and black symbol. The word “warning” is not
required to be printed on the sign, although it is often used for
added impact.
Danger Signs are hazard signs which warn of a hazard or
hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening.
Fire Signs advise the location of the fire alarms and fire fighting
equipment. Fire signs contain a white symbol and/or text on a
red background.
Emergency Information Signs indicate the location of, or
directions to, emergency related facilities (exits, first aid, safety
equipment, etc.)
General Information Signs communicate information of a
general nature in order to avoid misunderstanding or confusion.
These signs often refer to housekeeping, company practices and
logistics.

38. Occupational Safety
• Safety refers to the physical or environmental conditions of
work which comply with prescribed Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) Standards, and which allow the worker to
perform his or her job unharmed.
• Occupational safety also refers to practices related to
production and work process.
• Health refers to the sound state of the body and mind of the
worker which enables him or her to perform the job normally.
• Under OSH Standards, every worker is entitled to the right to
safe and healthful conditions at work. This means that the
worker must be assured of effective protection against danger
of injury, sickness or death through safe and healthful working
conditions.

39. What are OSH Standards?
• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards are
mandatory rules and standards set and enforced to eliminate
or reduce occupational safety and health hazards in the
workplace.
WHY THESE STANDARDS?
OSH Standards aims to provide at least the minimum
acceptable degree of protection that must be granted to every
worker in relation to dangers of injury, sickness or death that
may arise by reason of his or her occupation. The provision of
OSH Standards by the government is an exercise of police
powers, with the intention of promoting the welfare and well-
being of workers.

40. What are Covered by General
OSH Standards?
All establishments, workplaces and other undertakings are
covered, including agricultural enterprises whether operating for
profit or not, except:
• Residential places exclusively devoted to dwelling purposes;
• Those directly engaged in land, sea and air transportation
(however, their dry dockers, garages, hangers and
maintenance and repair shops and offices are covered);
• The activities of a lessee regarding the safety of a mining claim
or lease, including mines safety, mineral conservation and
pollution is establishments or work places falling under the
mining industry.

41. What are the minimum
standards on safety and health
in the workplace?
• The OSH Standards require every company to keep and
maintain its workplace free from work hazards that are likely
to cause physical harm to the workers or damage to property.
Thus, the worker must be provided by the employer with:
• Appropriate seats, lighting and ventilation
• Adequate passageways, exits and fire fighting equipment
• Separate toilet facilities and lockers from men and women
• Appropriate safety clothing like protective gear, masks,
helmets, safety boots, coats or goggles.
• Medicines, medical supplies or first-aid kits
• Free medical and dental services and facilities

42. What other safety devices
should employers provide for
their employees?
• Employees must provide their employees with the following
instruments and/or work stations:
• Appropriate protective equipment such as respirators
• A properly designed exhaust system, waste disposal system,
and local or general ventilation to keep away toxic fumes or
gases
• Adequate number of fire extinguishers in the workplace
• Designed safe smoking and welding areas far from
combustible, flammable or explosive materials, containers
filled with explosives or flammable substances, and
containers that have held explosives or flammable materals.

43. What safety measures must be
observed within the premises
of establishments?
Establishments must observe the following safety measures:
• Building premises shall have adequate fire, emergency or
danger signs and safety instructions of standard colors and
sizes visible at all times.
• Other visible signs that may be needed to direct the drivers
of motorized vehicle such as STOP, YIELD, and DO NOT
ENTER, properly positioned within the compound of the
establishment to increase safety especially during the night.
• Handicapped employers shall be restricted only to
designated workplaces. As far as practicable and feasible,
they shall be provided with facilities for safe and convenient
movement within the establishment.

44. • Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times through
cleanliness of building, yards, machines, equipment, regular
waste disposal, and the orderly arrangement of process
operations, storage and filing materials
• Adequate dressing rooms, locker rooms, comfort rooms and
lavatories separate for male and female workers shall be
provided.

45. What are considered
hazardous workplaces?
Workplace are considered hazardous if and when:
• The nature of the work exposes workers to dangerous
environmental elements, contaminants or work conditions,
including ionizing radiation, chemicals, fire, flammable
substances, noxious components, and the like.
• The workers are engaged in construction work, logging, fire
fighting, mining, quarrying, blasting, stevedoring, dock work,
deep-sea fishing and mechanized farming.
• The workers use, or are exposed to, heavy or power-driven
machinery or equipment.
• The workers are engaged in the manufacture or handling of
explosives and other pyrotechnic products
• The workers use, or are exposed to, biological agents such as
bacteria, viruses and other parasites.

46. Who Enforces OSH Standards?
• The Secretary of Labor and Employment, through the Regional
Directors or other authorized representative, enforces OSH
Standards.

47. How are OSH Standards
Enforced?
• These standards are enforced through the inspectorate system.
Thus, every employer shall give access to the Secretary of
Labor and Employment of his duly authorized representative to
its premises or records at any time of the day or night when
there is need to determine and impose compliance.
• Under the standards, every establishment or workplace shall
be inspected at least once a year. However, special inspection
visits may be authorized by the Labor and Employment
Regional Office to investigate work-related accidents,
occupational illness or dangerous occurences; conduct surveys,
follow-up inspection recommendations; or conduct
investigations or inspections upon request of an employer,
worker or labor union in the establishment.

48. What are the responsibilities of
employers and employees
under OSH Standards?
Duties of Employers:
• Adopt administrative policies on safety in accordance with
the provisions of the standards.
• Report to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized
representative the policies adopted and the safety
organization established.
• Submit a report to the Regional Director or his/her duly
authorized representative once every three months on the
safety performance, safety committee meetings and its
recommendations and measures taken to implement the
recommendation.
• Act on recommended safety measures and provide access to
appropriate authorities.

49. Duties of Employees
• Follow safety policies
• Report unsafe conditions and practices to the supervisor
• Serve as member of the Health and Safety Committee, when
called upon to do so
• Cooperate with the Health and Safety Committee
• Assist government agencies in the conduct of safety and
health inspection.

50. Protective Equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) include any device worn
or carried by an individual to protect against workplace
hazards, and hazardous processes or environments such as
exposure to chemical or radiological hazards or mechanical
irritants.
• Protective clothing must be worn at all times when welding.
The heat created during are welding creates flying molten
sparks and ultraviolet and infrared rays that can burn your skin
and hurt your eyes.

51. • LEATHER GLOVES
- Gloves protect the hands from burns during welding.
- Made of thick leather and have long cuffs to protect the wrist
and prevent sparks from falling into them.
• LEATHER OR COTTON SLEEVES
- Nonflammable material should be worn on the arms to protect
from burns due to sparks and intense heat.
• BODY PROTECTION
- Either a leather apron or coveralls or work shirt made of a
flame-retardant material will protect the body during arc
welding.
- All protective clothing should fit properly and be free of
openings of rips into which a spark might enter or intense heat
might penetrate.

52. • FOOTWEAR
- Never wear open-toed shoes while working with hot metal or a
welding apparatus.
- Leather boots should be worn while arc welding.
• ARC WELDING HELMETS & SHIELDS
- The brilliant light given off by the electric arc produces invisible
ultraviolet and infrared rays which can severely burn the eyes
and skin.
- NEVER LOOK AT THE ARC WITH THE NAKED EYE. Helmet and
shields are equipped with special filtered lenses that reduce
the intensity of the light and prevent the ultraviolet and
infrared rays from reaching the eyes.
- Welding helmet is designed specifically for the purpose of arc
welding.
- Hand Shield is used for observing.

53. • PROTECTIVE LENSES
- Welding lenses are not simply colored glass, but are special
lenses which screen out almost 100% of the infrared and
ultraviolet rays.
- These protective lenses come in different shades, depending
on the type of welding you are doing. Different types of
welding use different amounts of voltage and current which
determine the intensity of the light and the amount of
ultraviolet and infrared rays produced.
• Spot welding requires the fewest amperes, and thus requires
the least amount of shading in the lens
• Arc welding machines require from less than 30 to over 400
amperes.
1. Shades 5 is used for light spot welding
2. Shades 6y and 7 are suitable for welding with up to 30
amperes
3. Shade 8 is for welding with 30-75 amperes
4. Shade 10 can be used when welding with 75-200 amperes
5. Shade 12 is used when welding with 200-400 amperes
6. Shade 14 is required when welding with over 400 amperes.

54. • GOGGLES
- Goggles must be worn when chipping slag if a shell lens is not
provided in the helmet.
- NEVER CHIP SLAG WITHOUT PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
• COVER GLASSES
- Cover glasses are clear lenses that are used to stop flying slag
or metal, thus protecting the filter lenses.
- These are three (3) different types of cover glass currently
available:
1. Clear, unbreakable plastic is the cheapest and lasts the
longest.
2. Chemically treated glass is used to reduce pitting but it can
be expensive.
3. Plain glass is very susceptible to breaking, pitting, and
splatter sticks and is NOT recommended.

55. • FILTER LENSES
- Must be changed if a crack or chip occurs in order to prevent
ultraviolet and infrared rays from reaching the eyes.
- The shades of the lenses must also be changed. If the shade is
too dark, the worker will be unable to see the work that is
being performed. If the shade is too light, proper aye
protection is not achieved. Many welding helmets have
interchangeable lenses.
- The lens changing procedure is as follows:
1. Remove the lift-up mechanism on the helmet or the lens
frame lock
2. Slide the old filter lens out and insert the new one.
3. Reinsert the lift-up mechanism or the lens frame lock.
4. Put the helmet on and search for light leaks. If leaks are
present, the lens must be readjusted.

56. Gearing Up Safely For Work
• Welders should be properly clothed and protected because of the
heat, ultra-violet rays, and sparks, produced during the welding
process.
• Always avoid clothing with tears, snags, rips or worn spots as these
are easily ignited by sparks. Your sleeves and collars should be kept
buttoned. Your hands should be protected with leather gauntlet
gloves.
• A pair of high top leather shoes, preferably safety shoes, is good
protection for your feet. If low shoes are worn, your ankles should be
protected by fire-resistant leggings.
• Your eyes should be protected by transparent goggles if you wear
prescription glasses, or safety glasses if you don’t.
• Plastic disposable cigarette lighters are very dangerous around heat
and flame.
• Always provide protection to bystanders or other workers by
welding inside a properly screened area, if possible.