Exploring the Essentials of Welding Safety

Whether you’re an established artist looking for a new medium or a creative do-it-yourselfer looking for a way to express yourself and explore your talents, scrap metal offers a world of artistic possibilities. Welding recycled or reused scrap metal can add a unique look and feel to your creations, and scrap yards in Tucson have literally tons of different materials to choose from at prices that all artists can afford. If you’re new to the art of welding, here are some safety essentials you need to know prior to your first creation.

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

Welding can be dangerous without the proper safety equipment, so make sure you are always appropriate dressed and protected before you weld anything. In addition to eye and ear protection, you should wear thick welding gloves and closed-toed shoes to shield your skin from sparks and metal filings. Similarly, it’s a good idea to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, or a welding jacket over your t-shirt.

Work in a Well-Ventilated Space

Welding can produce toxic fumes and gases which may be harmful to your health. To prevent the negative health effects of exposure to these toxic fumes and gases, always weld outside or in a well-ventilated room.

Be Careful Handling Scrap Metal

If you will be welding with scrap metal salvaged from a recycling yard, be careful when handling the metal with your bare hands. Scrap metal can have sharp edges and may be rust or dirty, which can cause cuts and scratches to become infected. Large, heavy, and potentially sharp pieces of scrap metal should always be handled with gloves.

Visit Tucson Iron & Metal during the first and third Saturday of each month from 6:30am to 8:00am to get your hands on all sorts of scrap metal materials for your next art project. You can also browse our scrap yard anytime during normal business hours to find the perfect piece of metal for your artistic endeavors. Call us at (520) 884-1554 to learn more, and be sure to ask about the 10% discount available to students with valid IDs.