Safety Tips for Working With Metal

Regardless of scale, assembling metal structures can be a dangerous feat. Working with heavy and hazardous objects requires best practices to ensure a safe working environment. To learn more about the regulations that should be kept intact while metalworking, review our safety tips for working with metal.

Attire

• Gloves

  Hands play a very active role in metalwork. When handling metal, you often interact with sharp edges. To prevent injuring your hands, wear a thick pair of gloves while metalworking. As a rule of thumb, the less skin that is exposed onsite, the better.

• Boots

  There is a high risk of objects being dropped or falling because of their awkward weight or size. Steel-toed boots are the preferred shoe for construction sites because they protect your feet from any onsite mishaps.

• Eye Protection

  Safety goggles are a necessity while working with metal. Metalwork involves handling hazardous objects that are constantly getting sanded, drilled, and struck. This presents the risk of metal dust or metal chips getting into and rupturing your eye. To avoid irreversible eye damage, wear a face shield or a pair of thick safety goggles.

Tools

• Read the Manual

  It is important to get familiar with the tools you will be using prior to starting your work. Read over the manuscript that comes with your machinery to cover your bases and have a better understanding of its dangers.

• Keep in Good Condition

  Maintaining the quality of the tools on site is a significant safety factor for metalworking. Prevent unnecessary injuries by having your equipment regularly inspected. Getting your equipment routinely checked ensures it is working properly, contributing to its longevity.

• Choosing a New Tool

  Lots of metalworking fabrication machines can safely operate for decades. When the time comes to replace your machinery, it is important to select new equipment that prioritizes safety. Do your research on which equipment is best for your project so you can make an advantageous purchase. For example, if you need a new band saw for your cutting metal, find out how to choose a band saw that best suits your fabrication needs.

Culture

• Encourage Safety Culture

  One of the easiest safety tips for working with metal to implement is encouraging safety culture. Commend coworkers for following safety guidelines and hold yourself accountable to do the same. Having safety handbooks and graphics when possible will quickly answer any safety-related questions onsite.

• Training

  Enforce training prior to getting started with metalwork. Training lays out the safety fundamentals and ensures that those working together are on common ground regarding the guidelines for their shared space. Incorporate ongoing training sessions to keep everyone up to date on safety recommendations.

• Tetanus Shots

  Make sure that you and your coworkers are up to date with Tetanus shots. Tetanus comes from clostridium tetani bacteria found in the natural environment which can be passed into the bloodstream through cuts when handling metal. It causes muscle tension, spasms, and in worse cases, lockjaw that hinders people’s ability to chew or swallow.

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