Welding equipment is used in numerous industries, with technicians completing complex and crucial services. Any mistakes made during welding may lead to fire, property damage, and serious injury.
When welders are used in a commercial or industrial setting, regular safety inspections and maintenance are essential. By following these six tips, users can keep their equipment in peak condition.
Biannual Blowouts
With constant usage, welding machines and accessories gather debris that may, if left unaddressed, contaminate a final product. The accumulation of debris may cause tool failure or welding gas buildup, which increases the risk of fire and explosion. By vacuuming or blowing out lines every six months, users will ensure the safe and efficient operation of their tools. Owners can learn more about welding machine service options by contacting local vendors.
Choose the Right Equipment
The most important step in welding tool maintenance is to select the right equipment. Consider the following factors when choosing a welding machine:
- The conditions in which it will be used
- The type and thickness of the metals to be welded
- Users’ skill levels
- Machine amperage requirements
By considering these factors and buying machines from trusted suppliers, users will simplify the maintenance process.
Cleaning Liner Assemblies and Welding Guns
Along with the biannual cleaning of lines, regular cleaning and maintenance of welding guns and liner assemblies will improve work quality while keeping users safe. The materials used in joint creation may build up in these components, creating risks for welders and adversely affecting product quality. At the end of each workday, users should clean their tools according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Inspect and Assess Gas Connections and Cylinders
Many welding machines use gases to create pure flames and fuse materials together. A clogged or leaking gas line poses serious risks for users, and it also takes a significant toll on machinery. With every 100 hours of usage, welding gas cylinders and couplings should be tested for clogs and leaks to prevent problems and decrease safety risks. When this simple maintenance step is followed, users will reduce the chances of injury while helping their tools last longer.
Clean Up the Area
As each welding job is finished, workers should remove contaminants from the equipment and their work spaces. When torches are used, there’s a greater chance of dangerous fuel leaks—which makes cleanup doubly important. Spills must be cleaned thoroughly and promptly to prevent slip-and-fall injuries and potential exposure to harmful contaminants.
Replace Damaged Cables
Cracked and damaged cables will make it harder to use welding machines efficiently. Although welding equipment comes with its own set of risks, cracked and damaged cables make these perils much worse. A visual inspection of cables and connections used on welding tools will reduce the risk of workplace accidents while protecting the business owner’s property and inventory.
Follow These Tips for Easier Maintenance and Greater Safety
Welding products and tools have such strict maintenance requirements to decrease the risk of user error and injury while keeping finished products free of contaminants. The simple tasks on this list, when done regularly, will improve these tools’ performance and extend their lifespans. And, when users learn how to maintain their tools, employers get more value and use from their investments. That’s something everyone can get behind!
