Welding & Torch Work at Home
Welding at home is a rewarding hobby, but a garage is full of fuel, rags and flammable items. Sparks travel far, fumes can poison, and arc light can burn eyes in seconds. The same rules used on job sites apply at home.
- Hobbyists
- Homeowners
- Garage Shops
Fire prevention first
- Clear a space of at least 35 feet (or shield) from anything flammable: wood, paper, rags, gas cans, paint, sawdust and cardboard. Use welding blankets or screens if you cannot move items. See Welding Screens
- Sweep the floor. Sparks fly and slag falls, sometimes far away and into cracks
- Never weld on containers that held fuel or chemicals, or any closed container. See Drums & Tanks Hot Work
- Keep a charged ABC fire extinguisher and a water source within reach. See Home Fire Extinguishers
- Have a helper watch for 30 minutes after you stop for smoldering fires
- Make sure your smoke and CO alarms work. See Smoke & CO Alarms
Fumes and ventilation
- Welding fumes contain metals that can cause metal fume fever, lung problems and, over time, nervous system and cancer risks. See Welding Fume & Manganese.
- Galvanized or coated metal gives off zinc fumes. Grind off coatings and use strong ventilation or a respirator. See Galvanized Metal Fume Fever.
- Use fume extraction or a fan that pulls fumes away from your face. Keep your head out of the plume. Open the garage door. Do not weld indoors with no ventilation.
- Wear a respirator suited for welding fumes when needed.
- Do not weld near degreasers or solvents such as brake cleaner; they can form toxic phosgene gas in the arc light.
Protect your eyes and skin
- Use a welding helmet with the right shade for the process. See Welding Helmets.
- Wear flame-resistant long sleeves, leather gloves and boots, and no cuffs. See Welding Leathers.
- Cover family and pets; shield people nearby from the arc. UV can burn eyes and skin.
- Wear safety glasses under the helmet and hearing protection when grinding.
Electrical and gas
- Use a circuit with the right amperage and a proper outlet. Do not use cheap extension cords.
- Keep cables dry and in good condition. Avoid standing in water.
- Gas cylinders must be chained upright with valve caps on when moving. Keep oxygen and fuel gas cylinders apart. See Compressed Gas Cylinders.
- Use flashback arrestors and check hoses for leaks with soapy water. See Flashback Arrestors.
Standards & references
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