Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries

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Health and Safety
Executive
during MIG (metal inert gas) or similar welding, prevent contact between the
electrode wire and any earthed metalwork to avoid heavy welding current
flowing through the earth continuity conductor and destroying it. Use a safe
design such as an insulated spool in an insulated chamber in the power source
with the wire being fed, through insulated rollers and a tube inside the welding
cable, to the torch;
use an insulated box or hook to rest the electrode holder, not the face shield,
clothing or rags; and
maintain the electrode holder welding current return cables, clamps and safety
earths in good condition.
297 When welding, wear appropriate clothing that covers arms and legs, and use
suitable gloves. Wear goggles when chipping slag or wire-brushing welds.
298 Prevent exposure to direct and reflected ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared rays
by wearing protective clothing, and using welding screens. If possible, use darkcoloured
wall coating to reduce reflections.
299 Eye protection for welding should be to EN 175:1997 Personal protection.
Equipment for eye and face protection during welding and allied processes 42
used in conjunction with an appropriate welding filter (EN 169:2002 Personal eye
protection. Filters for welding and related techniques 43 or EN 379:2003 Personal
eye protection. Automatic welding filters) 44 to prevent arc eye.
Controlling fumes and gases
300 Use local exhaust ventilation wherever possible and always in confined
locations. Mobile extraction units with flexible exhaust hoods and trunking can
remove fumes and gases from most locations. Have local exhaust ventilation
examined and tested by a competent person every 14 months. Where there is no
extraction make sure there is a free flow of air to disperse fumes.
Preventing fires and explosions
301 Never apply heat to containers, tanks or drums that may contain flammable
residues. This can result in fatal explosions. Either use cold, non-sparking methods
or clean them and make them gas-free first.
302 Remove adjacent flammable trim and upholstery before carrying out hot work,
especially where molten metal or sparks may fall onto them. Check that fuel lines and
tanks will not be affected; empty and remove any which are near or shield them.
303 Check that body cavities next to welding or flamecutting are not filled with
plastic foam, which may be easily ignited. Remove this where necessary and use a
heat shield to protect adjacent areas.
Resistance (‘spot’) welding
304 Spot welding tends to be a more controlled process and produces much less
fume and splatter and negligible UV. Eye protection is only required to safeguard
against splatter and good general ventilation is usually sufficient.
305 All portable welding guns should have suitable counterbalanced devices for
supporting the guns, including cables, unless the design of the equipment makes
counterbalancing unnecessary.
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