Summer Welding in extreme heat can get really challenging. Heat stress should be the top concern for welders as the summer season approaches and global temperatures continue to climb. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2017 show that 18 persons died in the manufacturing and construction sectors as a result of exposure to extreme temperatures. In fact, more workers missed time from work because of “injuries” brought on by the heat, including heat stroke, heat syncope, dehydration, cramps, fainting, and more.
Working in hot conditions is not covered by specific standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). However, under the OSH Act, employers must safeguard employees from known significant occupational dangers, such as those associated with heat.
5 Tips for Summer Welding in Extreme Heat
The workplace’s surroundings and the internal heat produced by physical effort are the two main causes of heat stress, according to OSHA. The welding arc itself and the heat it gives off to the material being welded form a third man-made source in welding.
This is further complicated by elements like material preheating, which raises the temperature in the area, and avoiding the use of fans or other airflow devices that can blow away vital shielding gas.
Stay Light, Wear Light for Summer Welding
To protect themselves from the risks of their work, welders typically dress in heavyweight, tightly woven, or 100% cotton or wool clothing. That kind of clothing, however, is ineffective when the outdoor temperature exceeds 100 degrees.
If the garment wicks away moisture, you might want to consider wearing lighter clothing. Even better, you can choose to wear welding sleeves and a welding apron to shield yourself while you work, which will let you stay cool when you’re not holding the torch.
Stay Flexible
When it comes to handling equipment, be flexible. When choosing power cords, go for the smallest and shortest option that still meets your application’s requirements. Power cables that are lighter, more flexible, and shorter can help you feel less worn out. Additionally, they can reduce workplace clutter and stop overcoiling, which could be difficult to unravel or result in poor wire feeding. Another benefit is that shorter and smaller cables are frequently less expensive.
Don’t exceed the amperage
Generally speaking, the ideal MIG gun for the job is the one that is the lightest and most flexible. A MIG gun rated at 300 amps might be adequate for your application in the case of a 400-amp application. This is so that MIG gun amperages can be used to determine the temperature at which a MIG gun’s handle or cable becomes unpleasant. The risk of damage or failure to the MIG gun is not indicated by them.
Additionally, you spend time during the day on tasks other than welding, such as moving parts, preparing materials, or fixing them. It’s extremely improbable that you’ll always be using the MIG gun at full duty cycle and maximum amperage. The maximum amount of arc-on time that the equipment may work for within a 10-minute period is the duty cycle. While some MIG guns are rated at 100% duty cycle, others are only rated at 60% or less.
Regular Hydration Breaks
Workers in every industrial industry have to drink water and rehydrate with electrolytes to avoid dehydration. This is even more important if you’re welding. The flame that is only an arm’s length away from your face is much hotter than the blistering sun. When these factors are present, it gets really uncomfortable.
You may get heat exhaustion even if you are not sweating so don’t rely on it as a cue that you need to stop and drink some water. Be aware of your limits and err on the side of caution.
Consider a Welding Umbrella
A welder who works outside all day would prefer cloudy skies so they can avoid the sun. The sun will be high in the sky for the majority of the time you are outside, so getting a welding umbrella makes perfect sense.
These carefully made umbrellas are strong enough to endure the sun, as well as the gases and spatter that you will produce when welding.
