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Your safety needs will vary depending on the kind of project you will find yourself working on. Your worksite or workshop should have at least a ventilation system and a fire extinguisher should things go wrong. Although fume extraction systems are the best thing you can have in your workshop. You can get away with just an open garage door and a simple ventilation system set up in the window. This is acceptable only if welding is just a hobby to you and you want to do it from the comfort of your own home. Still, it is worth stressing that ventilation is a must since certain materials and welding processes can produce toxic fumes.
In addition, having respiratory protection in addition to ventilation will also help, especially when you are welding galvanized metals or when the metal you are welding has cadmium. If that is the case you might need a simple mask that fits under your welding helmet. Eye protection may be worn under a welding helmet for additional protection. If you are using a chipping hammer or powered grinder to prepare a surface or remove slag, then the eyewear will come in handy. Plus, having some sort of hearing protection will help as well. You not only need to work in close proximity to heat, but you also need to deal with the loud noise as you work as well. This can damage your hearing in the long run.
If you are welding at home, then you might want to consider investing in some welding screens so the rays will not harm other people who walk by when you are working. You should also have fire retardant barriers. That way you can prevent sparks from catching on any cloth, cardboard, and (especially) sawdust in the garage. Thys way you can easily avoid unnecessary accidents. Once a fire starts and gets going, it can be very difficult to stop. It’s best to avoid these sorts of things at any costs. In addition, having those screens around helps you keep the rest of the place clean if you engage in a messy project.
