Welding work can take place in many different environments under numerous working conditions, so welding safely depends heavily on managing your worksite. A welding environment must be carefully controlled, which can necessitate changing the surrounding area before any work begins. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has numerous requirements for modifying your worksite to address specific environmental dangers from welding work.

1. Fire Hazards

• If an object to be welded or cut cannot be moved, the area around it needs to be cleared of fire hazards. This means removing any potential fire hazards or else installing guards to confine heat, sparks, and slag from reaching the fire hazards.
• Combustible materials should be at least 35 feet away from welding; if unable to be moved, they should be shielded with flameproof covers, or metal or asbestos guards or curtains.
• Certain conditions require precautions so that materials outside the room are not ignited. This includes openings or cracks in the floor, walls, or ceiling, as well as metal partitions, walls, floors, and ceilings with combustible materials nearby that might be ignited by conduction or radiation.
•  Fire extinguishers should be nearby and regularly maintained. A fire blanket and well-stocked first aid kit are also recommended.
•  Fire watchers are required in conditions where hazards still exist and cannot be fully eliminated.

2. Eye Protection

The UV radiation from welding is intense, requiring that the eyesight of both the welder and nearby workers be protected.

• Whenever possible, a welder should work in an individual booth or be enclosed by individual screens painted with a low-reflectivity material.
• Noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields must be placed between all other people adjacent to the welding area, and those people must wear appropriate goggles.
• Welding helmets and safety goggles should have a shade level that meets or exceeds that required by the level of arc current.

3. Fumes and Ventilation

Welding smoke contains harmful metal fumes as well as gas by-products. The amount and type of fumes produced depends on the type of welding being done, but some precautions are generally applicable.

• OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard requires employers to provide information and training on relevant harmful substances.
• In open work areas without ventilation or exhaust systems, workers should position themselves to avoid breathing fumes (such as by staying upwind) and use natural drafts to reduce fume exposure.
• Local exhaust ventilation systems can remove fumes from a welder’s breathing zone.
• If exposure levels cannot be safely reduced, respiratory protection is required.
• Any coating on a welding surface that may create toxic exposure (such as paint or solvent residue) should be cleaned.
• Welding in confined spaces should be done with proper ventilation; OSHA regulations provide guidance on ventilation standards for different environments.