How to Stay Safe While MIG Welding

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas. MIG welding is one of the easiest forms of welding to learn. Nevertheless, much harm can result if the proper safety equipment isn't used. The following precautions will help you stay safe while MIG welding and get the most out of your welding experience.

Things You'll Need

• Fireproof overalls
• Safety gloves
• Hand shield
• Leather work boots
• Fire extinguisher

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear fireproof overalls. The light resulting from MIG welding is ultraviolet and can cause sunburn and skin cancer. Fireproof overalls also protect you from hot sparks and molten metal.

• 2

  Buy safety gloves. They'll protect your hands from hot metal and the ultraviolet light.

• 3

  Invest in a hand shield with darkened glass and a safety screen. This is the most important piece of safety equipment you can have. MIG welding produces strong light which can damage your cornea if you look directly at an arc weld just for a split second. Reflected light can also cause arc eye (also known as welder's flash or flash burn) if you're exposed for a length of time.

• 4

  Use proper ventilation. MIG welding produces hazardous metal vapors, which can result in heavy metal poisoning. Remove coating from galvanized steel before you start welding. Wear a charcoal welding mask if you go near metal with zinc coating.

• 5

  Keep a fire extinguisher near your work area. Welding sparks can start a fire if there are any papers or flammables nearby. A bucket of sand is a good alternative.

• 6

  Consider buying a pair of high leather work boots. Boots will protect your feet if any sparks or hot molten metal should fall on your feet. Tennis shoes are not a good idea to wear while welding as they can catch on fire.