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The tools of any trade can pose safety risks if improperly used or maintained. Leister plastic welding equipment for the roofing, flooring, fabrication, billboard and banner, and civil engineering industries is no exception.
To keep operators of Leister hot-air hand tools and automatic walk welders safe, it is the responsibility of employers, supervisors and peers, to make sure proper precautions are routinely taken.
Following are 8 tips you can use to help keep Leister equipment operators safe:
Plastic Welding Safety Tips
1. Review Safety Instructions—Every operator should read Leister’s safety instructions, located within the product’s operating manual. If you have any questions, or would like further clarification on any item listed, contact one of our authorized service representatives.
2. Review M.S.D. Sheets—Plastics Magazine recommends reading the material safety data (M.S.D.) sheets of the plastic your welding. Among other things, these sheets are required to detail the plastic’s hazardous ingredients, fire and explosion hazard information, preventative actions, and first-aid recommendations. Request these sheets from the plastic manufacturer.
3. Train Employees—Train all personnel on how to properly use the Leister welder(s) they will be operating. Specifically, demonstrate how to turn the welder on, run it, shut it down, clean it after use, and what to do in the case of a malfunction or emergency—for example, if a drive motor shuts down while welding or if plastic material catches fire.
4. Store Properly Between Uses—After completing a weld, an operator may set down the hot-air tool, or leave the walk welder to prep for the next weld. Because the machine will still be hot and likely blowing hot air, make sure to do the following:
- Hot-Air Hand Tools—Set the tool on a flat surface where it won’t roll, or in a stand with the nozzle pointed away from the surface. Also keep the hot-air stream and nozzle away from flammable materials and body parts to avoid the risk of fire and burns.
- Automatic Walk Welder—Secure the welding nozzle in the up, locked position, and move it away from heavy traffic areas and flammable materials.
5. Clean Work Areas—Remove any clutter from the work area to ensure a full range of movement. This helps the operator avoid knocking over or spilling anything that may damage the plastic material, catch fire, or require an immediate cleanup. Hastily setting down the tool to clean messes can lead to improper storage between use.
6. Clean Plastic Surfaces—Remove any contaminants that may be on the plastic being welded, including grease, oils, dirt and moisture. These contaminants may be fire risks or cause the plastic not to weld at all, possibly leading the operator to turn up the heat to unsafe levels to attain a weld.
7. Properly Maintain the Tool—Scrape away melted plastic after each use, and clean air filters of dust and contaminants to ensure the tool receives the proper air supply. Both of these issues can lead to heat backup and overheating. In addition, make sure to replace any frayed or sliced electrical cords to avoid accidental shock.
8. Wear Proper Attire and Equipment—Make sure all operators are wearing the proper protective equipment (PPE) to limit exposure to heated air and surfaces, as well as any airborne plastic or debris. PPE should include long sleeve shirts, pants, gloves and protective eyewear. In addition, depending on the plastic being welded and ventilation, a respirator may be necessary.
What more should companies do to protect their employees operating hot-air hand tools and automatic walk welders? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
(Image: Wikipedia)
