HOT/General/TBT-HOT-014

MIG and TIG Welding Safety

Hot Works › General › MIG and TIG Welding Safety

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MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding use shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination.
MIG welding feeds a consumable wire electrode through the torch — TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode.
Both processes produce intense UV radiation that causes arc eye and skin burns without proper protection.
Shielding gases including argon, CO2, and argon-CO2 mixtures displace oxygen in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
MIG welding generates more fume and spatter than TIG due to the consumable wire and higher deposition rates.
TIG welding produces less fume but requires greater operator skill and concentration at close range.
A hot works permit is required for all MIG and TIG welding on construction sites.
Wire feed mechanisms on MIG torches can cause hand injuries if fingers contact the feed rollers.
High-frequency start circuits on TIG machines can interfere with pacemakers and electronic equipment.
Both processes use electrical currents that can cause electric shock, especially in damp conditions.

UV radiation	The MIG and TIG arc produces intense UV that causes photokeratitis (arc eye) and skin burns within seconds.
Fume inhalation	Welding fume from MIG wire contains metal oxides that cause respiratory disease with repeated exposure.
Gas displacement	Shielding gases displace oxygen in confined or poorly ventilated spaces, causing asphyxiation.

Don't

Obtain a hot works permit before starting any MIG or TIG welding operation
Wear a welding helmet with the correct shade lens for the process and amperage used
Use local exhaust ventilation or fume extraction at the welding point
Ensure adequate general ventilation where shielding gas could displace oxygen
Wear flame-resistant clothing, welding gauntlets, and safety boots with metatarsal guards
Erect welding screens to protect nearby workers from UV radiation and spatter
Inspect the welding set, torch, cables, and gas regulator before each session
Keep the MIG wire feed mechanism guarded to prevent finger contact with rollers
Warn pacemaker users about TIG high-frequency start circuits before they approach
Maintain the fire watch for the required period after completing all welding work

DON'T weld without a helmet — even brief arc exposure causes painful eye damage
DON'T use MIG or TIG in enclosed spaces without forced ventilation for shielding gas
DON'T allow unprotected workers to watch or stand near the welding arc
DON'T touch the tungsten electrode or nozzle immediately after TIG welding — they are hot
DON'T feed your fingers near the MIG wire feed rollers while the machine is powered
DON'T weld on damp or wet surfaces without additional electrical safety precautions
DON'T use a welding helmet shade that is too light for the amperage being used
DON'T leave gas cylinders open when the welding set is not in active use
DON'T weld near flammable materials without clearing the area and having fire protection ready
DON'T ignore tingling or mild electric shock from the welding set — report and investigate

See also: Welding Safety | Welding Fume Extraction and LEV

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