Essential Safety Guidelines and Tips While Working with Sheet Metal – Woodwardfab Blog

Sheet metal is a thin sheet of metal, which is widely used in a wide range of metalworking applications. Its property to bend, and being formed into a variety of shapes is one of the reasons for its increasing popularity in many industries. To bend, or cut a sheet metal requires using different machines or equipment, and so the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises to take into account many safety and health issues. What are the different safety considerations that one must follow, while working with sheet metals? Are you interested to know? Well, the following post is aimed at giving out some safety tips for those working with sheet metals. Read on to know more.

General Safety Guidelines While Working with Sheet Metal

There are certain safety measures that you should follow, if you own a sheet metal fabrication unit. The following are the most important ones among them:

1. Fire Extinguishers:

   The most basic precaution and safety guideline is regarding the fire. You should have a sufficient number of fire extinguishers installed throughout the machine shop, which are easily accessible. The area around the fire extinguishers should always be kept clutter-free, thus allowing you to reach them. The fire extinguishers should be well hung on the walls. It is also important to carry out an inspection of these equipment regularly to ensure that proper pressure is maintained.

2. Metal Containers:

   It is highly advisable to use metal containers for storing combustible or flammable liquids. A proper message warning about the contents of these containers should be written on them for easy identification.

3. First Aid Kits:

   Metalworking involves cutting sheet metal, which carries a risk of getting hurt. Thus, it is mandatory to have properly organized first aid kits located in the facility.

4. Personal Protective Equipment:

   Wearing a personal protective equipment or PPE while working with sheet metal fabrication equipment is a must to evade the chances of injuries. Using protective equipment, such as sturdy work shoes, gloves, glasses, long pants, and full sleeve shirts is recommended for those working with the sheet metal.

5. Fitted Wear:

   Wearing fitted clothes or jewelry is recommended in sheet metal working environments. It is because loose clothes and jewelry can get caught up in the machinery, and cause accidents or injuries.

Guidelines for Sheet Metal Handling Safety

Apart from the general safety considerations, you should also consider some safety guidelines while sheet metal handling. The following are some most important considerations:

• Use of Mechanical Equipment:

  When it comes to safely handling sheet metal, it is directly related to the use of proper PPE, and support mechanisms to lift heavy metal. The sharp edges of the metal along with their heavy weight prompts the machine operators, or workers to use mechanical equipment, such as wire ropes, slings, and cables.

• Proper Lifting Techniques:

  Moving or transporting heavy sheet metal products require implementation of proper lifting techniques, as well as assistance. Taking help from other employees, and using storage tables is something that can make a huge difference in the transportation of heavy sheet metal products.

• Use of Heat & Electricity Resistant Wear:

  Metal being a good conductor of electricity, and heat, it can cause injuries to the hands of workers. Thus, it is advisable for all the workers to equip themselves with proper synthetic puncture-resistant gloves, or leather gloves.

Sheet metal fabrication has become very common in most industries, owing to the precision that one gets. However, safety is something that you can’t afford to overlook. The above information will help you stay safe while working with sheet metals in your machine shop. To know more about sheet metal safety, it is always a good idea to consult the experts, who have an experience of working with the equipment. Woodward Fab is one of the leading manufacturers of sheet metal working equipment, and thus the skilled staff at the company can help you with the safety guidelines.

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