Safety
How do I avoid fires when welding?
Quick answer
Prevent welding fires by clearing 10 metres of flammables, welding on non-combustible surfaces, having a charged extinguisher and water at hand, and doing a 30–60 minute fire watch after finishing — slag smoulders in wall cavities, floor cracks and under benches long after the arc stops.
The routine
- Sweep the floor and clear rags, cardboard, aerosols, fuel containers
- Use a fire blanket or steel sheet under and behind the work
- Extinguisher within reach — dry powder for the shed, plus a bucket/hose
- Check behind walls and above ceilings if sparks could reach voids
- Re-check the area 30–60 minutes after the last arc