Q&A topic

Safety: 6 questions answered

• Why do welders drink milk after welding?

  Milk does nothing to protect you from welding fume — that's a myth with no clinical basis. It dates from the idea that calcium 'bi…

• What PPE do you need for welding?

  Minimum welding PPE: an Australian Standards auto-darkening helmet (ASNZS 1338), leather gloves, flame-resistant clothing (no synt…

• Can you weld indoors safely?

  Yes — with ventilation as the non-negotiable. Weld indoors safely by extracting fume at the arc (local extraction or a strong cros…

• What helmet shade should I use?

  Use shade 10–12 for MIG and general stick at hobby amperages, shade 12–13 for 200 A+ stick or heavy fabrication, shade 9–10 for lo…

• Is welding smoke actually dangerous?

  Yes — all welding fume has been classified a Group 1 known human carcinogen by IARC (since 2017), and Safe Work Australia's workpl…

• How do I avoid fires when welding?

  Prevent welding fires by clearing 10 metres of flammables, welding on non-combustible surfaces, having a charged extinguisher and …