For companies that specialize in metal fabrication, your team’s safety should be the number one priority. Metal fabricators deal with extreme temperatures, sharp tools, precise movements, and additional factors, resulting in a potentially hazardous work environment without proper safety measures in place. But what are some of the distinct factors that you should take into consideration when designing safety protocols? 

Inspect Your Tools

Malfunctioning tools and equipment are some of the key contributors to workplace accidents. Before you begin any project, thoroughly inspecting the tools you’ll be using will help protect against any potential hazards. If the tools aren’t functioning correctly, then you shouldn’t use it until it is fixed. Taking the time to inspect your tools and safety protocols before beginning work can help keep your employees in a safe environment. 

Cutting Hazards

When it comes to manufacturing sheet metals, your team requires sharp tools to make the precise cuts that the particular project needs. These tools can lead to severe cuts and lacerations to the workers, whether through human error or the lack of proper safety procedures. Having the appropriate safety equipment on hand, such as cut gloves, can significantly minimize your chances of injury. The right safety gear, combined with proper training, can help protect your team from potential cutting hazards. 

The Right Tools For the Job

Your team will need the right tools so they can efficiently perform their metal fabrication tasks. However, an additional component revolves around how the tools are maintained. If the tools are not adequately maintained, then not only is the overall efficiency reduced, but your team member using that particular tool might try to overcompensate for the poorly maintained machinery, leading to potential injury. It’s essential to have clearly defined maintenance procedures to ensure that the tools and equipment operate at optimal efficiency. 

Be Careful What Your Breathe in 

Many manufacturing jobs have hidden dangers that don’t immediately present as an issue. However, if left unchecked, certain elements can lead to dire health consequences down the line. One such potential hazard is breathing in the sheet metal dust during and after the machining process. If you continuously breathe in these particles over time, they will settle in your lungs and significantly increase respiratory disease chances. Equipping your staff with respirators or dust masks can help limit or eliminate these harmful particles’ exposure. 

If you’re looking for a team that is well-versed in working with the proper safety precautions in place during every work order, look no further than PennFab, Inc! Our team has the experience working within established safety protocols to deliver projects on time and keep our team as safe as possible! Contact our team today to get started on your next project!