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When It Comes To Welding, Safety First
By Jeremy McGovern, Associate Editor
Some farriers my carry a small TIG welder in their shoeing rigs, while others use an oxyacetylene set-up in the shop. Regardless of whatever process you prefer, make sure you take the proper safety measures in your work. Safety in welding goes beyond proper face and eyewear and gloves.
Banging away on metal on the anvil is the leading cause of hearing loss on the job for 
farriers, but welding can also cause damage. An accompanying generator running a welder is a likely culprit for hearing damage. Use the same earplugs that protect you during hammering at the anvil. The noise delivered during the welding process is also hazardous in that it can block the sounds shoers need to hear for safety reasons.
Because welding produces molten metal, sparks, and hot work surfaces, fire can result without following the proper procedures. Be mindful of your work area, especially if your rig is parked near where bedding is stored. Don't weld next to the forge's propane tank.
Consider your clothing. Don't wear deep pockets on your shirt or cuffed pants — both can collect the offshoots that can cause a fire. Keep clothing or rags free of grease, oil, solvents or any flammable substances. This is another good reason to carry an extra shirt in your shoeing rig. John Metz of JM4 Ranch, Harness & Tack suggests carrying a fire extinguisher. "And not one of those little Wal-Mart ones," says Menz. "Buy a 5 or 10 lbs. model."
With oxyacetylene welding, check to make sure there is enough fuel to complete the operation before starting a job. Reverse flow of a gas can occur when a cylinder goes empty during operation, creating an imbalance of pressure in the system. A clogged or blocked tip can also cause a backflow. An extremely hazardous situation can develop when oxygen and fuel gases mix inside the hoses. Check valves alone will not stop a flashback in the system.
Some welders pose a danger for electric shock. The following are electrically energized when the power is "on": the welding circuit, input power and machine internal circuits, the wire, reel of wire, drive rolls, and all other metal parts touching the energized electrode. If you lack the experience, let a professional install the equipment. Electric safety isn't just what you teach with your hands — wear electrical hazard footwear.
Wagga Wagga, Australia farrier Adrian Cowell eventually will alter his shoeing rig because his new environment isn't conducive for arc welding. "We have recently relocated from a place where it hardly rained for 8 years to a place where it rains at least twice a week. Many things that were adequate now show a lot of room for improvement," says Cowell.
