What Should a Welding School Lab Have?

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To be a good Welder, you need to know all about all kinds of welds. You must be proficient in a variety of techniques, tools, and machinery. And you don’t learn welding sitting in a classroom going through books. Instead, you need hands-on experience in a lab that’s equipped with actual tools of the trade. A welding school lab should provide you with a protected space to safely practice welding techniques, the equipment and machinery you need, and the proper personal protective gear. Thinking about learning how to weld? This is what you need to look for in a welding school lab:

Protective Equipment

Before you touch a torch, you need to slip into a protective suit. Your lab should have personal protective equipment that you can wear as you practice your skills in welding. This includes thick jackets and gloves, goggles, and helmets that protect you from the heat, bright light, and flying debris.

Welding Booth

A welding booth is a semi-enclosed space that allows you to practice different welding techniques after you learn about them from your instructor. It houses welding machines that enable you to work on your techniques at a worktable. The booth is surrounded by curtains that filter ultraviolet light so your classmates can remain safe from the harmful rays if they glance in your direction.

Welding Machines and Tools

You can’t practice welding without the proper tools and equipment. Among the items to look for are: an angle grinder, welding wires, and multiple welding machines. For example, a multi-process welder lets you practice techniques without having to switch machines. Your lab might also include a tig-welding machine, which is used for more precise work on thin or exotic metals.

Cutting Table

As you progress in your program, you learn how to properly cut pieces of metal that you will weld together. But you can’t cut them on just any table. Your lab should be equipped with a cutting table that can support the weight of heavy metals and withstand the use of a gas torch. Your lab might also include a bandsaw, which is a power saw that can cut through metals. This piece of equipment is stationary and can be used to cut complex shapes and angles.

Exhaust Fans

Every welding booth should include an exhaust fan that will automatically clear away dangerous fumes as soon as you begin to weld. Prolonged exposure to welding fumes has been linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, ulcers, and kidney damage. Proper ventilation ensures that you, your classmates, and your instructors are protected from noxious fumes.

Fire Extinguishers

In case of emergency, your welding lab needs at least one fire extinguisher. Your instructor will train you on the principles of fire safety and may set up a fire watch after welding practice. This means that students learn to look for anything that may be smoldering, sparking, or potentially starting a fire.

Do you want to become a Welder? At Charter College, we offer a Certificate in Welding that can prepare you for an entry-level career in this trade. You learn in a laboratory that simulates a real-world environment and includes state-of-the-art equipment that provides hands-on learning experience. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.