After a fire started Wednesday at Texas Tech during a welding project, welding professionals told EverythingLubbock.com windy weather really does have an impact on their job.
Jack Emery has been welding since the 1970’s.
“The main thing is, a lot of times in shops you get a little bit complacent and forget…well there’s a gas can over here or something like that,” Emery said.
Emery said the weather affects their work more than most people would think.
“On a day like today, I wouldn’t weld where there’s tall grass, I would want the grass to maybe be a couple…two or three inches, that way if you do get a fire, you can put it out pretty quickly.”
He said taking simple steps can prevent a blaze and make the experience much less risky.
“If you have a water hose available, bring it out and then have somebody else while you’re welding check to make sure you’re not catching something on fire.”
If all else fails, Emery said the most important tip is to always keep a fire extinguisher on standby.
“When it starts, stop and grab a fire extinguisher, and get out. Don’t say ‘Well I’m going to wait until it gets another five to ten feet,’ because then it may get into somebody’s home, barn, shop or something like that.”
