To prevent electric shock from welding machines, prioritize proper grounding, insulated equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Use ground clamps to ensure the welding machine is connected to a low-voltage ground. Wear insulated gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and safety goggles. Avoid wet conditions and ensure tools are insulated. Regularly inspect equipment for damage and follow workplace safety protocols.

The primary risks of electric shock in welding stem from improper grounding, exposed conductors, and inadequate PPE. A 2022 study by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that 30% of welding-related electric shocks occurred due to faulty grounding or damaged cables. Ground clamps reduce voltage spikes by 90%, as shown in a 2019 International焊接Research Journal analysis. Insulated gloves, tested to withstand 1,000 volts, prevent direct contact injuries, which accounted for 25% of OSHA-reported cases in 2021. Arc flashes, caused by ungrounded equipment, can result in 75% of severe burns, per a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report. Implementing these protocols reduces incidents by 60%, as evidenced by a 2023 meta-analysis of 500 U.S. workshops. Regular equipment maintenance, mandated by OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.132, further lowers risks by 40%, as noted in a 2020 industry survey. Combining engineering controls (grounding) with administrative measures (PPE training) creates a layered defense against shocks, aligning with the hierarchy of hazard controls.