Welding at home and the law

[Da11yn]

Hi All,

I am having some issues with neighbours and I want to understand where I stand with the law. I have a classic mini which requires welding from time to time, as it is used all year round and is 28 years old so the shell has seen better days. Unfortunately I do not have access to anywhere to work on my car besides on the drive in front of the house. I can understand that this is a slight annoyance to the neighbors, but i don't do anything loud on it after 20:00. However twice in the last two weeks two neighbours have approached me asking me to stop welding and warning me that i am breaking the law. Is this true? All my searches on line relate to business use and this is purely a hobby.

HSE recommends welding curtains if the public is likely to walk by, but if i am not doing it direct line of sight of the foot path then i can't see any issue and even then it is only a mig on thin steel, so not an intensely bright light.

Where would i stand with the council if someone was to make a complaint is there any grounds for this

Many thanks

Paul

 

[AndyStobbs]

Can the neighbors see the arc? If so first thing is get that resolved. Don't know about the legality of what you're doing though sorry.

 

[Robotstar5]

If they have to trespass on your property to be affected by the weld flash I can't see a problem, but what about postman, etc.?

and welcome to the forum.

 

[Pete.]

Breaking which law exactly?

The flash might be annoying to them if you're working at night but why should they complain about daytime? If you're mig welding with 90 amps (unlikely on a rusty mini) then they are safe for 10 minutes at 10 feet (3.0m) away, according to this chart as best I can figure.

If you're not running a business HSE won't get involved, and unless you're welding late at night and causing light/noise pollution the council won't either. Tell them to get stuffed.

EDIT: looks like that's actually skin exposure. Retinal exposure will be a lot further especially at night.

 

[Fazerruss]

Ask them to show you proof you are breaking the law, or better still tell them to call the police. If it's illegal you will be arrested.
As said tell them to go forth and multiply.
The shoe will be on the other foot when they realise you're welding services are useful to them!

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Make a screen out of hardboard, ply or similar. You'll enjoy the wind protection it gives plus satisfy the neighbours.

Paul h

 

[MattF]

What exactly is it that they're taking exception to. Just the flash when it's dark or something else? Try subtlety with them first and just ask, then see if you can easily remedy the situation. It's a sight easier to tell them to sling their hook later once you've tried being placatory, if necessary, than to start down that route first off and have them being even more awkward for no good reason.

 

[BrokenBiker]

as far as in aware, and do not quote me on this, if passing people or vehicles can see the arc then you need curtains or some way to block the light. If your neighbour can only see the arc by peering through an upstairs window this is avoidable on their part and you are doing nothing wrong.

if they can see the arc whilst walking to their car or so on it needs to be sorted but if they have to specifically position themselves in order to see it then that is their issue not yours.

the police arent going to purse anything other than a verbal as you are well within your rights to maintain your vehicle regardless of how often you drive it.

when i lived in a flat just over a year ago my neigbour complained that my welding on the balcony was disturbing them. They could only see the glow the arc was causing on the walls and the police told them that they were not willing to give any form of punishment. Not exactly the same but if they are not in danger of eye or skin damage then they have no case

 

[madkayaker]

My neighbours tried to complain about my use of chainsaw at home and I simply asked that what law they felt I was braking. There response was noise. Mine was to quote verbatim the relevant sections of the noise and nucence act. That shut them up.

 

[chunkolini]

Try and avoid conflict, people can be such arses.
Be friendly and polite even if you have to Cross your fingers in your pocket.
I was lucky, working full time illegally in my garage for over a year which shares access with the council offices, even working on large sculptures in their carpark and they ignored me.
I am sure you are not breaking the law. Put up screens, cardboard works fine.
This kind of thing can escalate into all kinds of nonsense.
Good luck.

 

[BrokenBiker]

My neighbours tried to complain about my use of chainsaw at home and I simply asked that what law they felt I was braking. There response was noise. Mine was to quote verbatim the relevant sections of the noise and nucence act. That shut them up.

this is also a good method, read up on the above mentioned noise and nusiance and then let them know that you know more about it than them

 

[MattF]

this is also a good method, read up on the above mentioned noise and nusiance and then let them know that you know more about it than them

That type of approach just tends to get their back up even more. Trying subtlety and tact first off is generally far easier in the long term. If they're going to be a pain regardless though, then nowt wrong with telling them to sling their hook as a last recourse.

 

[BrokenBiker]

ive been unfortunate enough to have neighbours that just like to argue. Because of this when my current neighbour kicked off about me grinding for 20 seconds in the middle of the day i firmly put him in his place. He is quite polite to me now and doesn't complain about anything. Still has open fires in the garden stacked with polystyrene though

 

[Hitch]

Depends on your property, ownership, rental agreements etc....
Plenty of rental agreements will have mention of useage of powertools, no vehicle repairs other than basic maintenance....but not really a law in the sense you will be arrested.
Regarding flash, try and keep people shielded from it as much as possible regardless.

Usually its easier to come to an arrangement rather than argue the toss with some people- especially your neighbours.

 

[MattF]

ive been unfortunate enough to have neighbours that just like to argue.

They're gems, aren't they. There seems to be one house on this street which seems to attract the crazies like flies to poo.

 

[Cyberprog]

Also remember that when arguing with idiots, they tend to drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

 

[MattF]

Also remember that when arguing with idiots, they tend to drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

I've found that with people like that, the simpleton smile coupled with an occasional nod every now and then but no words works wonders for making them go away.

 

[rtbcomp]

Is your welding interfering with TV or radio reception? That could land you in trouble.

You could get an ASBO, they've been issued for some really daft things.

 

[Cyberprog]

I've found that with people like that, the simpleton smile coupled with an occasional nod every now and then but no words works wonders for making them go away.

Whilst continuing doing whatever the hell it was when they started complaining. Winds them up something chronic.

 

[shed or dead]

I once wondered about the dangers to others when I was welding with my garage door open, but then I remembered that shipyards were once filled with open air welding and so I worried no more.