few tips on welding safety:

Welding arc eye :

The light generated by welding is extremely bright.

Looking directly at a welding arc even for a second can cause arc eye

Even reflected light from the arc can cause arc eye under long exposure.

be sure to warn everyone around you not to stare straight into the beam, otherwise you will spend the night feeling something inside your eye, and it hurts!!!

pay attantion to pets around, as they don't know the risk involved.

Fire safety

Molten metal can spit several feet from a weld.

Grinding sparks are even worse. Any sawdust, paper or plastic bags in the area can smolder and catch fire so keep a tidy area for welding. don't take the risk!

make sure there is a fire extinguisher in your workshop. CO2 is the best type for welding.

For me, A bucket of sand or water will allways be a good idea - it could save expenses.

My extinguisher sits ready to use with the plastic tie removed. You'd be amazed how long it takes to figure out how to remove the plastic tie when you really need to. Fires spread quickly!