Welding Safety Concerns

Welding is an activity that is hazardous, so it is crucial to evaluate the safety concerns that are affiliated with welding before you start your project. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has health and safety guidelines for welding in order to keep people safe as they weld. Such guidelines speak to the types of safety concerns to be on the lookout for.

Ventilation

• Ventilation is one of the primary health and safety concerns identified by OSHA for welding activities. Welding produces metal fumes that are hazardous and toxic. Inhaling the fumes directly within a poorly ventilated, confined workspace can cause severe -- potentially fatal -- health problems, such as lead poisoning. According to OSHA, it is advised that welders do not breathe in the fumes, and that they are properly protected with personal protective equipment, such as respirators and goggles. Exhaust hoods must also be used to help increase the effectiveness of ventilation.

Fire

• Welders must execute fire prevention and protection strategies when they are welding in order to stay safe. Some of the metal items being welded can cause fires when mixed with certain combustible materials. Sparks fly during welding projects, so OSHA even warns welders to be cautious of not letting the sparks go between cracks in the walls or holes in the floors, or else the sparks could ignite something and cause a fire. Floors with combustible materials, such as wood chips or saw dust, must be cleaned and fire extinguishers should always be present during welding activities.

Radiation

• Arc welding produces ultraviolet radiation, which jeopardizes the health of welders. Without proper protection, welders are subjected to getting burned by the radiation on their skin, as well as in their eyes. A condition known as "arc eye" refers to the sensation of the eyes being full of sand, caused by eye exposure to the UV rays. Infrared is another type of radiation produced from welding. Infrared radiation can damage the skin and the tissue beneath it. A welder's helmet and protective clothing keep welders safe from radiation effects.

Conditions

• Certain environmental conditions pose a safety threat to welders. For example, if environmental conditions are wet or humid, it can cause electric shock to an arc welder. Anti-shock protection can be applied to the welder, but he would only know to do this if he were aware of this environmental condition threat. It is important to ensure that the work environment is as controlled as possible, that spills and leaks are cleaned up from the floor and that the space is confined with the least amount of humidity as possible.

Equipment

• Welders have to make sure that they are handling the equipment correctly. Mishandling the equipment is a safety concern that welders do not want to experience. Severe burns and other accidents can occur from not having the right skills and knowledge behind the tools. In addition, if you want to ensure your welding equipment is safe to use, so it must be inspected first.