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Welding Risks and Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 percent of the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. are welding or welding related. Welders are exposed to a number of risks that can endanger their health and their safety. The process of welding produces intense light, heat and fumes that can cause surface injuries and longer-lasting damage. Welders should be trained in safe welding technique, and first-aid equipment should be on hand any time a worker is engaged in welding.

  1. Burns

    • Welders can receive severe burns while engaged in welding procedures. Routine welding techniques can create sparks and splatter that can burn through clothing and create severe skin injuries. Welded material can retain heat for a considerable time, and accidentally touching these surfaces can cause serious burns. Welding sparks can ignite clothing and cause very bad burns. Operators should wear as much protective clothing as is reasonable while using welding equipment, taking particular care to cover face and neck areas.

    Eye injuries

    • Hot metal slag can cause eye injuries while welding. Injuries can also occur from flying particles, and exposure to UV radiation from welding, 'Welder's flash,' is an eye injury caused by overexposure to UV radiation that causes pain, sensitivity to light, and tearing. Flushing eyes should be the first line of treatment for any welding eye injury. Welder's flash and particles in the eye should be treated by an eye specialist.

    Respiratory Damage

    • Metal fumes from welding can produce toxic gases and ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, ozone, and even phosgene and hydrogen chloride can be produced by gasses and materials. Breathing metal fumes can cause both short-term and long-term illnesses, such as metal fume fever, pneumoconiosis, and chronic or acute system poisoning. A supplied-air welding hood or respirator with filters should be used by all operators of welding equipment.

    Safety Equipment

    • Welders should have a variety of protective equipment available to them. Welding helmets should be in good condition and give adequate eye protection. Respiratory devises should contain filters of the appropriate type to capture particulate matter. Leather welding gloves should be worn when handing heated material. A welding apron or jackets can protect against flying sparks and spatter. Welding sleeves can be worn in warmer environments. Fire extinguishers should be maintained and checked regularly.

    First Aid Equipment To Keep On Hand

    • A well-equipped first-aid kit should be on hand in every area wherever welding is done. The kit should include band-aids, gauze pads and adhesive tape, burn cream, antiseptic cream, tweezers for splinters, eye wash, and basic CPR instructions and equipment.

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