Protect Yourself from Welding Hazards

Different Types of Welding Hazards 

Protect Yourself from Welding Hazards 

Electric Welding is a process in which metals are heated, melted, and joined to produce a strong joint. Different welding processes are executed for specific applications depending on the type and requirement of the task. At the same time, gas and CNC cutting processes enable the separation of metal sheets, pipe pieces, or structures using flame, plasma, etc. 

As the process involves electricity, electric arc, Oxy-fuel gas, and heavy material handling, several risks are associated with welders, operators, and workplaces. The awareness of safety measures and preventive actions is a must to protect them from welding hazards. 

The potential hazards, possible safety measures, and preventive actions to consider in such unforeseen circumstances are as follows.   

1. Electricity
2. Fire and Spatter 
3. UV, IV and Light Radiation 
4. Air Pollution
5. Electromagnetic Field 
6. Noise
7. Right Ergonomics

1.    Electricity 

Electric shocks could occur when anyone gets in direct contact with live electricity. In a welding environment, it could be the input power supply, welding output or electrical component inside the machine. It is among the most common and severe hazards and has also proven to be fatal. One can think of the following to ensure safety and avoid electric shocks. 

• Keeping the workstation as dry as possible as electric current can travel through a wet environment and raises the chances of getting shock.
• Don’t touch any live electricity parts by any chance.
• Always ensure to switch off the input power supply during machine servicing.
• Wearing dry and hole-free hand gloves and safety shoes.
   

2.    Fire and Spatter

Welding is one of the primary causes of industrial fire, explosions and spatter as it produces electric arc, generating a lot of heat, spatter, and spark that can ignite flammable materials. The hazardous nature of the action could increase if performed near flammable environments, thus making it necessary to take safety measures in advance. 

• Always keep fire extinguishers handy wherever welding is performed.
• Remove all flammable materials or substances from the workspace. Use fire-resistant curtains, blankets, or screens to protect against spatter and sparks. 
• Flammable gases used in the process, such as propane or acetylene, must be stored safely per regulatory standards to prevent explosions.
• Using spectacles, welding helmets, hand gloves, coverall, leg guards, and hand sleeves is a must while working, and ensure that machine power is disconnected when not in use. 

3.    UV, IV and Light Radiation

Welding arcs generate bright and harmful UV, IR and light radiations. Exposure to these can affect welders in different ways. The measures to take action against them could be as follows. 

• Using appropriate welding helmets with filtered lenses, safety glasses with side shields, and protective clothing can help minimise radiation exposure. 
• Taking regular breaks in jobs can reduce radiation exposure.
• Using an apron, hand sleeves, and hand gloves while at work and maintaining ventilation at the workplace can help minimise radiation exposure.   

4.    Air Pollution

The welding and Cutting process produces a lot of fumes and gases that are dangerous or even deadly sometimes if inhaled. And prolonged exposure to these can cause severe health issues, including short-term effects like nausea and dizziness, or long-term ones like skin problems, cancer, lung damage, etc. The preventive actions to protect from air pollution could be:

• The workspace must be well-ventilated to lessen the concentration of fumes and gases. 
• Use proper fume extraction systems designed to remove the fumes at the source before getting inhaled by the operator.
• Select materials generating lesser toxic fumes depending on the job and wherever possible.
• Make sure to take extra precautions while welding painted surfaces. 

5.    Electromagnetic Field 

Due to the involvement of high current flow, it produces electromagnetic fields that could be harmful if exposed for a long time. Following preventive actions can be considered to minimise the effect.

• Keep the power source at a distance, and make sure not to wrap the cable around the body.
• Keep welding and earth cables together to minimise the electromagnetic field. 

6.    Noise 

The welding process, including other activities such as cutting and grinding, can make much noise, and prolonged exposure to these can lead to auditory concerns, like ringing in the ears or noise-induced hearing loss. The safety measures that one can take could be:

• Use ear protectors like earplugs or earmuffs, especially during high-noise welding operations.
• Choose equipment for welding and cutting wherever possible, which makes less noise, minimises grinding or slag removal, etc. 
• For cutting metals, prefer Plasma cutting over SAW cutting.

7.    Right Ergonomics 

Welding and Cutting often involve using heavy equipment and materials and could put welders at risk of falling for different types of physical injuries such as burns, cuts, being struck by falling objects, etc. The use of the right ergonomics can help to avoid risk, and actions that can be helpful could be: 

• Make sure to maintain a clear workspace, as it lowers the chances of tripping over things on the floor.
• Always wear appropriate PPE, depending on the job specifics and risks associated. 
• Ensure using a crane and forklift for heavy material lifting and safety belts while working at a height. 

Conclusion:

Before welding, proper training and knowledge provided to welders could be a significant advantage in preventing risks. The actions that could be considered are giving comprehensive awareness to professionals regarding welding safety, different types of equipment, welding processes, and the ongoing trends and technology in the industry. Implementing welding safety through awareness and prevention could minimise the risk of health and safety injuries.  

To conclude, safety is the top priority in welding and cutting operations. Awareness of the welding hazards and preventive actions can ensure a productive and safe working environment and personal well-being.