Safety Hazards in the Welding Industry

There are various techniques involved in the welding industry – manual metal arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding and spot welding, among others. Due to the many materials and different equipment used, this creates a potentially hazardous working environment.

Arc EYE

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is common in the industry – generated by arc welding. Frequent exposure to arc rays can be damaging to the eyes and it may cause eye burn – commonly referred to as ‘arc eye’ or the ‘welder’s flash’.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause extreme eye discomfort, while continuous exposure can lead to permanent eye damage. Part of a welder’s personal protective equipment (PPE) includes proper eye shading to defend against the hazards of radiation – either in the form of helmet-type shields or hand-held face shields.

Electric Shocks

Employees in the industry are often in close contact with welding equipment that is operated electronically. As the job entails joining materials that are in metal form, this exposes workers to electric hazards that can cause minor to serious injuries.

Secondary voltage shocks are the most common type of electric shocks in welding, which can range from 20 to 100 volts. By following preventive measures, you can ensure that your employees are protected against secondary voltage shocks:

• Wear welding gloves that are dry and in good condition
• Inspect the electrode holder before beginning to weld
• Keep the welding equipment in good condition
• Do not touch any welding equipment with skin or wet clothing

Fires and Explosions

Molten metals and sparks can cause intense heat, which can lead to fire or even an explosion once in contact with any combustible material or flammable gas. When welding, keep in mind the following reminders for the utmost fire or explosion protection:

• Avoid working in areas that are near fuels or hydraulic lines
• Keep combustible materials away from the work area
• Before welding, workers must use fire-resistant shields around the work area

Fumes and Gases

Welding fumes can be hazardous to operators, visitors and other industrial employees; causing a range of health issues. The compounds that are being burned during the welding process contain harmful substances and inhalation or exposure can be detrimental to our health.

To promote a safe and productive welding environment, workers should wear the proper PPEs. Good ventilation and efficient fume extraction systems should also be fitted in the workplace, especially when working in a confined space. Extraction systems are specially made to prevent the inhalation of welding fumes and gases – by absorbing and filtering them.

With a range of fume extraction systems that are reliably effective, welding smoke inhalation and exposure to harmful gases and fumes can be significantly reduced. For more product information and other enquiries about our extraction systems, phone AirBench on 01206 791191 or email us at sales@airbench.com… because when the dust and fumes settle, you will be glad you consulted the experts!