Welding poses several hazards to both those performing the task and those nearby. It is crucial to recognize these hazards and understand how to control them effectively.
Burns
The high temperatures, UV rays, and molten metal involved in welding can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. These injuries can happen quickly and be very serious.
Fire Hazards
Sparks, heat, and molten metal splatters from welding can ignite flammable materials. Always assess your surroundings for fire hazards and remove flammable items before starting work.
Electric Shock
One of the most severe risks associated with welding is electric shock, which can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Electric shock can occur either directly or indirectly. Direct shock happens when a person touches the welding or electrode circuit while simultaneously touching the metal being welded. Indirect or secondary shock can occur in electrically hazardous conditions such as:
Damp environments
Wearing wet or damp clothing
Areas with metal flooring or structures
Confined spaces requiring kneeling, lying, or crouching
Noise
Welding activities often produce loud noise, which can exceed 85 dB(A). If you need to shout to communicate, the noise level is likely over this threshold, and hearing protection is necessary. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss, which may result in:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Vertigo (occasional dizziness)
Increased heart rate and blood pressurE
Fumes and Gases
Welding produces fumes and gases that can penetrate your lungs and cause severe health issues depending on their concentration and exposure duration. Illnesses caused by welding fumes include:
Pneumonia: Regular exposure can lead to lung infections, potentially resulting in severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
Occupational Asthma: Chromium and nickel oxides from welding stainless steel and high-nickel alloys can trigger asthma.
Cancer: Welding fumes are recognized as carcinogenic.
Metal Fume Fever: Exposure to fumes from galvanized metal and high steel can cause flu-like symptoms.
Throat and Lung Irritation: Symptoms include dryness, tickling, coughing, and chest tightness.
UV and IR Radiation
The intense ultraviolet (UV) light from welding can cause painful and sometimes long-lasting eye injuries known as arc-eye. Factors such as distance, duration, and angle of exposure can influence the severity of a flash burn injury. Long-term exposure may lead to cataracts and vision loss. Other potential eye injuries include:
Foreign bodies like grit, sparks, and dust entering the eye
Conjunctivitis caused by particulate fumes and gases
Always wear appropriate eye protection and use welding curtains to prevent these injuries.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing the right PPE is essential for protection during welding:
Welding Helmets: Protect against UV radiation, particles, debris, hot slag, and chemical burns. Ensure the helmet lens is appropriate for the welding type.
Respirators: Shield you from harmful fumes and gases. Verify the respirator has the correct filter and has been fit-tested. Perform positive and negative pressure checks before welding.
Fire Resistant Clothing: Protects from heat, fire, and radiation, and prevents burns. Ensure it meets AS/NZS standards.
Ear Protection: Protects against workplace noise. Fire-resistant ear protection is ideal.
Safety Footwear and Gloves: Insulated, flame-resistant gloves and rubber-soled, steel-capped safety footwear protect against electric shocks, heat, fire, burns, and falling objects.
Additional Tips for New Zealand Context:
Familiarize yourself with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and ensure compliance.
Participate in regular health and safety training sessions.
Conduct pre-work safety assessments and toolbox talks to discuss specific hazards and control measures.
Ensure emergency procedures and first-aid measures are in place and known to all workers.
By understanding these hazards and taking appropriate measures, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with welding and ensure a safer working environment.
