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WELDING
Welders need to be safe at work – Both physically and mentally Welding can and should be considered a safe occupation; when proper precautions are taken, welders have no cause to fear accident or injury. But when safety isn’t taken seriously in the workplace, the risk of a severe incident becomes a real concern. By Geoff Crittenden. Education is the key to ensuring a safe and productive working environment for everyone. Employers need to invest in thorough and up-to-date training for all their employees to ensure that they understand the risks associated with welding, the mitigation strategies they can use, and the equipment available to prevent accident and injury. Additionally, recognising the risks posed by mental health challenges and addressing these is vital to maintaining a healthy workforce.
Physical risks to health & safety Welders are exposed to both physical and chemical hazards in the course of their work, and they utilise tools that can result in injury and electric shock if used incorrectly. Some of the most common hazards in a welding workplace include exposure to dangerous chemicals and fumes, injuries to the eyes through sparks and vapours, fire and explosions, and electric shock. The process of gas welding involves the burning of chemicals such as argon, hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide, opening up the possibility of dangerous chemical exposure. To avoid exposure to chemicals, proper engineering controls (such as local exhaust systems) must be implemented to ensure sufficient ventilation throughout the welding workshop. The welding arc can reach temperatures of up to 5,530°C, posing a risk of fire and explosions. All flammable and potentially explosive materials should be kept well away from welding areas, and workplaces need to ensure that proper emergency procedures are in place. Additionally, welders must always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in optimal condition to prevent an arc flash, or a burn caused by the ultra-violet radiation of electric welding arcs.
AMT JUN/JUL 2021
Dangers posed by welding fume In recent years, the welding industry has become increasingly aware of the hazards posed by metal fumes produced during the welding process. This fume, comprising of microscopic particles of hot metal and gases, poses serious risks when inhaled by welders. Some of the known health effects caused by welding fume exposure include fever, stomach ulcers, kidney damage and damage to the nervous system. Welders can suffer from asthma, eye, nose and throat irritation, and even lung infections that can lead to pneumonia. In early 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classed welding fumes as ‘Carcinogenic to Humans’. It is vital that appropriate strategies are in place to reduce welder exposure to fumes and prevent the long-term health effects that can result from exposure. All welders should receive training on methods to mitigate the effects of metal fume, including positioning themselves to reduce exposure and investigating less toxic alternatives where possible. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems capture and extract welding fume at the source and are a proven way of reducing exposure. All workplaces should have fit-for-purpose LEV systems installed and regularly maintained. Weld Australia has released a Technical Guidance Note, Fume Minimisation Guidelines: Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Soldering, which includes all the information required to help protect workers from the hazards associated with welding fumes.
Electrical safety precautions in welding Electrical safety is another area that must be seriously considered when reducing risks to welders. Electricity is a vital part of welding
