Welding protection: ensuring a safe environment

Health and safety hazards are a critical consideration in any workplace for both the employer and employees, and the welding workplace is no exception. However, if safety measures are accurately implemented and appropriate personal protective equipment utilised then much of the risk can be mitigated, if not fully eliminated.

Welding can present numerous health risks to the eyes, skin and lungs. Bright light and ultraviolet radiation, toxic fumes and gases, noise as well as heat and fuel to ignite a fire are all hazardous by-products of the welding process. The correct risk assessment, implementation of procedures and the use of approved protective gear can, however, make welding a safe procedure.

Burns

Burns are one of the most common injuries in welding and can occur on the skin and to the eyes. The intense ultraviolet and infra-red rays from welding can cause symptoms similar to extreme sunburn if a welder’s limbs are not covered. Hot spatters can also burn unprotected skin. All parts of the body including hands and feet need to be protected from burns.

In the case of eye injuries, welding flash or arc eye is probably the most common eye injury among welders who refrain from wearing appropriate eye protection. Approved clothing, footwear and gloves will protect the limbs of a welder, while the eyes and face can be safely protected by using the correct helmet. Helmets that feature Auto Darkening Filter lenses and passive lenses (Approved Coloured Glass welding lenses) provide 100% protection against bright light burns and ultraviolet radiation.

Electrical shock

Welders can also suffer from electrocution if they come into contact with live parts. Welding involves the use of live electric circuits to create a pool of molten metal, and therefore, the risk of electrocution is ever present. However, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help minimise the risk of electrocution. Hazardous environments such as damp areas, confined spaces and working on metal floors should also be avoided to reduce the risk. And all welding equipment should be in good working order, and serviced and maintained by a qualified repairer.

Fire

The risk of fire is another safety hazard that welders need to consider. Welding creates heat, sparks and flames. When combined with fuel and oxygen, these sources of ignition can cause a fire or explosion. Fire-retardant clothing is a must for any welder and welders need to be mindful of isolating fuel sources from ignition sources. They should also refrain from storing flammable and combustible materials near welding areas, and if they are working with drums and tanks that once held flammable materials, any traces of the combustible substance need to be removed or neutralised prior to welding.

Fumes and airborne contaminants

The inhalation of fumes and airborne contaminants as a result of welding can cause irritation of the nose and throat, tightness in the chest, wheezing, asphyxiation, asthma, metal fume fever, damage to the lungs, bronchitis, pneumonia or emphysema. Exposure to welding fumes can also cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified welding fumes from Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) to Group 1A (carcinogenic to humans) in March 2017. The International Institute of Welding through its Commission VIII experts is evaluating the IARC’s findings.

Welding generates metal particulates and noxious gases including ozone, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. The types of fumes produced and the amount depend on the welding process in use and the type of material being welded. Welding metals, solvents, flux, plastics or paint all produce different gases, and while some of the fumes are visible to the eye, many are invisible but real.

PPE is key

As with the other occupational hazards of welding, employers and employees can minimise the risk of inhaling welding fumes and airborne contaminants by using approved PPE. Welders can wear a welding helmet equipped with an appropriate air ventilation system to protect themselves from toxic fumes and airborne contaminants. Respirator systems used by welders are officially graded by the protection level they offer the wearer, ie, the level to which they exclude the contaminated air found in the welding environment.

This classification rates the efficiency of the filtering system and the total measured combined leakage rating of the respirator system, which is called the Total Inward Leakage (TIL) performance rating. Helmets with respirators can help protect welders from airborne fumes and particulates to help minimise the risk of lung diseases. Therefore, while the hazards of welding cannot be ignored, they can be effectively managed through approved PPE and the correct procedures to ensure a safe welding environment.

Paul McVicar

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Андрей Трубицын