Download - welding-safety Training
Welding
• Welding joins two pieces of metal by the use of heat, pressure, or both
• Brazing or soldering involves a filler metal which has a lower melting point than the metal pieces to be joined
• Metal cutting is done by heating the metal with a flame and directing a stream of pure oxygen along the line to be cut
Health Hazards
• Gases and Fumes…
• Welding “Smoke” is a mixture of very
fine particles called fumes and gases
• Welding “Smoke” contains fumes and
gases including…
• Chromium, nickel, arsenic, asbestos,
manganese, silica, beryllium, cadmium,
nitrogen oxides, phosgene, acrolein,
flourine compounds, carbon monoxide,
cobalt, copper, lead, ozone, selenium,
and zinc
Short-term exposures
• Exposure to zinc, magnesium, copper and copper oxide
can cause metal fume fever
• Symptoms of metal fume fevere may occur 4 to 12 hours
after exposure
• Symptoms include…
• Chills, thirst, fever, muscle ache, chest soreness,
coughing, wheezing, fatigue, nausea, and metallic taste
in mouth
Long-term exposures
• Studies of welders, flame cutters, and burners have
shown that welders have an increased risk of lung
cancer…
• and…possibly cancer of the larnyx and urinary tract
• Remember… welding “smoke” can include cancer
causing agents such as…cadmium, nickel, beryllium,
chromium, and arsenic
Other Health Risks…
• Heat exposure…
– Heat stress, heat stroke
• burns, eye injuries from hot slag, metal chips, sparks,
and hot electrodes
Electrical Hazards
• Even though welding generally uses low voltage, there is
still a danger of electric shock
• Wet work areas, Cramped work spaces
• Falls, fractures and other accidents can result from
electrical exposure
• Even small shock can cause brain damage
• Death can occur from large shocks
Electrical Hazards
• Always use dry gloves
• Always wear rubber soled shoes
• Always use insulating layers
• Protect yourself from surfaces that conduct electricity
• When working on electrically powered machinery, make
sure the frame is grounded
• Keep insulation on all welding equipment and
components dry and in good condition
• Don’t change electrodes with bare hands, wet gloves or
while standing on wet or ungrounded surfaces
Fire and Explosion Hazards
• Intense heat and sparks can cause fires
or explosions if in the vicinity of
combustible or flammable materials
• Ensure fire extinguisher must be placed.
• Welding and cutting should only be
performed in areas free of combustible
materials such as trash, wood, paper,
textiles, plastics, chemicals, and
flammable dusts, liquids and gases.
Trips and Falls
• To prevent trips and falls…
• keep work areas clear of equipment, machines, cables,
and hoses
• Always properly maintain and use handrails
• Always use and maintain safety lines, harnesses and
lanyards
• Always make sure that scaffolds are properly assembled
and used
Welding Hazards in Confined Space
• A work area with limited access, little or no airflow, not
intended for continuous occupation
– May also have dangerous atmospheres, hazardous
configurations, or other hazards
• All employees working in or around confined space must
be trained
Welding Hazards in Confined Space
• No worker should work in an area with less than 19.5%
or more than 23.5% oxygen content
• Never ventilate with oxygen
• Use continuous mechanical ventilation and proper
respiratory protection
• All pipes, ducts, power lines, etc. that are not necessary
for the work should be disconnected/locked out/tagged
out
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• PPE must be used in conjunction with engineering controls and safe work practices – Use of one does not eliminate the need for the other
• Eye protection should be used in all welding operations – Wear face shields or helmets and goggles or safety glasses
• Use appropriate filters on eye protection
Protective Clothing
• Fire resistant gauntlet gloves
• Headcap
• High top hard toed shoes
• Leather apron
• Faceshield
• Flame retardant clothing
• Safety Glasses
• Safety helmet
Hearing Protectors
• Ear plugs and/or muffs should
be worn during noisy operations
such as air arcing or grinding
• Most welding operations are
noisy