Welding

How Can Welding be Hazardous?

Welding is the process of joining two materials together by melting a metal work piece and a filler metal together to form a strong joint. The benefits of welding are endless; but can they be hazardous to welders? Welding produces visible smoke that can contain harmful metal fumes and gas by-products that can be harmful to welders if proper safety measures aren’t taken. The effects of prolonged exposure to welding fumes can cause serious health issues like lung damage, cancer, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, nervous system damage and more. Employers need to evaluate an employees’ exposure, understand the hazards associated with the metals chosen, analyze ventilation effectiveness, and provide employees with safety and health training.

Applicable OSHA Standards for Welding Operations:

In addition to OSHA’s Welding, Cutting, and Brazing standard, other regulations that may apply include:

• Hazard Communication (hazardous materials)
• Housekeeping
• Confined Spaces
• Air Contaminants
• Respiratory Protection
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Fire Prevention
• Heat Stress

Welding Safety & Health Training Course Overview

This training reviews potential health hazards from welding, cutting, and brazing operations include exposures to metal fumes and to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Safety hazards from these operations include burns, eye damage, electrical shock, cuts, and crushed toes and fingers. Many of these can be reduced or potentially eliminated by controls, proper work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Welding Safety Training Course Highlights

• Applicable OSHA standards
• Welding hazard overview
• Preventative measures including engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE