Potential Hazards of Performing Welding Activities

09 July 2021

Welding is one of the many fabrication processes that can be very useful for generating a wide variety of parts and products. This process involves the fusing of two or more workpieces through the application of heat, pressure, or both before letting them cool. Most materials that undergo the welding process is metals and thermoplastics. But in some cases, wood can also utilise the process of welding.

Some notable industries that maximise welding activities and their finish products are the automotive industry, the aviation industry, and the construction industry. These industries maximise the welding process since it requires less workspace, generates low to no noise, and produces products very quickly. Even the materials and tools needed for the welding activities are less than other fabrication processes. The need for labour is likewise reduced with the application of welding.

Despite these astonishing benefits, the welding process can still bring potential hazards to welders and other people on site. Some of these hazards are as follows:

Thermal Burns

The welding process often generates heat that may go beyond thousands of degrees. And with one simple mishap, this specific process can easily cause thermal or heat burns among welders and other people on site. Fortunately, thermal burns can be prevented by wearing heavily inspected and maintained proper personal protective equipment. Gloves and clothing should have no holes. As for their materials, they must be made from oil-free, non-melting protective flame-resistant garments. Flame-resistant hearing protection can be used to ensure that any molten workpieces or sparks will not generate burns.

Fire Incidents

Welding activities must be conducted in areas that are designed for hot work operations. They must also be done in places that are non-combustible and fire-resistant. If these spaces are not available, then it is recommended to move any combustible materials away from the area where the welding operations will take place. Alternatively, materials can be covered by welding blankets, curtains, or pads to ensure that they do not cause some fire. Failure to follow these things can make the welding process dangerous and prone to fire hazard. And with fire, property damages and injuries among workers might generate.

Radiation Exposure

Another hazard of performing welding activities is radiation exposure. Welding can generate ultraviolet rays during its operations. And without any protective eye equipment, welders who are conducting the operations will be exposed to radiation, resulting in welders’ eye or arc eye. Those who have welders’ eye might experience mild pressure to intense pain in the eyes. They might likewise sustain bloodshot eyes, eye irritation, and sensitivity to light. To avoid radiation exposure, welders and other people on site must wear ultraviolet protective side shields and helmets with the proper shade of filter plate.

Other Hazards

Other hazards that are related to the welding process include electrical shocks and electrocution as well as inhalation of fumes and gases. Shocks and electrocution can be prevented by maintaining the welding equipment regularly and wearing proper protective equipment. Proper protective equipment can also prevent the bad health effects of inhaling fumes and gases.

For safe welding activities, feel free to reach us at Sharp Welding and Crane Hire.