Welding is a common but hazardous construction activity that can cause burns, electric shock, radiation exposure, and fires or explosions if not done safely. The risks are increased when welding in confined spaces due to dangers from fumes, gases, and heat that can damage organs or cause illness. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment like clothing, eye protection and masks, and fire safety measures can minimize these risks, but controlling hazards is vital for welder safety.

1. Welding Safety in Construction
Source : Official U.S. Navy Imagery
Welding is a commonly seen activity in the construction industry. Welding is considered a
hazardous form of work and therefore any workplace where it is performed is considered a high
risk environment.
Some of the risks involved with welding include electric shock, burns, fire and explosions,
radiation, heat, noise, fumes and gases. All of these hazards have the potential to injure and
even kill workers.
Welding on its own is a hazardous activity but when combined with work in a confined space it
presents even more serious issues.
Some of the issues include:
Metal fume fever caused by the fumes released by the welding process. Fumes
released commonly contain metals like nickel, manganese and cadmium. This can
cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, brain, nervous system and respiratory
system.
Welders are in particular danger. Welders can suffer from welders flash from the
radiation. This can result in blurred vision, burning sensation of the eye and even
permanent eye damage.
The ultraviolet light from welding can react with solvents to produce poisonous gases.
For this reason welding should be done away from oils, solvents, grease etc.
Welding asbestos can cause inhalation of asbestos dust and result in asbestosis and
even mesothelioma which is deadly.
By controlling the hazard, the harm associated with welding can be minimised. Proper
ventilation in the area where the welding is conducted is vital. Welders must use the proper PPE
in the form of non-flammable clothing, eye protection glasses and welding masks and hearing
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2. protection. Also there should be sufficient, properly working fire extinguishers on hand in case of
a fire.
Welding Safety in Construction
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