This document outlines various health and safety hazards associated with welding. It discusses hazards from gases and fumes, including exposure to heavy metals like chromium and nickel. Short term exposure can cause metal fume fever, while long term exposure increases cancer risks. Other risks include heat exposure, burns, electrical shock, fires or explosions from sparks near flammables, trips and falls, and hazards in confined spaces like low oxygen. The document recommends using proper ventilation, protective equipment like respirators, gloves, and clothing, and locking out energy sources to prevent electrical and other hazards.

1. Welding
Safety

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Other Health Risks…
• Heat exposure…
– Heat stress, heat stroke
• burns, eye injuries from hot slag, metal chips, sparks,
and hot electrodes

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Protective Clothing
• Fire resistant gauntlet gloves
• Headcap
• High top hard toed shoes
• Leather apron
• Faceshield
• Flame retardant clothing
• Safety Glasses
• Safety helmet

15. Hearing Protectors
• Ear plugs and/or muffs should
be worn during noisy operations
such as air arcing or grinding
• Most welding operations are
noisy

16. Respirators
• Must be specific to the hazard
• Must be fitted, cleaned, stored and
maintained in accordance to regulation
and manufacturers specs