All welders must pay close attention to their safety whenever there is a project in progress. Although arc welding is generally safe, it can become a risky occupation if the welder does not observe proper safety precautions. Welding operators have to address a range of safety hazards associated with the craft. These hazards include:

1. Work Hazards: The
Potential Safety
Risks of Welding
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2. All welders must pay close attention to their safety whenever there is a project in progress. Although arc
welding is generally safe, it can become a risky occupation if the welder does not observe proper safety
precautions. Welding operators have to address a range of safety hazards associated with the craft. These
hazards include:
Electric Shock
The most immediate risk welders face is an electric shock. Such an accident may instantly cause injury – and, in
severe cases, death. Even a reaction from a light shock could lead to a fall from a high platform.
A shock happens when the welder touches two
separate metal objects loaded with an electrical
voltage. As a result, the welder unintentionally
bridges an electrical circuit between the two. If
the current and the voltage are high enough, the
shock could lead to injury or death.
To avoid an electric shock, experts advise welders
to insulate themselves from the ground. Wearing
proper personal protective equipment (PPE), like
dry hand gloves, is also essential.

3. Fires
A welding arc emits frequencies at high
temperatures, which are a potential fire or
explosion hazard without proper safety practices.
Moreover, the intense heat surrounding the arc –
alongside the sparks it creates – may also start a
fire, especially because the spatter of sparks could
reach as far as 10 metres from the welding area.
As a precaution, welders should inspect the room
for flammable materials before starting the
welding machine. These materials should be at
least one room away from the welding space.
Flammable materials include wood, paper,
gasoline, oil, propane, and hydrogen.
Fumes
Welding may also pose a safety risk because of its fumes. Long periods of exposure to the gases that radiate from
the machine may be hazardous. The complex mixture of metal oxides and other compounds could be a deadly
health hazard.
To counter this problem, welders must ensure proper ventilation in the welding area. A fan and exhaust system
may do the trick here.

4. Although welding presents its own set of health hazards, there are ways to prevent any accident in the
workplace. As long as welders follow safe work practices and prepare proper precautions, welding projects
would be nearly risk-free.
Resources:
http://www.classichire.net.au/
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/welding/ppe.html
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/welding-processes-code-
practice-3843.pdf