Identifying Hazards
Protecting yourself during welding operations requires an understanding of potential dangers and the correct methods to mitigate them. Without properly identifying and controlling hazards, workers may experience serious injuries or long-term health issues.
Top 5 Welding Hazards
Common Welding Hazards
Welding can be dangerous if proper safety steps are not followed. Here are ten common hazards and how to control them.
- Electric Shock: Touching live wires or metal parts can cause serious injury or death.
- Fumes and Gases: Long-term exposure to welding fumes can lead to respiratory issues and lung diseases.
- Exposue to Heat: Burns, typically caused by exposure to hot metal, sparks, or molten slag, represent the most common welding-related injury.
- Radiation Exposure: Welding produces UV and infrared radiation, which can harm eyes and skin.
- Physical Injury: Welding involves heavy equipment and sharp materials. Explosions can also cause physical injury.
- Noise: Loud welding processes can cause hearing loss over time.
- Ergonomic Injury: Repeated movements and prolonged poor postures can strain muscles and joints.
- Compressed Gases: Gas cylinders can explode if mishandled.
- Inadequate Training: Welders must be properly trained to perform safe practices and how to use specific equipment safely.
- Poor Housekeeping: Cluttered work areas increase accident risks.
We will discuss each of these hazard categories for various types of welding processes in the rest of the module.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. What is the most common injury experienced in welding?
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