Sparks fly - why welding is a health hazard

Oxyacetylene gas used in welding is an explosive and the flame burns at an intense heat – over 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit (3,300 degrees Celsius). Oxy-welding may just be one the most hazardous of all workplace activities, according to the Accident Prevention Corporation of the American Society of Safety Engineers (Canadian Occupational Safety, May 30, 2013). As I was watching the construction of a building, and the welders, I wondered just how dangerous this activity was.

The temperature of the heat emanating from oxy-welding is equivalent to looking at the sun. Burning of soft tissues, such as eyes and skin, can be caused by the ultraviolet radiation produced by arc welding – a technique in which an electric arc is created between an electrode and the base metal to generate heat. Anyone looking at the arc, and not wearing a protective shield, can absorb the full spectrum of the UV radiation into their eyes, therefore buring them on the inside. This type of injury is called welder’s flash or arc eye. It is sometimes painful, but usually temporary, unless long term unprotected activity continues.

Sparks can also cause burns. During cutting, grinding and welding, sparks can inflict burns to any part of the body that is not covered or protected, such as face, hands, and feet.

Welders have also been injured or killed by explosions or fires while working on pressurized containers, such as fuel tanks. Back and neck problems are also common.

However, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) said that toxic fumes from some welding practices are the one of the most hazardous aspects of welding. A plume of minute particles by the molten metals and by gases released during some welding processes can be harmful. One effect of exposure to fumes is metal fume fever, which is a like the flu. It is temporary, and usually clears within 24-48 hours.

However, it depends on the fuel used. Cadmium, for example, can kill. Manganese in the fumes is thought to be the cause of Parkinson’s syndrome or manganese-induced Parkinsonism. The symptoms are decreased coordination, difficulty walking, loss of balance, shaking, and slurred speech. Other long-term effects of welding fumes include heart disease, kidney damage, stomach problems, lead poisoning, lung and throat cancer, and neurological problems. The ASSE said that many welders suffer respiratory problems and lung infections.

ASSE said that the short-term effects of inhaling welding fumes include nausea, coughing, bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs, encephalopathy, shortness of breath, and eye, ear, nose, throat, and chest irritation.

Metals found in welding dust and fumes include aluminum, nickel, manganese, lead, chromium, copper, iron oxide, and cadmium oxides. Gases produced by welding fumes include carbon monoxide, fluorine, nitrogen oxide, and ozone.

There have been several research papers on the health effects of welding. For example, the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health examined whether welding affects women’s health differently to men’s health. The Women’s Health in Apprenticeship Trades – Metalworkers and Electricians (WHAT-ME) study looked at all work-related health conditions.

Other research is looking at the connection between welding and breathing problems, such as wheezing and rhinitis.

Due to the health hazards welders wear a range of protective gear, from shields, glasses, clothing, boots, nose protectors, gloves, and helmets.

http://www.cos-mag.com/ppe/ppe-stories/welding-fumes-spark-serious-health-hazards.html

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