Safety & health topics for welding from OSHA
Free safety course from the American Welding Society
Checklist from Wikipedia by Mgschuler
Weldzone simulator health & Safety Awareness Tool: EMF in Welding
simulates the effect of electromagnetic fields on welders, providing a 3D visual representation of exposure levels and highlighting the associated risks.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Hazards and Solutions for welding, brazing, and cutting
Be Prepared: Five Potential Welding Safety Hazards to Avoid
Safety in a workshop for welders
Welding & Fabrication Health & Safety
Health and Safety videos
Burns: one of the most common and painful injuries that occur in the welding shop. Burns are classified based on degree of severity which are:
Electric shock: when an electric current passes through your body.
It is one of the most serious and immediate risks facing a welder. Electric shock can lead to severe injury or death, either from the shock itself or from a fall caused by the reaction to a shock. A special ground lead from the power supply is necessary to be grounded safely. Simpler protections such as keeping your gloves dry and wearing your PPE (personal protective equipment) can prevent most electrical welding injuries.
Welder’s Flash is one of the welding injuries that occur from the intense ultraviolet light, produced from the arc ray. Skin exposed during welding can develop sunburns from this radiation. Welders not given proper eye protection, or not keeping a safe distance from the arc, can develop a painful condition known as welder’s flash. These welding injuries are also knows as Arc Eye, or Flash Burns.
Manganism: welders’ Parkinson’s Disease. Manganese, an element that destroys brain cells and causes nerve damage, is a material found in welding rods, electrodes, and wire. Welders are exposed to the toxic chemical and if inhaled could cause many internal injuries.
A welding helmet: A helmet is worn to protect your face, neck, and ears. The body of the helmets are often made with aluminum, and the lenses are typically made with tinted glass or plastic. Auto-darkening helmets are a favorite among many, as they prevent the need to continuously flip the helmet up, which can contribute to the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Goggles: A helmet alone does not serve as enough eye protection. You want to obtain a quality pair of goggles with side shields.
Heat resistant jacket or apron: These are generally made of leather. Aprons are the typical choice of many welders, as they’re longer and provide more ease of movement. When you opt for an apron, however, be sure your arms are protected with something else.
Welding gloves: These are also often made of leather, and they’re outfitted with insulation. Many welders will either purchase longer gloves or attach gauntlets to the ones they have.
Boots: This is, again, a piece of clothing that’s usually crafted from leather. Steel-toed boots are an excellent option, as they help protect your feet from anything that may fall. Keep your boots underneath your pant leg—never have your pants tucked into them.
Ear Protection: A helmet protects your ears from heat, but not necessarily sound. Add additional protection by purchasing ear plugs. Some welders will use bulkier gear akin to headphones, but ear plugs are smaller and provide less of a hassle.