| Welding jobs can be as dangerous as other industrial | | | | The welding machines generate immense heat that |
| activities and includes the risk of asphyxiation due to | | | | releases these hazardous molecules in the air, where |
| dangerous inhalants, skin and eye damage due to | | | | they are easily inhaled. |
| ultraviolet light, electrical or chemical fires, and | | | | Metals such as stainless steel, copper, and zinc may |
| long-term negative effects from fumes. These risks | | | | contain lead, cadmium, and chromium, which can |
| can be avoided or mitigated with the use of proper | | | | prove very dangerous if inhaled. Initial symptoms of |
| equipment, safe materials, and a few common sense | | | | exposure may include temporary flu-like sickness |
| measures. | | | | whereas long-term exposure can lead to fatal |
| Apart from physical risks associated with sparks and | | | | diseases affecting the lungs, liver, and other |
| arcs, their brightness and strong ultraviolet (UV) rays | | | | important organs of the human body. Welders can |
| also pose major health hazards and can cause cancer | | | | protect themselves from these toxic fumes by using |
| in unprotected eyes and skin, if exposed for longer | | | | industrial welding masks available in the market. |
| durations. Welders can protect themselves with the | | | | Welding jobs must be undertaken in well ventilated |
| help of a wide range of safety equipment such as | | | | spaces as welding processes are often associated |
| auto-darkening helmets and thick gloves that reduce | | | | with the depletion of life giving gases such as |
| exposure. Any flammable material or substance | | | | oxygen. Welding in closed spaces will lead to the |
| present in the welding area should be removed to | | | | buildup of large concentration of ozone, nitrogen |
| prevent the risk of accidental fire due to sparks. | | | | oxide, and carbon dioxide, which can cause |
| Welding may also lead to the release of carcinogenic | | | | headaches and even brain damage if exposed for |
| or toxic chemicals that might be present in a sealant | | | | longer periods. |
| or coating over the metal surfaces to be welded. | | | | |