|  | | metals & engineering module . . . |
Welding In the metals and engineering industry you may be involved in electric arc welding or cutting and gouging different types of metal. Welding involves the use of oxy-fuel gas systems to generate high temperatures. Using the oxy-fuel gas also enriches the atmosphere with oxygen and emits fumes.  | | Welding can be a hazardous activity. Wherever possible welding should be done on a dry insulated floor in a well-ventilated area. |
Welding processes may result in the following injuries or harm to health: electric shock through contact with electrically live parts; radiation burns to the eyes or body due to the welding arc; body burns to unprotected skin from hot metal surfaces, metal fragments and sparks; illness from inhalation of fumes from the surface coating on the material being welded or cut, from breakdown of plastic or paint bonded to metals or from residual chemicals in drums; and fire and explosion due to the arc, flame, sparks or spatter or electrical faults in combination with flammable materials, gases or liquids.
Your employer should: make sure all welding equipment is suitable for the work and is regularly checked and maintained in good working order; provide safe work procedures; make sure you are properly trained and supervised for all welding work tasks; and provide protective clothing and equipment such as a welding mask or helmet fitted with a suitable grade of filtered lens, fire resistant gloves, leather apron, overalls or trousers, a long sleeved shirt, boots and leather spats.
An example of fire hazards associated with welding is outlined in the case study Welding On Site - A Real Fire Hazard.
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