Tool time: Protection from welding arc discharge

It’s no secret that blokes love a powerful tool, but as usual, with power can come consequences. So remember that too much UV radiation from arc discharge can cause some serious damage. Luckily there are ways to protect yourself and the mates you work with.

UV Rays: Uncool

Arc discharge is actually a type of UV radiation emitted from welding arcs. It’s very similar to the UV rays coming off the sun, and like the sun, these rays include UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. The ozone layer blocks the sun’s UV-C rays from reaching us earthlings, whereas people doing arc welding – or even hanging out near it – cop all three.

Depending on the amount of time someone is exposed to this radiation and how intense it is, there can be damaging health risks.

Know your welding jobs

In order to protect yourself, you need to know what you’re dealing with. If you know what kind of welding is going on, you can choose whether you should be having your morning coffee around it – so remember that:

Oxyacetylene welding, resistance welding and friction welding all have minimal to no level of risk for UV radiation exposure;
Submerged arc welding has a low level of risk;
Shielded metal arc welding has a medium level of risk; and
Gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding both have high levels of health risk.

So what’s the damage?

It can be a lot, actually. The greatest health risk with this kind of exposure is cancer, namely skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

On top of the Big C, you are also exposed to the risk of eye conditions, pulmonary disease and other nasty chest-related issues. Sucking in those arc welding fumes is a monster of a cigarette for your lungs to take in, and they weren’t meant for human consumption. Remember that the next time you feel you might be breathing in something only meant for machines.

Welders can also be at risk of very bad burns. Hot metal on skin is no party. In addition to the painful burn, you can also be at risk of DNA damage, leading to cancer.

So, like the ‘slip slop slap’ campaign for skin cancer explained, you can save yourself a lot of grief later with a little effort now.

Battle jackets are in

Just like anyone going in to a dangerous situation, you need to wear your protective gear. Of course, limiting your exposure is the first step. So if you don’t really need to be there when someone is cranking out a spot weld, then don’t be afraid to shuffle off.

If you are the one doing the welding, make sure you have received the proper training to reduce any mishaps. Training will also give you the proper advice on protective equipment.

Firstly, you need a full face shield and gloves that cover both hands and wrists. You might be hot and bothered in there, but it’s nothing compared to how bothered you would be if you got sick.

Cover up the rest of you while you’re at it. Basically, the more skin you expose, the more at risk you are.

For employers, protective barriers around the welding areas are vital to protect your staff. Or, if it is easier, create a separate room where people must wear protective clothing if they are to enter. It’s not only the law to protect workers, but healthy employees are productive ones, so everybody wins.

Dishonourable discharge

It’s not worth getting cancer over something easily preventable, so whether welding is a job or a hobby, always remember to wear protective gear and clothing.

If you feel you are not provided these things at work, talk to the boss – it’s your right to be safe when you’re on the job. The same applies if it’s happening around you, even if you’re not a welder.

More information