1.0 Health Hazard Information
The actual process of MMA and TIG welding
is one that can cause a variety of hazards.
All appropriate safety equipment should be
worn at all times, i.e. headwear, hand and body
protection. Electrical equipment should be
used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations as "electric shock can kill".
Eyes:
The process produces ultra violet rays that can
injure and cause permanent damage. Fumes can
cause irritation.
Skin:
Arc rays are dangerous to uncovered skin.
Inhalation:
Welding fumes and gases are dangerous to the
health of the operator and to those in close
proximity. The aggravation of pre–existing
respiratory or allergic conditions may occur in
some workers. Excessive exposure may cause
conditions such as nausea, dizziness, dryness
and irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Shielding
Gases (Carbon Dioxide or inert gases) in high
concentrations when working in confined
spaces may lead to dangerous low levels of
oxygen, resulting in asphyxiation.
Ventilation and fume extraction should be
used to maintain exposure levels and are in
accordance with Australian Standards. The
operator should be trained to work in a
manner that minimises the exposure.
1.1 Personal Protection
Respiratory
Confined space welding should be carried out
with the aid of a fume respirator or air supplied
respirator as per AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS
1716 Standards.
• You must always have enough ventilation in
confined spaces. Be alert to this at all times.
• Keep your head out of the fumes rising from
the arc.
• Fumes from the welding of some metals are
bad for you. Don't breathe them in. If you are
welding on material such as stainless steel,
nickel, nickel alloys or galvanised steel, further
precautions are necessary.
• Wear a respirator when natural or forced
ventilation is not good enough.
Eye protection
A welding helmet with the appropriate welding
filter for the operation must be worn at all
times in the work environment. The welding arc
and the reflecting arc flash gives out ultraviolet
and infrared rays. Protective welding screen and
goggles should be provided for others working
in the same area.
Recommended filter shades for arc
welding
Less than 150 amps
Shade 10*
150 to 250 amps
Shade 11*
250 to 300 amps
Shade 12
300 to 350 amps
Shade 13
Over 350 amps
Shade 14
*Use one shade darker for aluminium
4
1. Safety Precautions
