Welding Safety FAQs

A: The most common compounds in arc welding fume mild steel are iron, manganese and silicon although other compounds in the electrode or on the base metal may be in the welding fume.

A: Fumes from the use of stainless steel and hardfacing products contain chromium or nickel.

A: Asthma has been reported and some forms of these metals are known or suspected to cause lung cancer in processes other than welding. Therefore, it is recommended that precautions be taken to keep exposures as low as possible.

A: Manganese overexposure may affect the central nervous system, resulting in poor coordination, difficulty in speaking and tremor of arms or legs. This condition is considered irreversible.

A: Overexposure to zinc may cause fume fever with symptoms similar to the common flu.

A: Zinc in welding fume usually comes from welding on galvanized steel.

A: Each welding power source and container of consumable product has a warning label which contains specific safety instructions regarding the arc welding product you have chosen to use.

A: An MSDS contains additional information including a summary of the Hazardous Materials used to manufacture the product, a summary of Fire and Explosion Hazard Data, Health Hazard Data and Reactivity Data, and information on the precautions to observe for the Safe Handling and Use of the product.

A: Inside each Lincoln Electric consumable container. It can also be found on the Lincoln Electric website, on the AWS website and from your supervisor.

A: 1) Keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and general area 2) Keep your head out of the fumes 3) Use enough ventilation or exhaust at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and general area.

A: If special ventilation products are used indoors, use local exhaust. If special ventilation products are used outdoors, a respirator may be required.

A: Hardfacing and stainless products.

A: Most of the shielding gases (argon, helium and carbon dioxide) are non-toxic, but they can displace oxygen in your breathing air causing dizziness, unconsciousness and possible death. Carbon monoxide can also be present and may pose a hazard if levels are excessive.

A: Keep your head out of the fume plume!

A: Concentration of fumes and gases is greatest in the plume.

A: Burns are the most common injury to welders due to sparks landing on the skin. Welding arcs are very intense and can cause burns to skin and eyes with just a few minutes of exposure.

A: Protective clothing needed for welding includes general fire resistant clothing, safety glasses, shoes, gloves, helmet and leathers.

A: No, oxy-fuel goggles do not protect your eyes from the intense ultraviolet radiation (UV) produced by the welding arc. A welding helmet with the proper shaded lens must be used whenever welding.

A: Because of its durability and resistance to fire, wool clothing is suggested over synthetics. Synthetics should never be worn because it melts when exposed to extreme heat. Cotton can be worn if it is specially treated for fire retardation.

A: Avoid rolling up your sleeves or pant cuffs, because sparks or hot metal could deposit in the folds. Also, wear your pants outside your work boots, not tucked in, to keep particles from falling into your boots.

A: Even when wearing a helmet, Z87.1 approved safety glasses with side shields, or goggles, should always be worn to protect your eyes from flying particles.

A: Leather boots with six- to eight-inch ankle coverage are the best foot protection. Where heavy work is done, safety-toe protection boots should be worn. Metatarsal guards over the shoe laces can protect them from falling objects and sparks.

A: Heavy, flame-resistant gloves (from materials such as leather) should always be worn to protect your hands and wrists from burns, cuts and scratches. As long as they are dry and in good condition, they will offer some insulation against electric shock.

A: The two types of radiation are Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. IR radiation can cause retinal burning and cataracts. IR can usually be felt as heat. UV radiation, which cannot be felt, can cause an eye burn known as "Welder's Flash."

A: It is essential that your eyes are protected from radiation exposure. IR radiation can cause retinal burning and cataracts. IR can usually be felt as heat. UV radiation, which cannot be felt, can cause an eye burn known as "Welder's Flash." This condition may not be apparent until several hours after exposure. It can cause extreme discomfort and can result in swelling, fluid excretion and temporary blindness. Normally, "Welder's Flash" is temporary, but repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to permanent injury of the eyes.

A: Even brief exposure to UV rays can result in a burn to the eyes known as "Welders Flash" which may not be evident until several hours after exposure. It causes extreme discomfort and can result in swelling, fluid excretion from the eyes and even temporary blindness. Normally, this condition is temporary, but repeated overexposure to UV radiation can result in permanent eye damage.

A: The general rule of thumb is to choose a filter too dark to see the arc and then move to the next lighter setting without dropping to below the minimum recommended rating.

A: Infrared (IR) radiation cannot be seen but is felt as heat. And there is no way to sense if you are being overexposed to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation – so just do not take any chances and always wear eye and face protection with the proper protective shading.

A: UV radiation can also burn exposed skin. This process is similar to getting sunburn from overexposure to the sun. Long exposure to arc rays without protection can lead to second and third degree skin burns. Repeated overexposure to ultraviolet radiation is a known cause of skin cancer.

A: Welders should be able to wear contact lenses safely in most situations – provided they wear appropriate industrial eye wear and use the protection we've already discussed with respect to protection against arc rays. Anyone wearing contacts on the job should consult with their company medical staff and their own ophthalmologist.

A: Earplugs and earmuffs keep metal sparks and airborne particles from entering your ear canal and protect your hearing from the effects of excessive noise.

A: Levels of noise over 85 decibels, averaged over an eight-hour workday, are potentially hazardous to your hearing. When noise levels are painful or are loud enough to interfere with your ability to hear others speaking at a normal conversational volume this is an indication that levels are potentially hazardous.

A: The length and number of times you are exposed to high levels of noise determines the extent of the damage to your hearing. High noise levels cause damage to the ear drum and other sensitive parts of your inner ear.

A: If it is not possible to reduce the level of noise at the source by moving either yourself or the equipment, or by using sound barriers, then you should wear adequate ear protection.