When electric welding and cutting are used as
recommended and according to recognized and accepted sound industrial hygiene
standards, as set forth in OSHA regulations and in American National Standard
Z49.1 “Safety in Welding and Cutting”, minimal or no adverse health effects
should be expected.
Acute
-
Gases, fumes, and dusts may cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, nose, and throat.
Some toxic gases associated with welding may cause pulmonary edema
(accumulation of fluid in the air spaces of the lungs), asphyxiation, and
death. Acute overexposure may include signs and symptoms such as watery eyes,
nose and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, frequent
coughing, or chest pains.
Eye
- Eye injury may be caused by flying particles. Ultraviolet and infrared rays
are emitted by the welding arc. “Arc Eye” is an acute, self-limited, irritation
and inflammation of the superficial structures of the eye caused by ultraviolet
radiation. The signs and symptoms disappear 24 to 48 hours after the exposure
usually without permanent injury. Infrared radiation penetrates the interior of
the eye and can cause bums on the retina.
Skin
- Exposed skin is susceptible to cuts, scrapes and bums (electrical and thermal).
Ultraviolet rays from the arc may cause redness of the skin similar to sunburn.
Persons being treated with certain drugs, such as tetracycline, may react
unduly to ultraviolet rays. Skin contact with certain metal dusts, such as
chromium and nickel, may cause a dermatitis characterized by dry, red, cracked
itchy skin on the hands, forearms, and face. Passage of an electrical current
into living tissues may cause electrical bums or fatal shock. Clinical manifestations
usually depend on the amount of current that passes through the body. Respiratory
paralysis or ventricular fibrillation, or both, may result.
Cardiovascular
Disease - Carbon monoxide may be generated from carbon
dioxide in gas shielded welding processes. Small amounts are produced during
shielded metal arc welding. Carbon monoxide combines avidly with hemoglobin,
reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Exposure to carbon monoxide
may present an added health risk to workers with heart disease.
Noise
- Exposure to high noise levels may result in hearing loss. Exposed workers
should wear properly fatted ear protection. Other Factors - In addition to any
direct effects, heat and stress may also increase the workers susceptibility to
the effects of other agents. Workers using pacemakers or similar equipment should
check with physicians to verify its suitability to the work area. Workers who
hold a torch above shoulder height for prolonged periods may experience
shoulder pain and/or cumulative trauma disorder.
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