Traditionally, welding has been included among the most dangerous fields in which to work. A primary reason for this classification is the toxic and hazardous substances with which welders must often work. Consequently, guidelines for working with materials that contain these substances appear in many OSHA hot work standards. One…
In food production and manufacturing applications, metal component quality is crucial. Welding plays an important role in maintaining the food-safe status of the in-contact metal components. Organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have set standards such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for welded metal surfaces to…
Excluding water, tea and coffee, perhaps unsurprisingly, are the most consumed beverages in the world. However, would you have assumed that beer ranks third? A nice cold beer apparently remains one of life’s treasures for many people. Regardless of which beverage you prefer, though, it was almost certainly produced in…
Every year, the welding industry spends millions of dollars in compensation for welders exposed to harmful substances. Carcinogenic substances in welding fumes, such as hexavalent chromium, represent a primary health concern in the welding industry. To protect welders from being exposed to these toxins, industries must follow various safety procedures…
All welding processes produce emissions, including heavy metal fumes and chemicals, as the metal becomes molten. Exposure to this fume for an extended period increases the risk of serious health-related issues to welders. In a more enclosed space, this risk is even greater. As a preventive measure, proper welding ventilation…
In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the source of many rules and guidelines intended to protect workers from job-related hazards across virtually all industries. Some of the rules apply to dangerous jobs like hot work—such as welding and cutting—required for activities as diverse as bio-pharmacy,…
“Which is better, concrete or steel?” is a popular question around architectural firms and construction sites. The answers you hear are likely to change with each person you ask. While concrete has traditionally been preferred, steel is gaining popularity because its flexibility and lighter weight enable faster erection times and…
It is no secret that traditional manual welding is not for the faint of heart. In fact, welding can be physically demanding work. For example, it may be necessary to create welds on assemblies in tight spaces or where the equipment must be held overhead for extended periods. Welders often…
Many welders don’t pay as much attention to the guidelines laid out by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as they should. In part, this is because of the sheer number of OSHA regulations that exist. This makes it difficult to determine which, if any, OSHA welding safety…
By its very nature, the orbital TIG welding process poses fewer hazards than most manual welding methods. Non-consumable electrodes, fully enclosed weld heads, remote vision systems, and mechanized control of the welding process can all reduce the health and safety risks associated with welding. Nonetheless, orbital welding hazards do exist,…