The Career And Career Paths And Work Of Welding

Welding

Tyra Lanpher

10/02/2017

Welding is the act of using a blowtorch to melt metal to the point where it can be fused together, it involves applying an intense amount of heat to metals which fuses them together and creates a strong bond as it cools. Nearly everything we use in our everyday life has been welded or produced by equipment that has been welded. With welding comes many different possible professions and career paths, such as agriculture, construction, mining machinery, bulldozers, cranes, food-processing machinery, papermaking and printing equipment, office machinery, repair services on industrial and electrical machinery, steel mills, iron and steel foundries, smelting and refining plants, electronic equipment, household appliances,

General hazards include impact, penetration, harmful dust, smoke, fumes, heat and light radiation, many of the substances in the smoke can be very toxic, intense heat and sparks can cause burns, eye injuries have resulted from contact with hot slag and metal chips, intense light can cause eye damage, UV light from an arc can cause “welder's flash” and skin burns, danger of electric shock. If combustible or flammable materials are nearby, the heat and sparks produced by welding can cause fire or explosions. The first line of defense to eliminating hazards include ventilation to reduce air contaminants. Second line of defense includes limiting a welder’s exposure to hazards and the last line of defense is personal protective equipment. (PPE) Prohibited areas of welding include, areas unauthorized by management, areas where sprinklers are impaired, areas in explosive atmospheres, areas near storage of large quantities of readily ignitable materials. Some of the tools welders use include, chipping hammer, wire brush and hand file, vice grips and pliers, clamps, adjustable wrench, helmets, gloves, jacket, welding machines, PPE and safety