WELDING
TAKE THE HEAT OUT OF WELDING
WITH EXPERT ADVICE
WELDING IS COMMON-PLACE ON MANY WORKSITES AND WITH LARGE NUMBERS OF WORKERS CARRYING OUT COMPLEX TASKS, MAINTAINING AND MANAGING EQUIPMENT,
CONSUMABLES, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – SAFETY EQUIPMENT – CAN BECOME A TIME CONSUMING AND CHALLENGING JOB.
WORKING WITH A SPECIALIST COMPANY SUCH AS NZ SAFETY BLACKWOODS WILL ALLOW YOU TO LIAISE WITH A TEAM OF EXPERTS WHO CAN ADVISE ON AND SUPPLY ALL
YOUR WELDING REQUIREMENTS, ALLOWING YOU TO REDUCE COSTS, MINIMISE DOWNTIME, IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, KEEP YOUR TEAM SAFE.
Welding poses many risks – fires,
explosions, electric shock, radiation
or light damage, heat stress, noise,
vibration, and exposure to hazardous
substances like dust, toxic gases
and fumes – making it essential to have the
right equipment and correct controls in place for
workers:
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) -
welders must wear fit-for-purpose PPE such as
helmets, visors and goggles with appropriate
filters to protect the eyes; earmuffs for hearing
protection; dark coloured and flameproof clothing
or overalls with long sleeves and neck fastenings
to protect the body and skin; gloves to protect the
hands; and sturdy safety footwear.
A recent reclassification of welding fumes by the
International Agency for the Research on Cancer
(IARC) to ‘carcinogenic to humans’ means the
use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR’s)
– a type of respirator designed for hazardous
breathing environments that provide a continuous
flow of filtered air, reducing the risk of exposure
to harmful contaminants – has also become a
necessity.
PAPR’s must be suited to the specific contaminant
the welder will be exposed to, so as with all
welding and safety equipment, you must get professional
help to select the correct masks, filters
and cartridges.
Use the right set up and equipment – talk to an
expert to ensure you are purchasing and using
reputable and job-appropriate equipment and
consumables; avoid excessive current and long
welding cycles; use shielding gas to reduce fume
and electrodes that create less fume.
A reliable and safe gas supply is also important,
and NZ Safety Blackwoods’ partnership with
Coregas allows for the supply of a wide range of
high-quality pure gases and standard industrial
gas mixtures.
Maximise workplace ventilation – where possible,
weld in open areas with doors and windows open,
allowing space between workers; use ceiling and
wall mounted extraction fans; and consider local
exhaust ventilation systems that capture fumes
and suck them away from the work area.
Workplace monitoring - environmental monitoring
is recommended to assess exposure levels in
the workplace; and health monitoring in the
form of regular lung function, hearing and vision
tests helps ensure welders are not experiencing
negative health impacts as a result of their work.
Train staff to work efficiently and safely - welding
requires a high level of competency, so it is
essential that anyone carrying out welding work
is certified and holds an appropriate qualification;
and has undergone appropriate safety training.
NZ Safety Blackwoods stocks a comprehensive
range of welding machines for every process,
and consumables and accessories like wire, rods,
torchers, regulators, tips and flashbacks arrestors;
as well as fit-for-purpose and compliant welding
safety equipment including respiratory protection
(including PAPR), eyewear, clothing, gloves and
more.
Talk to the knowledgeable team for expert advice
to help you select the best machinery, tools
and consumables for your job; as well as the
appropriate protective equipment to ensure your
team can work productively and efficiently while
keeping safe.
30 March 2019