Solutions for Safety & Visual Communication

Favorites

Monday-Friday 5:30am-4:00pm PT

1-888-326-9244

Graphic Products
  • Resources
  • Support
  • Samples
  • Contact
  • Shop All Products
    CLOSE

    CATEGORIES
    • Printers
    • Printer Supply
    • Floor Marking
    • Pipe Marking
    • Signs & Labels
    • COVID-19 Solutions

    DuraLabel Kodiak

    DuraLabel Kodiak
    Multi-color, large format

    KODIAK SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Toro

    DuraLabel Toro
    Portable, stand-alone

    TORO SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Bronco

    DuraLabel Bronco
    Industrial, efficient

    BRONCO SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Lobo

    DuraLabel Lobo
    Grab n' go labeler

    LOBO SUPPLIES
    DuraLabel Pro Series

    DuraLabel PRO 300
    Simple and reliable

    PRO 300 SUPPLIES

    LABELING SOFTWARE PRINTER ACCESSORIES PRINTER SUPPORT SHOP ALL PRINTERS
    SHOP BY APPLICATION
    Arc Flash GHS & HazCom Laboratory Pipe Labeling Wire Marking See All
    SUPPLY TYPE
    General Purpose High Visibility Low/High Temperatures Repositionable Tamper Resistant See All
    SHOP BY PRINTER
    Kodiak Supplies Toro Supplies Bronco Supplies Lobo Supplies DLP 300 Supplies See All

    RIBBONS PRINTER & SUPPLY BUNDLES SHOP ALL SUPPLIES
    FLOOR TAPES
    5S Aisle Glow in the Dark Reflective Anti-Slip See All
    FLOOR SIGNS
    BUNDLES
    SHAPES
    ACCESSORIES
    Applicators Stair Safety Floor Laminate
    Social Distancing Floor Signs

    SHOP ALL FLOOR TAPES
    STANDARD PIPE MARKERS
    Fire Quenching Flammable / Oxidizing Toxic or Corrosive Compressed Air Various Water See All
    AMMONIA
    Pipe Markers Component Markers See All
    SHOP BY STANDARD
    ANSI IIAR Pre-2007 ANSI
    flammable-pipe-markers

    ARROW BANDING TAPE ACCESSORIES VALVE TAGS SHOP ALL PIPE MARKERS
    SHOP BY SUBJECT
    Admittance Chemical Electrical Emergency PPE See All
    SHOP BY HEADER
    Caution Danger Notice Safety Warning See All
    COVID-19 Premade Signs

    SHOP ALL SAFETY SIGNS
    COVID-19 SOLUTIONS
    Safety Signs Printer Kits Awareness Posters A-Frame Signs Sneeze Guards
    SOCIAL DISTANCING
    Wall Signs & Labels Floor Signs Floor Tape Shop All
    COVID-19 BY INDUSTRY
    Grocery & Retail Medical & Healthcare Office Settings Restaurants & Food Service Food Manufacturing Construction
     
    Manufacturing Finance Transportation Education

    SHOP ALL COVID-19 SOLUTIONS
  • My Account
  • Quick Order
    Enter item SKU# and quantity
  • Cart()
Monday-Friday 5:30am-4:00pm PT 1-888-326-9244
Graphic Products
Menu Sign In
Products
Printers
Shop All Printers
Industrial Printers
Shop All Industrial Printers DuraLabel Toro DuraLabel Kodiak DuraLabel Bronco DuraLabel Lobo DuraLabel Pro 300
Bundles & Starter Kits
Shop All Bundles & Starter Kits
Labeling Software
Software DuraSuite Labeling Software LabelForge Labeling Software
Printer Supply
Shop All Printer Supply
Shop by Application
Shop All by Application Arc Flash GHS & Hazcom Laboratory Pipe Labeling Wire Marking
Shop by Supply Type
Shop All by Supply Type General Purpose High Visibility Low/High Temperatures Repositionable Tamper Resistant
Shop by Printer
Shop All by Printer DuraLabel Kodiak DuraLabel Toro DuraLabel Bronco DuraLabel Lobo DuraLabel Pro 300
Other
Shop All Other Ribbons Printer & Supply Bundle
Floor Marking
Shop All Floor Marking
Floor Tape
Shop All Floor Tape 5S Aisle Glow in the Dark Reflective Anti-Slip
Floor Signs
Shop All Floor Signs
Accessories
Shop All Accessories Stair Safety Floor Laminate
Other
Shop All Other Bundles Shapes
Safety Signs & Labels
Shop All Safety Signs
Shop by Subject
Shop All by Subject Admittance Chemical Electrical Emergency PPE
Shop by Header
Shop All by Header Caution Danger Notice Safety Warning
COVID-19 Solutions
Shop All COVID-19 Solutions
COVID-19 Solutions
Safety Signs Printer Kits Awareness Posters A-Frame Signs Sneeze Guards
Social Distancing
Wall Signs & Labels Floor Signs Floor Tape Shop All
COVID-19 by Industry
Grocery & Retail Medical & Healthcare Office Settings Restaurants & Food Service Food Manufacturing Construction Manufacturing Finance Transportation Education
Pipe Markers & Tags
Shop All Pipe Markers & Tags
Standard Pipe Markers
Shop All Standard Pipe Markers Fire Quenching Flammable/Oxidizing Toxic or Corrosive Compressed Air Various Water
Ammonia
Shop All Ammonia Pipe Markers Component Markers
Shop by Standard
Shop All by Standard ANSI IIAR Pre-2007 ANSI
Other
Shop All Other Arrow Banding Tape Accessories Valve Tags
Resources
Support
Free Samples
Contact Us
Cart
Sign In
  • Home
  • Safety Blog
  • How to Avoid Three Top Welding Injuries

How to Avoid Three Top Welding Injuries

BY CHRISTINE TORRES

Published November 05, 2018

Some of the job hazards welders face each day are while working from heights, in extreme conditions, and in confined spaces. There are several simple precautions workplaces can take to ensure a safer work environment. Here are three of the biggest dangers to welders and how to avoid injuries.

Welding is vital to all industries. The craft of manipulating materials that have novel compositions using electric arcs or oxyfuel can be physically demanding and risky. Last week in Portland, Oregon, welders could be seen aboard large snooper cranes while they were making repairs along the steel casting sections of a suspended bridge. Flying metal particles, extreme temperatures, and working with chemicals are just a few of the health and safety risks welders face. Workplaces and their welding workers should be aware of common injuries and know how to take precautions to help avoid them.

Dangers in Welding

There are at least a half million welders in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has general requirements regarding welding safety in OSHA 1910.252. In reviewing 2017 OSHA injury data, only 22 incidents of injury from welding were listed as being reported. Among the top injuries that occur from welding, most occur in relation to the eyes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports about 2,000 workers daily sustain a medically treated eye injury. However, welding work can also damage ears, lungs, and even the brain. Here are a few common welding injuries and how to protect workers: 

Eye Injuries: Among the most common work safety concerns for welders are eye damage. Ultraviolet and infrared light from a welding arc can cause what is called ’Welder’s flash’ or ‘arc eye.’ UV burns the eye, and it doesn’t always affect the eyes right away. The radiation from infrared light is painful as it scorches the retina. Welders should keep a proper distance away from an arc while working. Prevent sparks and hot metal flecks from getting into the eyes by using proper personal protective equipment such as goggles or a welding hood that meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements. The shade on the welding hood can limit light exposure to the eyes.

Hearing damage: Besides enduring at least eight hours a day of loud noises, particles can penetrate ear canals. Minimize hearing dangers by wearing earplugs or earmuffs. Employers can also put up sound barriers to help limit working area noises. OSHA has requirements for establishing limits on workplace noise. Workers should have their hearing checked regularly.

welding eye protection warning sign

Breathing dangers: Workers should be aware of the dangers from inhaling welding fumes that come from working with paint, wire, chemicals, and smoke. If not properly protected, breathing these fumes and other particles can cause disorientation, and they can severely damage the lungs. Debris can cause even more physical destruction if it travels up the nose and on to the brain. Always use proper ventilation in welding work areas, and be particularly mindful in confined spaces. Respirators can also help protect against inhalation of hazardous substances.

These are only a few of the job hazards welders face each day that come with hot work. After all, they are working with heat, and fires or burns can happen at any time. In oxyfuel welding, because the work requires use of flammable materials, workplaces should follow protocols for chemical labeling. Repetitive motions and lifting heavy items can also cause injury if not conducted in a safe working manner.

Spark Conversations on Safety 

With the unique needs of the job, welders should still follow industry, company, and personal safety guidelines. Management can support workers by ensuring safety controls are available and in their proper place, such as a well-stocked and organized PPE station. Provide information and instructions in the working environment using visual communication that includes floor marking and safety signs and labels.

Related Resources

Facility Visual Communication Checklist

Facility Visual Communication Checklist

Use these checklists to maintain essential signage for facility safety and efficiency.

Download
Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment Infographic

A risk assessment is a standardized process any facility can use to improve safety. Identify hazards and assign controls to make effective improvements.

View
IIPP (Injury and Illness Prevention Programs)

Injury and Illness Prevention Programs

Understand the elements of a successful injury and illness prevention program (IIPP) and requirements.

Read
Get the latest deals straight to your inbox
Trusted by These Companies
Starbucks
GM
Du Pont
Amazon
Disney
3M
Pepsi
NASA
Chevron
AT&T
Toyota
Coca-Cola
UPS
Target
  • Graphic Products, Inc.
    9825 SW Sunshine Ct
    Beaverton, OR
    97005 USA

  • 1-888-326-9244 (U.S./Canada)
  • +1-503-644-5572 (International)
  • Products
  • Printers
  • Printer Supplies
  • Safety Signs
  • Safety Labels
  • Floor Marking
  • Pipe Markers & Tags
  • Catalog
  • Support
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Manage Account
  • Printer Support
  • Warranties
  • Resources
  • Resource Center
  • Guides
  • Articles
  • Video Library
  • Safety Blog
  • Infographics
  • Webinars
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Become a Dealer
  • Find a Dealer
  • Press Room

Need Help?

Give us a call at 1-888-326-9244 and speak with an expert.

Customer Reviews
  • Copyright © 2021
  • All Rights Reserved
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Shipping and Returns
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Data