Toolbox Talk Welding

Compiled by Rudi Nieuwoudt

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Welding is the most common method of joining metals in industry today. When welded, two pieces of similar metals are fused (melted) together. Once completed,

the welded joint is as strong or stronger than the pieces from which the joint is formed.

WHAT IS WELDING?

General hazards of welding include impact, penetration, harmful dust, smoke, fumes, heat and

light radiation, whether it be arc or gas welding. The dangers are real and you will need to take

appropriate action to keep yourself and other safe.

Welding is considered a high risk activity, especially when conducted in an operating plant. There are however several lines of defense to reduce the risks

significantly. These would include…

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LINES OF DEFENSE

Training and competencies.

Including Company and

Client Inductions

/HIRA/Medical Fitness/

Task Specific Risk

Assessment - and

communication of risks to employees

Physical Barriers –

Barricading/Spark

Containment/Warning

signs/Welding screens etc.

Permit to Work System – Ensure compliance to

permit requirements

through continuous monitoring.

Communication and interfacing -

with people affected by your

activities.

Continuous risk assessment. –

Daily Task Instructions/PTO’

s/ Inspections/Audit

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PPE – Welding helmets, Aprons, Spats, welding

gloves etc.

Supervision – Competent,

trained supervision on

site.

Emergency Preparedness –

Know the emergency

procedures.

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PPE REQUIRED

A welding helmet will protect your eyes and face

from the harmful effects of welding

Burns to the cornea of the eyes. Also known

as “arc eyes”

Second degree burns to the neck and face.

This person decided to weld without a welding helmet.

Welding gloves are thick, heat

resistant gloves with long cuffs to

protect your hands and lower arms.

This person decided to weld without welding gloves.

Burns to his hand due to prolonged exposure

to the UV rays produced by welding.

A welding apron is made of leather and protects you

body from any hot metal that might

fall onto you

This person decided to weld without a welding apron.

Burnt a hole into his clothes when a piece of flux fell onto him.

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Leg covers, also known as spats prevent any hot metal to fall onto

or into your shoes.

A piece of hot metal fell into his safety shoe and

he sustained a 3rd degree burn.

This person decided not to wear leg covers while welding

Remember that PPE is only useful when YOU make the decision to use it properly. The

correct decision can save you a lot of pain.

PPE REQUIRED

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Spark containment and protecting other people from the affects of welding is very

important. Use welding screens or fire blankets to ensure the safety of yourself

and those around you..

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Sewers are identified as places where explosive gases or materials could be present. Make sure that if you need to conduct hot work close to sewer systems that you cover them with a fire blanket. Also make sure that gas readings are

taken and NEVER dispose of any chemicals into any sewer.