By Ms. Anna Tubelonia
Note: We have all been shocked by the needless deaths of 72 fellow workers in the Valenzuela fire accident that happened in May 2015, thus putting the spotlight on a special group of workers- the Welders and the hazards they can pose not only to themselves but to others as well. I will therefore be starting on a series of articles I call “On-The-Spotlight” which will focus on a particular occupation or job and the specific hazards and risks that they face. The first of this series involves the WELDERS.
On-The-Spotlight No. 1: Welders and the Hazards They Face
Masked. Goggled. Wearing leather apron and gloves. Sparks flying everywhere. I sidestep a welder every time I see one, and my music-filled mind would automatically sing Katy Perry's Fireworks. But the recent fire that made headlines and rocked our nation made me wonder the possible causes that brought such grief to the relatives of the victims involved, and my mindless singing would be cut short. Fire can happen anytime, anywhere, and when we least expect it. Our loved-ones can so easily be consumed in a fiery blaze and leave us grieving. We may be way past the month of March, but fire prevention should be an all-year-round practice.
Fumes, noise, heat, glaring light or ultraviolet rays and awkward positions. These are all part of a welder's workday, and the extent of the injury they might face will depend largely on how well they recognize the hazards of their job, and how aware they are in avoiding them.
For one, inhalation of welding fumes is the biggest risk a welder faces. The material used for welding contained harmful chemicals such as zinc, manganese, magnesium chromium and other heavy metals . When heated and reached its melting point, fumes generates, become airborne circulate in the air and accidentally inhaled by welders and workers around. reaching the welders’ breathing zone if ventilation or air circulation is poor. Manganese can cause "manganism" which, like Parkinson's disease, can make it difficult to walk and move properly. Iron oxide may cause irritation in the throat, nasal passages and the lungs. Nickel can worsen asthma. Chromium can cause sinus problems. Cadmium can cause lung disease and kidney failure. Lead can cause lead poisoning, and it may also harm the kidneys, the reproductive and nervous systems. This is why welders should be aware of the health hazards they face when dealing with certain fumes. Proper ventilation, installing exhaust systems and maintaining proper positioning where air movement would be away from the welder himself and his coworkers would make inhalation of toxic gases less likely. The glaring light is also another hazard to the welder. Without proper eye protection and face shield, exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light may cause a burning sensation in the eyes and blurred vision, but a welder is in danger of permanent eye damage. If exposed without protection, for long periods of time. The constant loud noise from equipment may cause hearing damage, and may lead to temporary or permanent deafness. Having to stay in one position for hours on end may cause all types of muskuloskeletal pain, mostly on the shoulders and knees.
And then there is the risk of fire. Combustible materials like dust, rags and sawdust can burn easily if there is enough heat and oxygen in the area. Other combustible materials include paper, plastics, chemicals, dry leaves and wood. Removing these combustible materials from the work area can avoid the risk of fire. Fire can also result when flammable gases are leaked from gas-containing tanks. Empty and thoroughly cleaning of tanks and pipes that have contained gases and liquids and have them tested for residue before welding is also another way to avoid fire. It is also good practice to have a fire extinguisher of the multiple type on hand in case of ignition and the fire can be extinguished when it is small and can be manageable.
On a final note, welders by themselves, can not put in all the measures to protect themselves. The management or the employers who utilize their services, still has a major role on the following major measures: 1) proper work orientation not only on how to do their job but also how to do them safely- it should include recognition of the hazards they meet at work; 2) provide the necessary personal protection equipment (welding masks, goggles, long sleeved shirt, leather apron, gloves or gauntlets, etc.); and 3) provide proper work space or area (well-ventilated, well-lighted.
The cooperation between management and the welders themselves can do much to protect the welders, their co-workers and the company as a whole, as the Valenzuela fire incident has clearly indicated.
