Health & Safety Tips: Protect Yourself with LR3/Disco 3 | Page 17
Welding processes include Resistance Welding (Spot Welding), Arc Welding and Gas Welding.
Resistance Welding
This process may cause particles of molten metal to be emitted at a high velocity, and the eyes and skin must be
protected.
Arc Welding
This process emits a high level of ultra-violet radiation which may cause arc-eye and skin burns to the operator and to
other persons nearby. Gas-shielded welding processes are particularly hazardous in this respect. Personal protection
must be worn, and screens used to shield other people.
CONTACT LENS WEARERS ARE ADVISED TO REVERT TO ORDINARY SPECTACLES WHEN ARC WELDING as the
arc spectrum is believed to emit microwaves which dry out the fluid between the lens and the eye. This may result in
blindness when the lens is removed from the eye.
Metal spatter will also occur, and appropriate eye and skin protection is necessary.
The heat of the welding arc will produce fumes and gases from the metals being welded, the rods and from any applied
coatings or contamination on the surfaces being worked on. These gases and fumes may be toxic and inhalation of these
should be avoided. The use of extraction ventilation to remove the fumes from the working area may be necessary
particularly in cases where the general ventilation is poor, or where considerable welding work is anticipated. In extreme
cases or confined spaces where adequate ventilation cannot be provided, air-fed respirators may be necessary.
Gas Welding (and Cutting)
Oxy-acetylene torches may be used for welding and cutting, and special care must be taken to prevent leakage of these
gases, with consequent risk of fire and explosion.
The process will produce metal spatter and eye and skin protection is necessary.
The flame is bright, and eye protection should be used, but the ultra-violet emission is much less than that from arc
welding, and lighter filters may be used.
The process itself produces few toxic fumes, but such fumes and gases may be produced from coatings on the work,
particularly during cutting away of damaged body parts, and inhalation of the fumes should be avoided.
In brazing, toxic fumes may be produced from the metals in the brazing rod, and a severe hazard may arise if brazing
rods containing cadmium are used. In this event particular care must be taken to avoid inhalation of fumes and expert
advice may be required.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE ANY WELDING OR CUTTING TAKES PLACE ON VESSELS
WHICH HAVE CONTAINED COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, FOR EXAMPLE BOILING OR STEAMING OUT OF FUEL
TANKS.
Warning Symbols on Vehicles
Decals showing warning symbols will be found on various vehicle components.
These decals must not be removed. The warnings are for the attention of owners/operators and persons carrying out
service or repair operations on the vehicle.
CAUTION: Some of the components fitted in the vehicle e.g. the interior cross beam and underbonnet
cross member are manufactured from magnesium alloy. On no account should any welding operations be
attempted on these components.
