3M puts welding hazards under the spotlight

Through a series of 'safety spotlights' 3M will use its expertise and knowledge to assist companies in dealing with a range of common, yet sometimes complicated, workplace safety issues. Using a range of media, 3M will discuss the potential respiratory, eye and noise hazards that may face welders and some of the control measures that should be considered. 3M is offering a free technical bulletin (see link below) on the subject and also a free welding hazards webinar on Thursday 14 April at 12 noon. To register for the webinar, go to www.3m.co.uk/ohes/speakerseries - all you need to join is a telephone and internet access. Alan McArthur of 3M's occupational health & environmental safety division commented: "Optical hazards from UV, infrared and visible light are well documented and a range of welding shields are available to protect against these hazards. However, other hazards to welders exist and there are a number of control measures available, including personal protective equipment (PPE). For example, associated activities like grinding can generate harmful noise. "Additionally, respiratory hazards in the form of welding fume, irritant gases such as ozone and gases arising from burning surface treatments may be present. Control measures such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV) are typically used, however some form of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is also likely to be required."