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Welding, without the proper precautions, can be a dangerous and unhealthy
practice. However, with the use of new technology and proper protection, the
risks of injury and death associated with welding can be greatly reduced.
Because many common welding procedures involve an open electric arc or flame,
the risk of burns is significant. To prevent them, welders wear protective
clothing in the form of heavy leather gloves and protective long sleeve jackets
to avoid exposure to extreme heat and flames. Additionally, the brightness of
the weld area leads to a condition called arc eye in which ultraviolet light
causes the inflammation of the cornea and can burn the retinas of the eyes.
Goggles and helmets with dark face plates are worn to prevent this exposure, and
in recent years, new helmet models have been produced that feature a face plate
that self-darkens upon exposure to high amounts of UV light. To protect
bystanders, transparent welding curtains often surround the welding area. These
curtains, made of a polyvinyl chloride plastic film, shield nearby workers from
exposure to the UV light from the electric arc, but should not be used to
replace the filter glass used in helmets.
Welders are also often exposed to dangerous gases and particulate matter.
Processes like flux-cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding produce
smoke containing particles of various types of oxides. The size of the particles
in question tends to influence the toxicity of the fumes, with smaller particles
presenting a greater danger. Additionally, many processes produce various gases,
most commonly carbon dioxide and ozone, and fumes that can prove dangerous if
ventilation is inadequate. Furthermore, because the use of compressed gases and
flames in many welding processes pose an explosion and fire risk, some common
precautions include limiting the amount of oxygen in the air and keeping
combustible materials away from the workplace.
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