Health and Safety: Welding in UK - Coursework Example

HEALTH AND SAFETY (WELDING UK) Student’s name Code & Course Professor’s name University City Date Health and safety welding UK 4.1 Evidence specifying existence of risk. Welding is one of the most dangerous occupations. It involves fusing together two material using heat from energy sources such as a gas flame, friction, an electric arc, an electron beam, a laser, and ultrasound. All of these methods pose equally hazardous risks not only on the welder but also his or her environment. According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a body in the UK that provides the framework for health and safety in different work environments, in 2013 only, there were 113 welders who suffered major injuries. Another 293 welders suffered injuries that lasted more than 7 days while one person died from a welding accident. Below is a risk assessment matrix. Likelihood Consequences Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Certain Eye irritations Likely Slips and trips Electrical harzards Moderate Respiratory diseases Metal fume fever Noise and vibration conditions Unlikely Fire Rare Cancer Explosions Key: Red – extreme Yellow – high Green – moderate Light green – low There are various risks involved in welding such as fires and explosions which though not common are extremely fatal. There is lack of oxygen in confined or poorly ventilated spaces and illness caused by inhalation of fumes and gases. A welder is also at the risk of noise and vibration related conditions since noise levels are between 90­ and 105dB, as well as the occasional slips and trips. Electrical hazards are also very common. In addition, there are also risks from long term conditions such as cancer, respiratory diseases, metal fume fever, amputations as well as deafness and hand-arm vibrations resulting from the noise and vibration. In 2014, Mirror UK reported a welding accident which nearly killed a welder whose throat was sliced through by an angle grinder. The tool kicked back against a piece of steel and injured him. This is not an isolated case. In another case scenario, a teenager suffered serious burns to his eye while welding in a metal fabrication business. The teenager was a student on his first day of work experience and it is believed he was left unsupervised when the accident happened. In yet another welding accident, a welder at the Trafford Park was trying to weld two pieces of steel when a metal jack collapsed under him and smashed his face. The injuries were so severe that the man must now wear a plastic mask on his face to protect his face from wind and rain, despite the numerous operations the man has undergone. The statistics as well as the above mentioned cases prove that there are indeed risks involved in the welding business. Moreover, the numerous numbers of claims brought to court annually as well the rise in the number of accident claim firms to help victims indicate the same. Most of the accidents are attributed to inadequate safety gear, fatigue from long working hours as well as ignorance and lack of supervision. Below is a summary of the risks recorded during engineering activities. Nature of Risk Number of Casualties Level of injury Major injuries from welding 113 Fire/explosion Minor injuries from welding 293 Metal fume fever Electrical hazard 1 Throat cut Serious burns 1 Serious Eye burn Equipment failure 1 Serious head smash Welding accident 1 Death 4.2. Effect of Risk On Life, Property and Engineering Activities 4.2.1. Effect On Life The greatest and most common safety concern in the welding process is burns since heat is at the core of the process. The burns may be as a result of bare flames or electricity. Other than electrical burns, welders are also at risk of electrical shocks from electrical hazards such as stray welding currents and damaged insulation. Welders are also exposed to health conditions arising from inhalation of the fumes, some of which are short term while others are permanent. One of the serious conditions is pneumonia which kills at least 2 people in the UK every year. Pneumonia is more often than not a result of a lung infection which welders are prone to. According to HSE, 40-60 welders are hospitalised annually due to inhalation of metal fume. Affected welders are not from a particular age group hence welders of all ages are at risk. Welders are also at risk of getting asthma due to the chemicals in some metals such as stainless steel. Each year, approximately 9 welders in the UK receive claim benefits due to severe asthma resulting from their occupation. Also, according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), welding is classified as potentially carcinogenic to humans. This means that there is a possibility of getting cancer from exposure to metal fumes. A shorter term effect of inhalation of metal fumes is the metal fume fever. Welders experience flu like symptoms especially at the start of a working week but effects usually go away after some time. Welders may also experience irritations such as dryness of throat, tickling, coughing or tight chest due to exposure to ozone. In severe cases, ozone will cause fluid on the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary oedema. Prolonged exposure to fumes also causes temporary reduced lung function. Welder may have trouble breathing out but the effects wane off when he or she is not exposed. Welders handling hand held tools are at the risk of suffering from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which damages blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist and arm. This effect is normally not directly from welding but from associated processes such as grinding. The working environment for a welder is noisy with the different welding methods producing noise levels of between 90 and 115dB (A). The noise levels vary with the different methods of welding, for example air arc gouging produces the most noise, between 105 and 115dB (A). The welder is exposed by noise coming not only from his or her own work, but also from other colleagues. Prolonged exposure will result in hearing impairment and ultimately deafness due to rupturing of the eardrum. Fires and explosions are always catastrophic ending in either death or severe permanent injuries such as forth degree burns. The blast of the explosion causes damage to the ear drum while shockwaves hurl people against walls breaking their bones or worse still paralysing them. Lack of oxygen in confined spaces is a major cause of multiple deaths among welders. Reports by HSE show that one welder collapses, fellow workmates attempt to rescue him or her, and they all perish in the process. Insufficient oxygen makes one weak and confused and finally pass out in a matter of seconds. In most working environments, workers are at the risk of slips and trips or falls and welders are no exception. Most of the accidents are minor, treatable through basic first aid but some require hospitalisation. 4.2.2. Effect On Property The biggest risk to property is fire and explosion. In the event of a fire or explosion, property worth millions is burnt and destroyed. Repairs are expensive and in some cases where property is burnt to ashes, new equipment has to be bought. The blast from explosions may bring down other buildings destroying and burying more property in the debris. There is also a lot environmental degradation from the process. Fumes from the metals and the gases as well as smoke from fires and explosions cause air pollution. 4.2.3. Effect On Engineering Activities Welding is in itself an engineering activity hence the risks affect smooth running of the welding process. For example, welding accidents take time away from the process as the welders have to take care of their health and safety first. Moreover, destruction of equipment in fires and explosions renders the welding process impossible for those affected. This affects business for the companies involved. However, existence of risks in the welding process may also have a positive effect on engineering activities. This is because engineers are challenged to come up with designs that minimise or completely eliminate the risks. These designs range from the welding equipment and space, to the welding process, to the safety gear worn by the welders. 4.3. Information On Risk for Protection of Others Lack of oxygen in enclosed areas such as pits, tanks and pipes can be as a result of use of inert gases or chemical processes such as rusting. Gases used in welding such as argon, helium, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen displace air in confined spaces. Argon and CO2 are particularly heavy gases and can pool in areas one would not usually expect problems for example vehicle inspection pits. The gases may build up during the welding process and if the welder does not follow the safe system of work, the results are catastrophic. Welding gases are especially lethal due to the fact that they have no smell. Before working in confined spaces, welders should consider the existence of other options of working that do not involve going into the confined area. If the welder has to go in, a safe system of work must be followed. HSE provides the following guidelines: 1. Appointment of a supervisor 2. Ensuring competence of workers through proper training 3. Mechanical and electrical isolation of equipment 4. Cleaning before entry 5. Checking of size of entrance to ensure easy entry and exit 6. Provision of ventilation 7. Testing of air for both toxic and flammable vapours 8. Provision of special tools and lighting 9. Provision of breathing apparatus 10. Provision of rescue harness 11. Adequate communication systems between people inside and outside Welders should also make sure they know what the escape plan is in case of an emergency. Even in open spaces, there is still risk not only from the gases used in welding but also metal fumes. Stainless steel fume has chromium oxide and nickel oxide both of which are know to cause asthma. The fumes are also believed to be carcinogenic. Aluminium welding is also risky due to exposure to ozone (O3). Ozone exposure can cause sore throats during exposure but prolonged exposure results in damage to lungs. It also makes existing conditions worse, for example asthma. The fumes given off in the welding process are a mixture of airborne gases and particles of metals and metal oxides. Concentration of the fumes affects the extent of damage after inhalation. The fumes are more concentrated at the welding point and diffuse naturally as they rise away. Forced ventilation in the form of fans can be used to diffuse the fumes faster and maintain oxygen supply. Fires and explosions are common during hot work on drums and tank therefore proper cleaning of the drum is important. Inerting of enclosed spaces with residue of flammable chemicals also minimises the risk of fire. Hot metals and drips of molten metals can easily cause of a fire therefore wood, paper and any other flammable materials should be kept away before welding. Other precautions that can be taken to minimise the risk of fire include: 1. If combustible or flammable objects cannot be moved, cover them with covers or guards such as fire redundant blankets or metal sheeting. 2. If welding will be done for a long time, check for combustible materials behind walls and in partitions. 3. Cover opening on the floor and walls such as doors and windows will flame resistant covers or sheets. 4. Welding in ships is particularly dangerous hence appointing a fire watch is very important. Fire watches should be conducted during and even after welding. 5. Keep fire extinguishers within reach. Most burn injuries are contact burns that can be avoided. Welders should work in a safe location away from other people, wearing protective clothes, boots and eye protections. Torches not in use should be shut off and when in use, the lighted torch should not be left on a bench or floor as it may move due to the force of the flame. Finally, welders should avoid holding the workpiece by hand but instead clamp it. As safe practice, welding equipment must comply with either British or international (ISO) standards. Fixed welding equipment should only be installed by professionals and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Equipment should be properly insulated and welders should wear appropriate personal protection gear. Training of welders is extremely important. They should be made aware of how to use the equipment and with every upgrade on equipment appropriate training provided. Welders should also know of precautions to take for a safe working environment and rescue plans in case of an emergency such as how to use extinguishers and how to raise alarm in case of fires or explosions. 4.4. Minimizing The Risks to People, Property and Engineering Activities 4.4.1. Minimizing Risks to People. As indicated in the risk assessment, it is noticed that the welders are exposed to extreme levels of heat which cause burns to the people undertaking the process. One of the methods that the industries have to implement is by provision of protective clothing for the welders. According to the descriptions of the protective clothing by the manufactures, it is able to reduce burns from bare flames since it is resistant to fire effects. Moreover, the welders are also exposed to risks of electric fires and shocks due to stray welding currents and poor or damaged insulation. In order to cub this risk, the industries conduct regular checks and maintenance of the electricity cables to ensure they are well insulated which reduces risks of welders being electrocuted. Similarly, welders are faced with the risk of inhaling poisonous fumes and can lead to opportunistic diseases like pneumonia. As a means to mitigate this risk, the industries are responsible for supplying breathing apparatus to the welders to reduce the amount of fumes inhaled by them. In this manner, besides minimizing inhalation of the fumes, the welders are protected against long term diseases like asthma and cancer. In the same manner, the welders work in confined spaces which lack enough ventilation and oxygen. Due to his, industries provide enough ventilation as much as they can to ensure there is free flow of air which allows enough oxygen supply to the welders. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which is a risk resulting from grinding processes can be dealt with by ensuring the equipment used in the grinding section are properly fixed to reduce excessive vibrations. Besides, the industries are investing in purchase of equipment which do not require the person holding the equipment to be affected by the vibrations. In such situations, the people operating the machines are safe from arm, joint, wrist, nerves and blood vessel damage. In welding environments, the welders experience excessive noise resulting from different welding methods like gouging. Since prolonged exposure of the welders to such noise can lead to hearing impairment and deafness, the industries provide hearing protection like earmuffs and ear plugs to the welders to reduce the amount of noise during welding processes. 4.4.2 Minimizing Risks to Property Fires and explosions during welding are the most catastrophic risks to the properties in industries. Since most of the fires in industries result from electric faults and leakages, the management by help of the professional technicians regulate the electricity flow to ensure that the current supplied during a welding process is just enough for the purposes. The supply of regulated power reduces the probability of fire outbreaks due to stray current from welding. In the same manner, if the industry has highly flammable material and has poorly insulated cables, the industries repairs them in order to reduce chances of explosion if the current comes in contact with flammable fluids leading to destruction of buildings and other properties within reach. During the engineering activities, the gases released are dangerous to environment and leads too degradation through air pollution. As a measure to regulate this risk, the industries build chimneys that regulate the amount of fumes released to the atmosphere if any. Moreover, the engineering activities done under confined spaces are effective in reducing the levels of emission to the atmosphere as most of the fumes are absorbed by the surrounding objects and therefore least amount of emission is allowed to escape to the outside atmosphere. 4.43 Minimizing Risks On Engineering Activities. Most of the engineering activities rely on equipment for various purposes which are conducted by people. The risks affecting both humans and equipment pose a danger to the success of the engineering activities. As a result, industries minimize risks like electric leakages that cause fires by employing expert technicians to ensure the equipment needed is always at the best condition and poses no danger to the workers. Since the equipment used is in good condition, the risk of the workers getting injured during the engineering activities is minimized and thus the activities proceed as expected. Purchase of durable equipment by the industry for use by the workers is another way of regulating the risks associated with engineering activities. Since breakdown of equipment during engineering process due to overheating lead to a hitch in the activities, the industries purchase durable equipment. The equipment purchased therefore do not overheat as in the case of grinding and welding which might pose a danger to the workers and properties and therefore the processes continue as expected. In the same way, servicing of the machines like grinders ensures their performance is optimum and therefore no overheating is experienced. Since fires and explosions result from overheated surfaces coming in contact with flammable objects, the risk is minimized and therefore the engineering activities continue without interruption. 4.4.4 Implementation of Risk Control Methods Implementation of risk control by industries is done through various methods. One of the methods employed is by elimination of possible causes of harm to the workers in the working environment. In this manner, the place where the engineering activities are to be conducted are usually cleaned to remove debris that are likely to trip the workers during the engineering process. In the same way, removal of flammable objects if possible and covering those irremovable with metal sheet or fire resistant blankets to reduce possibility of fire spread in case of an outbreak. Another method for risk control is by the management setting up fire watches during and after engineering activities like welding. This implementation by the industries ensures that the risk of fires occurring without the people around being aware is minimized. For instance, the floors and walls where processes like welding are taking place are covered by flame resistant covers and at the same time the fire extinguishers are located within reach of the workers. The location of the fire extinguishers within reach is a control mechanism in a case of small fires which can be put out by the workers before the full scale fires results. Lastly, the industries implement risk control measure by structuring the facilities in a manner that the workplace is subdivided into sections for mechanical and electrical equipment. In this way it is possible to reduce risks arising from confusing the equipment and using the ones intended for mechanical use for electrical purposes. Moreover, the regulation by the management on how they insist on the workers putting on protective clothing before entering the workplace is another implemented risk control method. By doing so, the safety of the workers against health hazards is contained. 4.5 Implementation of Code of Practice Relating to Risk Control As discussed by Gaillard & Mercer 2013 about the code of practice for employers under industries, it is evident that the safety of the workers is a priority under the management of the industries. In this respect, the industries have to comply with the code of practice in order to ensure the risks resulting from the working environment are minimized or totally eliminated (Gaillard & Mercer 2013). Therefore, the industries implement the set health and safety regulations once the possible risks have been identified. In order to properly implement the code of practice, the industry has to go through organizational stage so as to ensure no sector is left out. 4.5.1 Organization According to Lund 2012, for effective and efficient implementation of the safety and health regulation, there is need for proper organization. Under this section, the industry organizes the employees into manageable groups under different supervisors who ensure that the matters related to the workers are fully addressed (Zwetsloot et al 2013). This involves organizing the workers under specific sections in the industry in as they are faced with similar risks depending on their sector of work. For instance, the workers exposed to acetylene are under health hazard in relation to respiration and sight problems (Lund 2012). Similarly, those under highly flammable conditions are faced with the risk of fire burns and therefore the industry should consider providing fire extinguishers nearby so as to respond promptly in cases of fire outbreak (Friend & Kohn 2014). Organization involves proper communication between employees and the management in the industry so as to ensure the necessary resources are availed to the response team in case of an incident (Zwetsloot et al., 2013). During this process, the management should ensure safety and health conditions are well incorporated in all the industrial activities and the departments addressing the risks that are related to each work. It is well achieved through proper allocation of resources to ensure it works, assigning health and safety responsibilities to the workers (Friend & Kohn 2014). Structuring the company’s activities like incident reporting and response to the incident in a way that it is in compliance with the regulations. Moreover, allocating special responsibilities to supervisors at every level which will ensure the safety regulations are put into practice. Besides setting up the physical structure of the workplace to favor the implementation of the safety measures, the industries also make effective communication and awareness regarding the impact of the risks at the workplace to both employees and authorities concerned. This seamless communication mechanism is put in place to ensure that the workers are well aware of the risks and regulations involved well before accepting to work with the industry and therefore boosting the cautiousness of the workers. 4.5.2 Actual Implementation This process involves putting into actions the planned regulations regarding to safety of both people and property. The industries provide training to the workers periodically in about the response to risky incidences like fore breakouts and explosions. Such training helps the workers to reduce casualty levels from the risks they encounter in their line of work, for example training on how to use fire extinguishers in case of small fires and use of gas masks in case of gas leaks. In the same manner, welders are trained on the necessity of safer working environment with recue plans put in place. That is to say, the industries install and maintain alarm systems which the workers are trained on how to use under emergency situations. The provision of safety clothing which is essential for maximum protection against risks resulting from welding is done by the industry. The workers are required to wear the protective gear at all the times while at work. This is also reinforced by installation of the equipment used by the workers properly like the welding equipment are fixed by professionals to avoid incidental fires (Friend & John 2014). Since welding is not always done in open environments, the welders are provided with breathing apparatus besides the proper ventilation that is availed (Lund 2012). Under enclosed areas, the welders are usually provided with lighting tools besides cleaning the areas before the welders enter. 4.5.3. Maintenance of The Safety Practices Besides implementation of the safety measures at the workplace, there is essence to regularly check and ensure the measures put in place are up to date (Lund 2012). As a matter of fact, the industries conduct periodical replacements of the installed fire extinguishers to ensure they are in good and working condition. Cleaning and replacement of the protection wear is done regularly by the industry in order to ensure that the clothing has no holes that may allow dangerous rays through and cause harm to the worker (Friend & John 2014). Proper monitoring of ventilation and lighting is conducted to ensure the working are having sufficient air for the welders and proper lighting which reduces the probability of risky incidences resulting from poor lighting (Lund 2012). Reference list. Friend, M.A. and Kohn, J.P., 2014. Fundamentals of occupational safety and health. Bernan Press. Gaillard, J.C. and Mercer, J., 2013. From knowledge to action Bridging gaps in disaster risk reduction. Progress in human geography, 37(1), pp.93-114. Health and Safety Executive 2016, Welding health and safety. Available from: www.hse.gov.uk. [23 June 2016] Lund, F., 2012. Work‐related social protection for informal workers. International Social Security Review, 65(4), pp.9-30. Parkinson, R 2014, ‘Welder survives horrific accidents when angle grinder slashes his throat’, Mirror, 9 August. Available from: www.mirror.co.uk. [23 June 2016] Qureshi, Y 2014, ‘Trafford park welder who suffered injuries in a work accident receives compensation’, Manchester Evening News, 17 February. Available from: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk. [23 June 2016] Zwetsloot, G.I., Aaltonen, M., Wybo, J.L., Saari, J., Kines, P. and De Beeck, R.O., 2013. The case for research into the zero accident vision. Safety science, 58, pp.41-48. Read More

Most of the accidents are attributed to inadequate safety gear, fatigue from long working hours as well as ignorance and lack of supervision. Below is a summary of the risks recorded during engineering activities. Nature of Risk Number of Casualties Level of injury Major injuries from welding 113 Fire/explosion Minor injuries from welding 293 Metal fume fever Electrical hazard 1 Throat cut Serious burns 1 Serious Eye burn Equipment failure 1 Serious head smash Welding accident 1 Death 4.2. Effect of Risk On Life, Property and Engineering Activities 4.2.1.

Effect On Life The greatest and most common safety concern in the welding process is burns since heat is at the core of the process. The burns may be as a result of bare flames or electricity. Other than electrical burns, welders are also at risk of electrical shocks from electrical hazards such as stray welding currents and damaged insulation. Welders are also exposed to health conditions arising from inhalation of the fumes, some of which are short term while others are permanent. One of the serious conditions is pneumonia which kills at least 2 people in the UK every year.

Pneumonia is more often than not a result of a lung infection which welders are prone to. According to HSE, 40-60 welders are hospitalised annually due to inhalation of metal fume. Affected welders are not from a particular age group hence welders of all ages are at risk. Welders are also at risk of getting asthma due to the chemicals in some metals such as stainless steel. Each year, approximately 9 welders in the UK receive claim benefits due to severe asthma resulting from their occupation.

Also, according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), welding is classified as potentially carcinogenic to humans. This means that there is a possibility of getting cancer from exposure to metal fumes. A shorter term effect of inhalation of metal fumes is the metal fume fever. Welders experience flu like symptoms especially at the start of a working week but effects usually go away after some time. Welders may also experience irritations such as dryness of throat, tickling, coughing or tight chest due to exposure to ozone.

In severe cases, ozone will cause fluid on the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary oedema. Prolonged exposure to fumes also causes temporary reduced lung function. Welder may have trouble breathing out but the effects wane off when he or she is not exposed. Welders handling hand held tools are at the risk of suffering from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which damages blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist and arm. This effect is normally not directly from welding but from associated processes such as grinding.

The working environment for a welder is noisy with the different welding methods producing noise levels of between 90 and 115dB (A). The noise levels vary with the different methods of welding, for example air arc gouging produces the most noise, between 105 and 115dB (A). The welder is exposed by noise coming not only from his or her own work, but also from other colleagues. Prolonged exposure will result in hearing impairment and ultimately deafness due to rupturing of the eardrum. Fires and explosions are always catastrophic ending in either death or severe permanent injuries such as forth degree burns.

The blast of the explosion causes damage to the ear drum while shockwaves hurl people against walls breaking their bones or worse still paralysing them. Lack of oxygen in confined spaces is a major cause of multiple deaths among welders. Reports by HSE show that one welder collapses, fellow workmates attempt to rescue him or her, and they all perish in the process. Insufficient oxygen makes one weak and confused and finally pass out in a matter of seconds. In most working environments, workers are at the risk of slips and trips or falls and welders are no exception.

Most of the accidents are minor, treatable through basic first aid but some require hospitalisation. 4.2.2.

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