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Why is the life expectancy for welders so low?
I just don't know why there isn't more safety for the respiratory system when it comes to welding, I know it's easier said than done but there should be mask requirements to help welders live a longer life. I understand that it will have higher costs but it lets people live longer instead of not being able to live a long life.
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Phyllis’s Answer
Hi Dario,
I fully agree with you that more should be done to protect the health of welders. Welding indoors must allow for space and open windows and doors whenever possible to let the circulation flow. Fusion welding will create smoke that may (probably) contain hazardous metal fumes. It can also be noisy to be a welder, so having good ear protection as well as eye protection and a good mask are some of the essential safety precautions for a welder!
There are negatives but there are also positives like the job market needing welders so there are jobs available, however, one must make sure to apply for a welding job where the company insists on worker safety. If the company provides training, that is an excellent advantage, but many companies will want a candidate to have some kind of welder training before applying which a community college or vocational school will provide.
Many years ago, we had a neighbor who lived across the street from us - we lived in a suburban, NY town. Mr. D was a welder and that was how me made his living. His garage door was always open and he always wore a mask and gloves. There was noise, but not loud enough to disturb any to the neighbors, so no one complained. He'd do his projects and then deliver them to the company he worked for and maybe there are still jobs available like that for welders who want to work independently. Mr. D lived to be 82 years old and then, unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. There were no lung ailments to strike him that we knew of and that might've been helped along by always having his garage door open no matter the weather.
There are also underwater welders and they make a very nice salary. One would have to be prepared to be out at sea for possibly a month at a time, depending on the project being worked on, but for some people who love the sea, that might sound like a good option.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a key organization that ensures workers like welders are working for employers who follow the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Welder worker safety is a very important topic and you have every right to be concerned about a welder's safety on the job!
Best to you,
Phyllis
I fully agree with you that more should be done to protect the health of welders. Welding indoors must allow for space and open windows and doors whenever possible to let the circulation flow. Fusion welding will create smoke that may (probably) contain hazardous metal fumes. It can also be noisy to be a welder, so having good ear protection as well as eye protection and a good mask are some of the essential safety precautions for a welder!
There are negatives but there are also positives like the job market needing welders so there are jobs available, however, one must make sure to apply for a welding job where the company insists on worker safety. If the company provides training, that is an excellent advantage, but many companies will want a candidate to have some kind of welder training before applying which a community college or vocational school will provide.
Many years ago, we had a neighbor who lived across the street from us - we lived in a suburban, NY town. Mr. D was a welder and that was how me made his living. His garage door was always open and he always wore a mask and gloves. There was noise, but not loud enough to disturb any to the neighbors, so no one complained. He'd do his projects and then deliver them to the company he worked for and maybe there are still jobs available like that for welders who want to work independently. Mr. D lived to be 82 years old and then, unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. There were no lung ailments to strike him that we knew of and that might've been helped along by always having his garage door open no matter the weather.
There are also underwater welders and they make a very nice salary. One would have to be prepared to be out at sea for possibly a month at a time, depending on the project being worked on, but for some people who love the sea, that might sound like a good option.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a key organization that ensures workers like welders are working for employers who follow the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Welder worker safety is a very important topic and you have every right to be concerned about a welder's safety on the job!
Best to you,
Phyllis
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Welding can generate toxic components like Manganese and hexavalent chromium. Research has shown these chemicals are potentially linked to health conditions like Parkinsons and cancer. Industry is working to improve the protective equipment available to welders. It is recommended that welding be conducted outdoors or in a very well ventilated area. Industry is also moving towards requiring welders in some situations to wear supplied air respirators, or similar protective gear. Welding has additional hazards, some welding requires confined space entry. Welding requires proper rated eye protection to prevent eye injuries/damage.
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