Electric contact welding
This process may be accompanied by the formation of molten metal particles that fly away at high speed. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the eyes and skin.
Arc welding
This process is accompanied by strong ultraviolet radiation, which can cause damage to the eyes and skin burns of the welder and people nearby. In this respect, welding processes in a protective gas environment are especially dangerous.
Personal protective equipment should be used. The welding area should be fenced off using special screens to protect other personnel.
WHEN WELDING, PERSONS WEARING CONTACT LENSES ARE RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THEM WITH ORDINARY GLASSES, as there is reason to believe that the spectrum of the welding arc emits microwaves that dry out the liquid between the lens and the eye. As a result, when the lenses are removed from the eyes, this may lead to blindness.
Molten metal may also splash, so appropriate eye and skin protection must be worn.
The heat of the welding arc will cause fumes and gases to be released from the materials being welded, the electrodes and from any coatings or dirt on the surface of the workshop floor, equipment, etc. These gases and fumes may be toxic and should be avoided by inhalation. Exhaust ventilation may be required to remove fumes and smoke from the work area, particularly where general ventilation is poor or where a large amount of welding is to be done. In extreme cases or when welding in confined spaces where adequate ventilation cannot be provided, the use of air-supply respirators may be required.
CAUTION: Some vehicle parts, such as the inner crossmember and engine bay crossmember, are made of magnesium alloy. These parts should not be welded under any circumstances.
Gas welding (and cutting)
Oxy-acetylene torches may be used for welding and cutting. Extra precautions must be taken to prevent leaks of these gases, as this poses a risk of fire and explosion.
The process will be accompanied by the formation of splashes of molten metal, so it is necessary to use eye and skin protection.
The flame from gas welding is very bright and eye protection should be worn, but the ultraviolet radiation output is significantly less than with arc welding; you can use lighter filters.
This process releases some toxic substances (in the form of smoke). Also, vapors and gases may be released from the coatings, especially when cutting off damaged sections of the body. Inhalation of these gases and vapors should be avoided.
When brazing, toxic substances may be released from the metals in the brazing rod. A serious danger exists if cadmium-containing rods are used for brazing. In this case, extra care must be taken to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Expert advice may be required.
When welding or cutting containers containing flammable materials, special precautions must be taken - in the case of fuel tanks, they must be boiled or cleaned with steam.
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