Safety is a critical consideration for any welding project. Arc welding is a safe occupation when proper precautions are taken. But, if safety measures are ignored, welders face an array of hazards which can be potentially dangerous, including electric shock, fumes and gases, fire and explosions and more. To help keep welders safe, organizations such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and OSHA offer safety guidelines to help control, minimize or to help employers and workers avoid welding hazards.

Welding — one of the OSHA-defined “hot work” activities — is a major task in many industries. You’ll find it performed in manufacturing, fabrication, and repair work. In fact, anywhere two or more materials must be joined together, welding will likely be present.