// Machinery

Welding - Ergonomics

What are ergonomic risk factors associated with welding? Lifting heavy loads (cylinders, cables, etc.

head protection

ergonomic Lifting heavy loads (cylinders, cables, etc.).
ergonomic Awkward body postures (outreached arms, awkward position of neck and head, kneeling/squatting).
general Static body positioning (long duration of tasks, manual precision).
general Continuous force (grip strength).

administrative Learn to recognize symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs; also called repetitive strain injuries or RSIs). Repeated uncomfortable postures and tasks can cause injury.
requirement Avoid awkward body positions which cause fatigue and reduce concentration.
ppe Always use your hand to lower your helmet. Do not use a "jerking" motion of your neck and head.
requirement Position yourself in a stable, comfortable posture.
requirement Position the welding item as flat as possible, on a horizontal surface, between waist and elbow height.
requirement Position stool or scaffolding at a comfortable height to allow working in a seated position.
requirement Avoid working in one position for long periods of time.
requirement Work with material slightly below elbow level when working in a sitting position.
requirement Work with material between waist and elbow heights for comfort and precision when working in a standing position.
requirement Use a footrest if standing for long periods.
requirement Always store materials and tools within normal reach.
requirement Use positioning aids to accommodate work posture.

context Source: Golavatjuk et.al. creation of optimum labour conditions for electric welders with regard to ergonomic requirements. IIW Calloquium on Welding and Health, Lisboa (1980)

requirement Find out the weight of an object before attempting to lift it.
requirement DO NOT lift full or partially full cylinders on your own.
requirement Use a lifting aid if the object is heavy.
requirement Use a trolley or a mechanical lift to lift or move compressed gas cylinders.
requirement Get help with heavy or awkward loads if a lifting aid is not available.
requirement Do a few warm-up stretches before lifting.
requirement Protect hands and feet in case the load falls.
requirement Place the forward foot around the cylinder if it must be lifted manually.
requirement Lower the cylinder across thigh by pressing down with rear hand while holding cylinder underneath and slightly beyond center point.
requirement Raise the end to the desired height.
requirement Push the cylinder forward with rear hand.

requirement Make sure the cylinder cap is secured.
requirement Tilt the cylinder slightly on its edge and roll it slowly in the direction desired. Move short distances only.
requirement Use a cylinder trolley for longer distances.
requirement Place one hand on top of the cap and the other hand on the shoulder of the cylinder.
requirement Always chain the cylinder to the trolley.

context Ensure general lighting is adequate to allow safe access and handling of equipment.
context Use additional task lighting for precision work.
context Avoid excessive glare from light sources or reflections.
context Prevent excessive contrast between the workpiece and background.

context Select matte finishes for welding area to avoid reflection of welding arc light and to obtain a satisfactory level of lighting.
context Choose any colour except blue or turquoise; they reflect UV light.
context Reduce distraction by making piping, ducting or structural supports the same colour as the background unless piping requires colour coding due to its content.
context Fact sheet confirmed current: 2024-08-12