Considerations about welding and the effects of low frequency electric and magnetic fields
Welding current, as it flows through welding cables, will cause electromagnetic fields. There has been, and still is, some concern about such fields. However, after examining more than 500 studies spanning 17 years of research, a special blue ribbon committee of the National Research Council concluded that: 'The body of evidence, in the committee's judgement, has not demonstrated that exposure to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields is a human-health hazard.' However, studies are still going on and evidence continues to be examined. Until the final conclusions of the research are reached, you may wish to minimise your exposure to electromagnetic fields when welding or cutting.
To reduce magnetic fields in the workplace, use the following procedures:
- Keep cables close together by twisting or taping them.
- Arrange cables to one side and away from the operator.
- Do not coil or drape cables around your body.
- Keep welding power source and cables as far away from operator as practical.
- Connect work clamp to work piece as close to the weld as possible.
About Pacemakers
Pacemaker wearers consult your doctor first. If cleared by your doctor, then following the above procedures is recommended.
Principal safety standards
Safety in Welding and Cutting:ANSI Standard Z49.1 from American Welding Society, 550 NW LeJeune Rd, Miami, Florida 33126, USA.
Safety and Health Standards,OSHA 29 CFR 1910, from Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402, USA.
Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation of Welding and Cutting of Containers that have held Hazardous Substances.
American Welding Society Standard AWS F4.1 from American Welding Society, 550 NW LeJeune Rd, Miami, Florida 33126, USA.
National Electrical Code, NFPA Standard 70, from National Fire Prevention Association, Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269, USA.
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA Phamphlet P-1 from Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 501, Arlington,Virginia 22202, USA.
Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting, CSA Standard W117.2 from Canadian Standards Association, Standards Sales, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3.
Safe Practices for Occupation and Educational Eye and Face Protection,ANSI Standard Z87.1 from American National Standards Institute, 1439 Broadway, New York, New York 10018, USA.
Cutting and Welding Processes, NFPA Standard 51B from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269, USA.