Welding

A flash burn is a painful inflammation of the cornea, A flash burn occurs when you are exposed to bright UV light which can happen in all types of UV light, but this is a common problem among welders. 

Prevention:

• Wear protective glasses and a welder's hood to protect the cornea from exposure to UV light.
• Make sure your welding hood is the correct shade to filter.
• Wear tinted safety glasses if your eyes are sensitive to light.
• Burned tissue is susceptible to infection so monitor until the pain is gone. 

An electrical current as low as 240 volts can be fatal under certain circumstances. The severity of the injuries that could occur depends on where in the body the current flows and for how long. 

How Does An Electric Current Affect The Body?

• Breathing could stop
• Heart beat is interrupted 
• Damage to muscles and nerves

Safety Measures To Consider:

• Never assume a circuit is dead 
• Safety equipment should be worn
• Working on live equipment is forbidden 
• Physically "lock off" equipment that could be inadvertently reconnected 
• Ensure earthing/ earth loading is adequate 
• Report faults/problems 

Signs and Symptoms: 

Heat Exhaustion:

Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, irritability, thirst, losing an excessive amount of water and salt (typically through excessive sweating). 

Treatment: Remove worker from hot area and give cold, clear liquids to drink. remove unnecessary clothing, use cold compresses to cool the worker, encourage frequent sips of water, asses workers need for medical attention. Call 911 immediately for a medical emergency. 

Heat Cramp:

Symptoms: Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that can usually occur during heavy activity in a hot environment. 

Treatment: Rest and cool down briefly, drink clear liquids or electrolyte sport drinks, massage/stretch the affected area gently, don't resume heavy activity for several hours.

Heat Stroke: 

Symptoms: Confusion, hot/dry skin, slurred speech, unconsciousness, seizures, high body temperature, rapid heart rate. 

Treatment: Seek medical treatment immediately, place worker in a cool/shady area and remove outer clothing, wet the workers skin, and increase air movement in the area, replace fluids as soon as possible. Call 911 immediately for a medical emergency.