FACT! The majority of welding shops that NIAC's lead consultant, John Null, has encountered in his 25+ year career in the welding industry, do not understand the full complexity of how dangerous the environment in a welding shop can be. For example, any hydrochlorides (degreasers, cleaning solutions, or just plain old Clorox) within 200ft of the UV rays from arc welding, changes their chemical composition, thus turning the hydrochlorides into Phosgene ......a deadly gas! This colorless gas gained infamy as a chemical weapon in WWI.
This highlights just one of the gamut of dangers in a welding shop, unforeseen to the naked eye.
This highlights just one of the gamut of dangers in a welding shop, unforeseen to the naked eye.
Just a sample of NIAC's Training topics:
- Proper handing and operation of acetylene and oxygen cylinders
- PPE (personal and protective equipment, such as proper gloves, sleeves, filters and welding hood, low flammable clothing, eye protection)
- Electrical shock hazards
- Proper head position and adequate ventilation
- Dangers of chromium's, nickels and stainless alloys and the vapors such as Hexavalent Chromium.