1. Toolbox Talk
Welding
Compiled by
Rudi Nieuwoudt

2. 2
Welding is the most common method of joining metals
in industry today. When welded, two pieces of similar
metals are fused (melted) together. Once completed,
the welded joint is as strong or stronger than the pieces
from which the joint is formed.
WHAT IS WELDING?
General hazards of welding include impact,
penetration, harmful dust, smoke, fumes, heat and
light radiation, whether it be arc or gas welding. The
dangers are real and you will need to take
appropriate action to keep yourself and other safe.
Welding is considered a high risk activity, especially when conducted in an
operating plant. There are however several lines of defense to reduce the risks
significantly. These would include…

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LINES OF DEFENSE
Training and
competencies.
Including Company
and Client
Inductions
/HIRA/Medical
Fitness/
Task Specific Risk
Assessment - and
communication of
risks to employees
Physical Barriers –
Barricading/Spark
Containment/Warni
ng signs/Welding
screens etc.
Permit to Work
System – Ensure
compliance to
permit
requirements
through continuous
monitoring.
Communication and
interfacing - with
people affected by
your activities.
Continuous risk
assessment. – Daily
Task
Instructions/PTO’s/
Inspections/Audits
PPE – Welding
helmets, Aprons,
Spats, welding
gloves etc.
Supervision –
Competent, trained
supervision on site.
Emergency
Preparedness –
Know the
emergency
procedures.

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PPE REQUIRED
A welding helmet
will protect your
eyes and face
from the harmful
effects of welding
Burns to the cornea of
the eyes. Also known
as “arc eyes”
Second degree burns
to the neck and face.
This person decided to weld without a
welding helmet.
Welding gloves
are thick, heat
resistant gloves
with long cuffs to
protect your
hands and lower
arms.
This person decided to weld without
welding gloves.
Burns to his hand due
to prolonged exposure
to the UV rays
produced by welding.
A welding apron
is made of leather
and protects you
body from any hot
metal that might
fall onto you
This person decided to weld without a
welding apron.
Burnt a hole into his
clothes when a piece
of flux fell onto him.

5. 5
Leg covers, also
known as spats
prevent any hot
metal to fall onto
or into your
shoes.
A piece of hot
metal fell into his
safety shoe and
he sustained a 3rd
degree burn.
This person decided not to wear leg
covers while welding
Remember that PPE is only useful when YOU
make the decision to use it properly. The
correct decision can save you a lot of pain.
PPE REQUIRED

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Spark containment and protecting other
people from the affects of welding is very
important. Use welding screens or fire
blankets to ensure the safety of yourself
and those around you..
+ =
Sewers are identified as places where explosive gases or materials could be present. Make sure that if you need to
conduct hot work close to sewer systems that you cover them with a fire blanket. Also make sure that gas readings are
taken and NEVER dispose of any chemicals into any sewer.