Welding Inspectors
Welding inspectors check welds against codes and drawings, using visual inspection and nondestructive testing (NDT). They spend their days next to arcs, grinders, heavy work and elevated structures, often without the training that welders receive on those hazards.
- Inspectors
- Quality Control
- Fabrication
Hazards
- Arc light and UV: can cause arc eye and skin burns even when you are not welding. See Arc Eye & Flash Burns.
- Fumes and gases: manganese, hexavalent chromium and shielding gases. See Welding Fume & Manganese.
- Sparks and fires. See Hot Work Permits.
- NDT hazards: radiography uses ionizing radiation; magnetic particle uses UV lights and chemicals; penetrant testing uses solvents; ultrasonic testing uses couplants. See Ionizing Radiation.
- Heights and edges: structures, pipe racks, tanks and boilers. See Personal Fall Arrest Systems.
- Confined spaces: tanks and vessels. See Confined Spaces.
- Hot metal, slag and sharp edges at weld joints.
- Heat stress and noise.
- Moving cranes, forklifts and equipment in fabrication shops.
Protecting yourself
- Wear safety glasses with side shields at all times, and a helmet or shield with the right shade when near an arc. Never look at an arc without a filter.
- Wear flame-resistant clothing that covers skin and leather gloves. Cotton is better than synthetic, which can melt.
- Use respiratory protection when fumes exceed limits or in confined spaces.
- Wait until welds cool or use tools to check hot welds; wear heat-resistant gloves.
- Follow radiation controls: stay outside barricades during radiography, wear a dosimeter if issued and obey the radiographer.
- Wear a harness when working at heights, tied to a proper anchor.
- Follow permits for hot work and confined space entry.
- Use hearing protection near grinding and arc gouging.
Checklist
- Site orientation done and PPE checked
- I know where welding is happening and where barriers are
- I have a way to call for help and a rescue plan for heights or spaces
- I carry my own light, gauges and tools in a safe way
- I report unsafe conditions to the supervisor
Standards & references
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