Welder Weldings

Welding has been used in thousands of manufacturing activities and is the most common means of permanently joining metal parts. Welders construct or repair metal products by sealing parts using different welding methods.

The intense heat created by the electrical current causes the metal part and steel core of the rod to melt together. This cools quickly and results in a solid bond. During welding, the flux welding wire that surrounds the rod's core vaporises, forming a gas that serves to protect the weld from atmospheric elements that might weaken it.

The three other more common welding methods are flux cored, submerged Arc and TIG welding. MIG and oxy-acetylene are some of the other methods used. The type of method used depends on the the type of work being undertaken. For example, flux cored welding is typically used for shipbuilding activities whereas all four of the more commonly used welding methods may be used during the construction or repair of pressure vessels.

Welders are often exposed to a number of potential hazards such as the intense light created by the welding arc, and hazardous fumes and burns. Safety goggles with protective lenses and safety shoes must be worn. Because welders also work on outdoor construction sites where scaffolding is used, safety is a primary concern. Welders also work indoors in production or repair shops.

It was generally observed that welders in Calabar, Nigeria did not always wear their protective goggles during welding. Since chronic exposure to welding light can impair vision this study was done to assess the effect of exposure to welding light on ocular function of welders in Calabar, Nigeria. There were 195 subjects comprising 110 welders and 85 control subjects. Both groups were all male and had similar age range.

The tests employed were clinical examination for ocular disorders, assessment of visual acuity, and opthalmoscopy. Test questionnaire was also used to record information on length of service, precautionary measures at work place, age and past ocular illnesses.