by Natalie Edwards

Hats off to anyone welding in confined spaces! You guys deserve a pat on the back. Welding fumes alone are dangerous enough, but then the additional dangers that come with confined spaces....this is really one of those times you need to pay attention when it comes to safety precautions. Read on for everything you need to know about welding in confined spaces...

 

Air quality and respiratory safety in confined spaces

Air quality is particularly important in confined spaces. It is not uncommon for confined spaces to lack sufficient natural ventilation, so it's important to ensure welders have access to healthy, breathable air at all times. This includes oxygen content of at least 19.5% generated through appropriate ventilation.

The dangers of welding in confined spaces...

Welding can be uncomfortable, and dangerous. Welding in a confined space, like inside a tank, boat hull, container or pipe where there's no natural air ventilation and you can't stand up is understandably much, much worse. In some cases, the safety equipment appropriate for 'regular' welding work, may not be reliable when working in a confined space.

Common hazards to be aware of when welding in confined spaces include:

  • Increased air pollution from welding fumes/gases, steam and dust - these can quickly reach dangerous levels if air ventilation is poor.
  • Fires and explosions can be caused from a build up of gases. steam and dust, and/or from excess oxygen.
  • Suffocation can occur where there are shortages of oxygen.
  • Additional heat can build where there are no outlets.
  • Use of electric lighting, tools, welding equipment etc can lead to excessive contact voltage.
  • Space is limited, often making movement difficult, and welders often can be stuck in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.

Best practices when welding in confined spaces

When it comes to confined spaces, each situation will be different. In some instances additional safety precautions may need to be taken. Below are some of the essential safety best practices welders should follow before starting work:

  • Where possible, keep the area clear of any dangerous working materials and gases.
  • If electrical sources could pose a danger, ensure the appropriate power sources are labelled and well identified, and that
    insulating layers such as rubber matting or wooden grating are used.
  • Turn off any gas emissions during breaks, or when not in use.
  • Written approval and safety precautions specific to the space should be obtained and followed.
  • dedicated supervisor should be specified who ensures that the defined safety measures are taken during the work.
  • Where appropriate, designate a reliable safety post, who maintains contact with the welder in the form of visual or voice contact, or signal lines. If in doubt, this person must seek help. They must be trained in safety and rescue operations
  • An exit strategy should be in place for emergencies, ensuring precautions are taken for quickly exiting the danger zone.
  • Escape routes must be kept clear.
  • Along with ventilation/oxygen, the welder should be equipped with appropriate respiratory safety equipment. Given the likelihood of increased air pollution, lack of oxygen and heat build up, in most situations it is recommended the welder be fitted with a welding helmet with powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). While filtering out 99.9% of dangerous fumes and particles, this solution will allow the welder to breathe more easily in an area with lower oxygen levels, and also help with keeping them cool.
  • In areas with low oxygen levels, or no oxygen, ventilation and/or additional oxygen needs to be provided. PAPR units do not produce oxygen.
  • Ensure workers have access to clean air - welding helmets should be fitted with a powered air purifying respiratory unit (PAPR).
  • Ensure that the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used, including glovesclothing & footwearrespiratory gear and other welding protection.

When working in confined spaces, we recommend the Tecmen 820 with Freflow Respirator for it's slimline design, optimum true colour vision, and long life respirator battery. Click here to see what Greg from Bladerunner boats has to say