The task of welding entails a myriad of physical hazards that can potentially threaten worker safety. Protective clothing is a necessity to shield workers from burns that may result from metal flash and the welding or cutting element itself. Eye protection is needed because of the danger brought about by the intense light caused by the welding process.
These hazards are obvious, and industry’s workers would not even consider doing the work without utilizing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). There is one hazard, however, that looms as perhaps the greatest danger — one that can have catastrophic results if not understood and dealt with in a safe manner — unseen hazards from gases.