3 answers
hector
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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Is welding dangerous?
Can I die from a serious welding injury? #welding #welder
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hector,
The short answer is always, "yes." BUT. . . you can die walking or driving. There's always the chance no matter what you do and where you go that there will be some sort of freak accident that will take you out. BUT it's not a reason to stop living. When you learn a dangerous trade, you also learn proper safety procedures that are designed to minimize your risk. It is when we take shortcuts that we expose ourselves to greater risk. An example would be not wearing eye protection or gloves, because they are "uncomfortable." I'm not a welder, so I can't tell you the odds of getting a serious injury if you do everything you are supposed to do. But, I know it's a lot lower than if you take chances.
I was a police officer for 25 years. We relied on training to minimize the risk. Everybody (prisoners and suspects) were always searched. I have removed guns from people that you never would have guessed were carrying. Training and safety protocols. Learn them. Follow them. And pursue the career you want.
Hope this helps!
Kim
The short answer is always, "yes." BUT. . . you can die walking or driving. There's always the chance no matter what you do and where you go that there will be some sort of freak accident that will take you out. BUT it's not a reason to stop living. When you learn a dangerous trade, you also learn proper safety procedures that are designed to minimize your risk. It is when we take shortcuts that we expose ourselves to greater risk. An example would be not wearing eye protection or gloves, because they are "uncomfortable." I'm not a welder, so I can't tell you the odds of getting a serious injury if you do everything you are supposed to do. But, I know it's a lot lower than if you take chances.
I was a police officer for 25 years. We relied on training to minimize the risk. Everybody (prisoners and suspects) were always searched. I have removed guns from people that you never would have guessed were carrying. Training and safety protocols. Learn them. Follow them. And pursue the career you want.
Hope this helps!
Kim
John Guzik
TIG welder
3
Answers
Mooresville, North Carolina
Updated
John’s Answer
Welding is a safe trade as long as you follow proper protocols. Some fields are, of course, more "dangerous". An example is underwater welding definitely has more pitfalls than a production welder working on a line in a manufacturing plant. Another field that has elements of danger is welding at heights, such as structural welding. In most circumstances, the common burn, or sparks, getting fingers pinched, etc. will be the extent of the danger.
Justin Bryan
Lead welder
3
Answers
Oldsmar, Florida
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Yes. But the vast majority of incidents can be avoided. Follow protocols. Learn OSHA guidelines and don't work for companies that don't follow them. The biggest danger is the devil you can't see. Invest in a papr early in your career, because weld fumes are carcinogenic. Plus its like have ac blown in your face all day.