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Prefabrication: Welding
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Welding in the controlled environment of a
prefabrication shop
rather than on-site makes it easier to control workplace
risk factors.
However,
ergonomics-related issues such as
size and positioning of work object, still remain.
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| Static and Awkward Postures |
Potential
Hazards:
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Figure
1
Bending while welding.
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Figure 2
Adjustable-height table.
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Figure 3
Using a jig allows employee to use
both hands to control tool
and maintain neutral hand position.
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Figure 4
Anti-fatigue mat.
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Employees frequently may assume awkward or
static postures (Figure 1) for extended periods of time while
welding.
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Finishing a
full weld may require a welder to bend or lean
over the work piece, or reach overhead for several
minutes. This may fatigue the low back and
shoulders, especially since they support the
welder's weight and the weight of
the helmet, apron, and gloves.
- Employees may spend extended periods of time standing or kneeling on
hard cement floors.
The prolonged standing may cause lower extremity discomfort, pain
and fatigue as well as disorders of the back and low back pain. Kneeling causes contact
stress and may result in injuries
to the knees.
Possible Solutions:
- Provide height-adjustable tables (Figure 2)
and jigs (Figure 3) that hold the piece in a position enabling employees to maintain neutral
postures.
- Provide anti-fatigue mats (Figure 4) and shoe
inserts that may help reduce fatigue and discomfort caused by
prolonged standing on hard floor surfaces. These mats help distribute the
pressure from a hard floor evenly to the feet
and may improve
circulation.
- Pre-plan welding jobs to minimize awkward
postures.
- Do not conduct welding on the ground or floor.
- Avoid kneeling. Use low stools instead.
- When kneeling is required, wear
kneepads.
- When purchasing new personal
protective equipment, consider the weight of
items such as helmets, aprons, and jackets to
reduce the load that must be supported if
employees must bend neck or trunk to perform
tasks.
- Provide a stand and hoist to
get welding material to appropriate height to
eliminate awkward postures.
- Use adjustable rotator stands such as a retrofitted air or hydraulic
lift package to better maintain a neutral
posture while welding.
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