Team:Metalworking/Risk Assessments/Welding

Name	Welding
Type	Activity (e.g. Tool Usage)
Last Reviewed	2024-02-02
Next Review	2025-02-02

Attending the course at West Notts College, arranged by the trustees, is recommended for both welders. It is required for use of the TIG welder.

Risk	Existing Mitigations	Severity / Likelihood	Assessment	Action Required	Residual Risk
Burns due to touching welded material or exposing skin too closely to welding arc.	Users of these tools should be aware of how quickly heat can accumulate in the material. They should be aware of their surroundings and any potential distractions which may lead to exposure from the arc. Gloves are provided and must be worn. In the event of a burn, the nearest burn gel pack is in the Kitchen above the microwave.	4/3	Users might be unaware of PPE required.	Put up a sign requiring use of welding gloves.	2
Burns due to UV radiation.	Protective sleeves, gloves and helmet must be worn while welding. Helmets and gloves are provided by the space and are located next to the welding equipment. Ensure the welding curtain is used to protect others from UV.	4/4	Users might be unaware of PPE required.	Put up a sign requiring use of welding mask.	2
Electrical Shock due to damaged cabling or poor earthing.	A visual inspection of the appliance is carried out periodically and before each use.	5/1	Users might not be aware of the need for a visual inspection.	Ensure Wiki pages for welders covers this requirement.	2
Noise due to close proximity to welding head.	Care should be taken to ensure a safe working distance between your ears and the workpiece. Ear plugs are provided by the space and should be used. The ear plugs provided will fit comfortably in the ear and not interfere with the provided helmets.	3/5	Users might be unaware of PPE required.	Put up a sign requiring use of welding mask.	2
Respiratory Issues due to lack of fresh air.	Extraction is provided above the welding area and must be turned on before welding. Opening a window is also strongly recommended to ensure air is easily replenished.	3/5	Users might be unaware of the need to turn on extraction.	Put up a sign about turning on extraction.	3
Respiratory Issues due to welding unsafe materials (such as galvanised steel).	Users are informed, and therefore expected to know, the risks of welding certain materials. Unsafe use of the welders in this way may lead to a formal warning, temporary or permanent ban. Fumes from welding galvanised materials affect yourself and those around you.	3/5	Some users might not be aware of this	Ensure that reviewing the area is explained on the wiki page.	3
{{{risk_7}}}	{{{mitigation_7}}}	0/0			0
Fire due to sparks igniting nearby material.	Review your environment before welding and ensure the area is clean from debris and swarf using the swarf bin provided. Be aware of your surroundings while welding.	5/1			2
{{{risk_9}}}	{{{mitigation_9}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_10}}}	{{{mitigation_10}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_11}}}	{{{mitigation_11}}}	{{{score_11}}}			0
{{{risk_12}}}	{{{mitigation_12}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_13}}}	{{{mitigation_13}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_14}}}	{{{mitigation_14}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_15}}}	{{{mitigation_15}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_16}}}	{{{mitigation_16}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_17}}}	{{{mitigation_17}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_18}}}	{{{mitigation_18}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_19}}}	{{{mitigation_19}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_20}}}	{{{mitigation_20}}}	0/0			0

Please ensure you are familiar with the Nottingham Hackspace Health and Safety Policy prior to undertaking this activity.

If you do have an accident or near-miss, please report it using our Near Miss and Accident reporting form.

Risk Matrix

Severity
	5	1/5	2/5	3/5	4/5	5/5
	4	1/4	2/4	3/4	4/4	5/4
	3	1/3	2/3	3/3	4/3	5/3
	2	1/2	2/2	3/2	4/2	5/2
	1	1/1	2/1	3/1	4/1	5/1
		1	2	3	4	5
	Likelihood