2025
Safe work procedures for hot work operations focus on preventing physical hazards such as fire and explosions. While some components of welding fumes have immediate health effects and detection methods, most of the specific metals and gases found in welding fumes require careful evaluation to prevent health issues that may take years or decades of exposure to develop.
In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that there is sufficient evidence that welding fumes and Ultraviolet Radiation (UV light) from arc welding cause cancer in humans (Group 1 Carcinogens).
Full article: Evaluation and Control Strategies for Welding Fume Exposures
Check out our full Focus on Safety Library on the Safety Resources page.
If you have suggestions for a Focus on Safety topic that could help your company or the Mutual, please get in touch with your local Signal Safety Manager.
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