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溶接工とは、材料を接合する人または装置のことです。溶接工という用語は作業者を指し、機械は溶接電源装置と呼ばれます。接合される材料は、金属（鋼、アルミニウム、真鍮、ステンレス鋼など）またはさまざまなプラスチックやポリマーです。溶接工は通常、優れた器用さと細部への注意、接合される材料に関する技術的な知識、およびこの分野のベストプラクティスを備えている必要があります。 [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
溶接は、その工程に適した適切な予防措置を講じなければ、危険で不健康な作業になりかねません。しかし、新しい技術と適切な保護具を使用することで、溶接に伴う負傷や死亡のリスクを大幅に軽減できます。一般的な溶接作業の多くは、開放型のアークや炎を伴うため、火傷のリスクは非常に高くなります。これを防ぐため、溶接作業者は、極度の熱や炎への曝露を避けるため、厚手の革手袋や長袖の保護ジャケットなどの個人用保護具を着用します。さらに、溶接箇所の明るさにより、紫外線が角膜の炎症を引き起こし、網膜を焼くアーク眼と呼ばれる状態になることがあります。この曝露を防ぐために、暗色のフェイスプレートを備えたフルフェイス溶接ヘルメットが着用されます。近年では、高濃度の紫外線にさらされると自動的に暗くなるフェイスプレートを備えた新しいヘルメットモデルが開発されています。周囲の人を保護するため、溶接箇所は不透明な溶接カーテンで囲まれることがよくあります。ポリ塩化ビニル製のプラスチックフィルムで作られたこれらのカーテンは、近くの作業員を電気アークからの紫外線から保護しますが、ヘルメットに使用されているフィルターガラスの代わりに使用すべきではありません。[ 3 ] [ 4 ]
Welders are also often exposed to dangerous gases and particulate matter. Processes like flux-cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding produce smoke containing particles of various types of oxides, which in some cases can lead to medical conditions like metal fume fever. The size of the particles in question tends to influence the toxicity of the fumes, with smaller particles presenting a greater danger. Additionally, many processes produce fumes and various gases, most commonly carbon dioxide and ozone, that can prove dangerous if ventilation is inadequate. Furthermore, because the use of compressed gases and flames in many welding processes pose an explosion and fire risk, some common precautions include limiting the amount of oxygen in the air and keeping combustible materials away from the workplace.[3] Welders with expertise in welding pressurized vessels, including submarine hulls, industrial boilers, and power plant heat exchangers and boilers, are generally referred to as boilermakers.[5]
A lot of welders relate to getting small electrical shocks from their equipment. Occasionally, welders might work in damp crowded environments and they consider it to be a "part of the job." Welders can be shocked by faulty conditions in the welding circuit, or, from the work lead clamp, a grounded power tool that is on the bench (the workpiece or the electrode). All of these types of shocks come from the welding electrode terminal. Often these shocks are minor and are misdiagnosed as being an issue with a power tool or the power supply to the welder's area. However, the more likely cause is from stray welding current which occurs when current from the welding cables leaks into the welder's work area. Often this is not a serious problem, however, under the right circumstances, this can be fatal to the welder or anyone else inside the work area. When a welder feels a shock, they should take a minute to inspect the welding cables and ensure that they are clean and dry, and, that there are no cracks or gouges out of the rubber casing around the wire. These precautions may be life-saving to the welders.[6]
Notable people who have worked as welders include: