Welding - Ergonomics

• Lifting heavy loads (cylinders, cables, etc.).
• Awkward body postures (outreached arms, awkward position of neck and head, kneeling/squatting).
• Static body positioning (long duration of tasks, manual precision).
• Continuous force (grip strength).

• Learn to recognize symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs; also called repetitive strain injuries or RSIs). Repeated uncomfortable postures and tasks can cause injury.
• Avoid awkward body positions which cause fatigue, reduce concentration and lead to poor welds which may need to be repeated.
• Always use your hand to lower your helmet. Do not use a "jerking" motion of your neck and head.
• Position yourself in a stable, comfortable posture.
• Position the welding item as flat as possible, on a horizontal surface, between waist and elbow height.
• Position stool or scaffolding at a comfortable height to allow working in a seated position.
• Avoid working in one position for long periods of time.
• Work with material slightly below elbow level when working in a sitting position.
• Work with material between waist and elbow heights for comfort and precision when working in a standing position.
• Use a foot rest if standing for long periods.
• Always store materials and tools within normal reach.
• Use positioning aids to accommodate work posture.

Source: Golavatjuk et.al. creation of optimum labour conditions for electric welders with regard to ergonomic requirements. IIW Calloquium on Welding and Health, Lisboa (1980)

• Find out the weight of an object before attempting to lift it.
• DO NOT lift full or partially full cylinders on your own.
• Use a lifting aid if the object is heavy.
• Use a trolley or a mechanical lift to lift or move compressed gas cylinders.
• Get help with heavy or awkward loads if a lifting aid is not available.
• Do a few warm up stretches before lifting.
• Protect hands and feet in case the load falls.
• Place forward foot around the cylinder if it must be lifted manually.
• Lower the cylinder across thigh by pressing down with rear hand while holding cylinder underneath and slightly beyond center point.
• Raise end to desired height.
• Push cylinder forward by rear hand.

• Make sure the cylinder cap is secured.
• Tilt the cylinder slightly on its edge and roll it slowly in the direction desired. Move short distances only.
• Use a cylinder trolley for longer distances.
• Place one hand on top of the cap and the other hand on the shoulder of the cylinder.
• Always chain the cylinder to the trolley.

Lighting

• Ensure general lighting is adequate to allow safe access and handling of equipment.
• Use additional task lighting for precision work.
• Avoid excessive glare from light sources or reflections.
• Prevent excessive contrast between the workpiece and background.

Colour

• Select matte finishes for welding area to avoid reflection of welding arc light, and to obtain a satisfactory level of lighting.
• Choose any colour except blue or turquoise; they reflect UV light.
• Reduce distraction by making piping, ducting or structural supports the same colour as the background, unless piping requires a second colour coding.