Our New York Construction Accident Lawyer Explains Welding Safety and What to Do if You’re Hurt on a Construction Site
The smell of burning metal fills the air as sparks fly on the construction site. For welders, this is just another day on the job with the potential dangers it brings. From toxic fumes to explosive gases, welding and cutting operations pose significant risks to workers on New York and New Jersey construction sites.
As a welder, you deserve to know the risks you face, and you deserve fair compensation if you are hurt on the job. Our construction accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. We’ve been helping people like you for nearly 50 years, and we are here to help you.
Welding and Cutting Hazards That Threaten Worker Safety
Welding and cutting operations, collectively known as "hot work," present a range of hazards that can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, including:
- Fires and explosions. The intense heat and sparks generated during welding can ignite flammable materials, leading to devastating fires or explosions.
- Toxic fumes. Welding fumes contain a cocktail of dangerous metals and gases that can cause respiratory issues, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, nervous system damage, and even cancer. Proper ventilation is essential to protect workers' health.
- Electrical hazards. Faulty equipment or improper grounding can lead to electric shocks or electrocution, especially in wet conditions.
- Compressed gas hazards. Improperly handled or stored gas cylinders can rupture, creating projectiles or fueling fires.
- Molten metal and ultraviolet light. Without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), welders risk severe burns from molten metal and eye damage from intense ultraviolet light.
New York Labor Law Establishes Welding Safety and Hot Work Precautions to Protect Workers
New York State Labor Law 241(6) requires that all construction work be performed in a way that provides “reasonable and adequate protection and safety to the persons employed therein…”
Additionally, 12 NYCRR Section 23-1.25 requires the following for welding and flame cutting operations:
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders should be stored safely, in the upright position, and away from open flames, heat, and combustible materials when not in use.
Each compressed gas cylinder must have a control valve that is protected when not in use. Additionally, each compressed gas cylinder that is in use must have a pressure regulator or automatic pressure reading device.
Compressed gas cylinders should only be raised or lowered in suitable cradles during use. They should be securely fastened to a stationary object, or other suitable provisions should be made to keep them from falling over. Even during use, compressed gas cylinders should be kept at least six feet away from combustible devices or heat sources. Empty gas cylinders should be immediately removed from the work area and appropriately secured.
Hose and Hose Connections
Hoses used for gas cylinders need to be high quality and made for construction sites. Oxygen hoses should have different fittings than other gas hoses. Hoses need to be strong enough to handle high pressure. They should be protected from damage and not create tripping hazards. Workers should check hoses often for leaks or wear and fix or remove bad ones.
Torches
Torches should only be lit with special lighters or electric igniters. All cylinder valves must be closed when torches are changed or welding stops for more than five minutes.
Protection of Persons
People who are welding or cutting need proper scaffolds, eye protection, and protective clothing. When arc welding near others, those people need to be protected from the bright light with screens or special eye protection.
Fire Protection
Oily and greasy substances should be kept away from cylinders, hoses, and torches. Suitable incombustible screening needs to be provided if flying metal particles can reach others on the construction site. At least one fire extinguisher or fire pail must be within easy reach if the welding or flame cutting happens near combustible material.
Explosion Hazard
All piping must be disconnected or blanked off before welding or flame cutting on any tank or container containing anything that could create a flammable vapor when exposed to heat.
Essential PPE and Ventilation for Welders
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for welders working on New York and New Jersey construction sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates specific PPE requirements, which include:
- Welding helmets
- Eye protection such as goggles, safety glasses, or face shields
- Protective clothing
- Respirators in poorly ventilated areas
Proper ventilation is also critical for maintaining a safe welding environment. Regular air quality testing should be done to ensure that ventilation systems effectively maintain safe breathing conditions.
Hot Work Permits
A hot work permit system must be in place before welding or cutting can begin on a New York or New Jersey construction site. This crucial safety measure helps identify and mitigate potential hazards. For example, New York City requires a Hot Work Operations Permit for welding or other hot work involving oxygen and a flammable gas.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Welding Accident
Serious welding accidents happen despite the protections described above. If you've been injured in a welding accident on a New York or New Jersey construction site, you have rights. Your employer may not want to admit that it failed to provide hot work precautions or welding safety measures, but our experienced construction accident lawyers are on your side. We will fight for your full and fair compensation by investigating what happened to you, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and representing you in court. We want you to focus on your physical recovery while we protect your legal and financial recovery.
