PDC 802: Identifying Carcinogenic Exposures and Controls in Welding

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

CM Credit Hours: 7 

*Please note: PDCs are at an additional cost, and preregistration is required*
To register, please visit: https://aihaconnect.org/register

In 2018, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified welding fume as a Group 1 carcinogen. Welding is nearly ubiquitous in industrial environments, making it essential to understand the health and safety hazards associated with common welding and thermal cutting processes.

This course introduces key terminology used in the welding industry to help participants become familiar with workplace vocabulary. It covers materials, thermal processes and scenarios that present potential for overexposure, with emphasis on manganese and hexavalent chromium, among other hazards.

Participants will receive guidance on improving the quality of monitoring data and prioritizing exposure assessments. The course also outlines ventilation techniques and respiratory protection options. An Excel spreadsheet for tracking relevant data and developing welding similar exposure groups (SEGs) will be provided.

*Registration includes boxed luncheon. **Power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, laptop charging stations will be provided in each course room.

• Introduction and overview
• Welding fume as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen
• Welding/cutting processes and associated health hazards
• Metals and associated health hazards
• Manganese and hexavalent chromium SEGs and exposure assessments
• Case Studies
• Exposure control options
• Process selection
• Ventilation
• PPE
• Exposure control banding
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Describe general health and safety hazards associated with welding and thermal cutting.
• Discuss welding fume as a carcinogen .
• Develop an exposure assessment strategy for welding and thermal cutting strategies.
• Recognize and recommend effective ventilation for confined space welding and thermal cutting.
• Identify issues that need to be addressed during welding and thermal cutting in confined spaces.
 

Participants will receive PDF copies of "Welding Health and Safety: A Field Guide for OEHS Professionals" and "Field Guidelines for Temporary Ventilation of Confined Spaces With an Emphasis on Hotwork", along with an Excel spreadsheet for tracking relevant data for developing welding SEGs. 

None

Intermediate

Chemical Hazards

Engineering Controls and Ventilation

Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring

Exposure Assessment

Personal protective equipment

Ventilation

In-person

Professional

Case Studies

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises

Small Group Discussion