What is the main safety hazard associated with welding?

The primary safety hazard associated with welding is exposure to harmful fumes and UV radiation. During the welding process, materials such as metals and coatings can release toxic fumes that, if inhaled, may lead to serious health issues like respiratory problems or long-term poisoning. Additionally, welding generates ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause severe skin burns and eye injuries, commonly known as "welder's flash."

Understanding this is crucial for welders to take appropriate safety measures, such as wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, fume extraction systems, and protective clothing, to mitigate these risks. Awareness of these hazards is part of ensuring a safe working environment. Other hazards, such as noise and potential equipment injuries, while important, are often secondary concerns compared to the immediate health impacts of fumes and UV exposure during the welding process.