AN INVESTIGATION INTO SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS IN WELDING OPERATIONS IN THE SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT 

The study sought to investigate safety considerations in welding operations in the Sunyani Municipality. Specifically, the study investigated the health and safety hazards associated with welding operations, identified the unsafe work practices of welders, as well as examined the precautionary measures adopted by welders in the Sunyani Municipality. A survey research design was employed for the study adopting the quantitative approach to data analysis and using questionnaire as the main instrument for data collection; comprises all operators of welding shops within the Sunyani Municipality. The sample for the study comprised 65 welders selected from a population of welders plying their trade at the Sunyani Magazine Area. The study revealed that welders were exposed to various kinds of health and safety challenges in the course of undertaking their welding operations. The common health and safety hazards associated with welding operations were: skin irritation caused by excessive heat from welding flames, eye infections caused by ultraviolet rays and toxic substances, and lung infections and other respiratory complications caused by fumes and toxic gases. It was found that most of the health and safety hazards faced by welders were caused by gross negligence on the part of welders and deliberate disregard for safety rules and regulations. Among the major safety measures undertaken by welders to mitigate the safety hazards they encounter included the use of ultraviolet radiation filters during welding from protecting their eyes from the radiations, keeping one’s head out of welding fumes to avoid inhaling the fumes, and wearing of personal protective equipment. Based on the results of the study, it was deduced that welding operations are highly hazardous and welders are at risk of being exposed to serious health and safety hazards.