The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974, places a duty on the employer to provide premises, plant and systems of work which are, so far as it is reasonably practical, safe and without risk to health. It also charges employees to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of others.
In this article, the general hazards which may arise when carrying out welding and related operations, are identified. In subsequent articles, guidelines will be given on the principal health and safety considerations for each welding process.