Welder
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2008-05-26T17:30:30Z
Excirial
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/198.20.32.127|198.20.32.127]] ([[User talk:198.20.32.127|talk]]) to last version by Old Moonraker
{{otheruses4|welding as a trade|the machine used to power arc welding procedures|Welding power supply}}
[[Image:welder 1942.jpg|thumb|260px|Welder making boilers for a ship, Combustion Engineering Company. Chattanooga, Tennessee, June 1942.]]
A '''welder''' (also '''weldor''', which term distinguishes the [[tradesman]] from the equipment used to make welds) is a [[tradesman]] who specialises in [[welding]] materials together. The materials to be joined can be [[metal]]s (such as [[steel]], [[aluminum]], [[brass]], [[stainless steel]] etc.) or varieties of [[plastic]] or [[polymer]]. Welders typically have to have good [[dexterity]] and attention to detail, as well as some technical knowledge about the materials being joined and best practices in the field.<ref>[[Lincoln Electric]] (1994). ''The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding''. [[Cleveland]]: Lincoln Electric. ISBN 99949-25-82-2.</ref><ref>Weman, Klas (2003). ''Welding processes handbook''. New York: CRC Press LLC. ISBN 0-8493-1773-8.</ref>
==Safety issues==
Welding, without the proper precautions appropriate for the process, can be a dangerous and unhealthy practice. However, with the use of new technology and proper protection, the risks of injury and death associated with welding can be greatly reduced. Because many common welding procedures involve an open electric arc or flame, the risk of burns is significant. To prevent them, welders wear [[personal protective equipment]] in the form of heavy [[leather]] [[glove]]s and protective long sleeve jackets to avoid exposure to extreme heat and flames. Additionally, the brightness of the weld area leads to a condition called [[arc eye]] in which [[ultraviolet light]] causes the inflammation of the [[cornea]] and can burn the [[retina]]s of the eyes. [[Goggle]]s and [[welding helmet]]s with dark face plates are worn to prevent this exposure, and in recent years, new helmet models have been produced that feature a face plate that self-darkens upon exposure to high amounts of UV light. To protect bystanders, transparent welding curtains often surround the welding area. These curtains, made of a [[polyvinyl chloride]] plastic film, shield nearby workers from exposure to the UV light from the electric arc, but should not be used to replace the [[filter (optics)|filter]] glass used in helmets.<ref name="Cary">Cary, Howard B. and Scott C. Helzer (2005). ''Modern Welding Technology''. Upper Saddle River, [[New Jersey]]: Pearson Education. ISBN 0-13-113029-3.</ref><ref>Blunt, Jane and Nigel C. Balchin (2002). ''Health and Safety in Welding and Allied Processes''. [[Cambridge]]: Woodhead. ISBN 1-85573-538-5.</ref>
Welders are also often exposed to dangerous gases and [[particulate]] matter. Processes like flux-cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding produce [[smoke]] containing particles of various types of [[oxide]]s, which in some cases can lead to medical conditions like [[metal fume fever]]. The size of the particles in question tends to influence the [[toxicity]] of the fumes, with smaller particles presenting a greater danger. Additionally, many processes produce fumes and various gases, most commonly [[carbon dioxide]] and [[ozone]], that can prove dangerous if ventilation is inadequate. Furthermore, because the use of compressed gases and flames in many welding processes pose an explosion and fire risk, some common precautions include limiting the amount of [[oxygen]] in the air and keeping combustible materials away from the workplace.<ref name="Cary"/>
== External links ==
*
==References==
<references/>
www.millerwelds.com
==Further reading==
*ASM International (2003). ''Trends in Welding Research''. Materials Park, [[Ohio]]: ASM International. ISBN 0-87170-780-2
*Hicks, John (1999). ''Welded Joint Design''. [[New York City|New York]]: Industrial Press. ISBN 0-8311-3130-6.
*Kalpakjian, Serope and Steven R. Schmid (2001). ''Manufacturing Engineering and Technology''. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-201-36131-0.
{{Metalworking - Welding}}
[[Category:Welding]]
[[Category:Production occupations]]
[[Category:Construction trades workers]]
[[Category:Metalworking occupations]]
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