Working in a safe manner, whether in the workshop or on site, is an important consideration in any welding operation. The responsibility for safety is on the individuals, not only for their own safety, but also for other people’s safety.

The Visual/Welding Inspector has an important function in ensuring that safe working legislation is in place and safe working practices are implemented. The Inspector may be required to carry out safety audits of welding equipment prior to welding, implement risk assessment/permit to work requirements or monitor the safe working operations for a particular task, during welding.

There are a number of documents that the inspector may refer to for guidance:

1. Government legislation – The Health & Safety at Work Act.
2. Health & Safety Executive – COSHH Regulations, Statutory instruments.
3. Work or site instructions – permits to work, risk assessment documents etc.
4. Local authority requirements.

There are four aspects of arc welding safety that the Visual/Welding Inspector needs to consider : 

1. Electric shock
2. Heat and light
3. Fumes and gases
4. Noise