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Safety in Welding – How to Ensure a Safe Work Environment?

Project "Innovations in VET education" is co-financed by the European Union

Introduction to the Topic of the WebQuest
Information for the Teacher

Introduction to the Topic of the WebQuest

Welding is a process that, despite its common use in industry, requires great caution and awareness of potential hazards. Risks associated with this work, such as burns, toxic fumes, eye damage, and even fire hazards, make it essential to follow strict safety guidelines. A safe work environment not only protects the welder but also others around them and the entire technical setup.

Examples of Protection Methods:

Personal Protection – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Personal protective equipment, such as protective clothing, gloves, shoes, goggles, masks, and welding helmets, is essential for safe welding work. Each element serves a specific function – welding masks protect against harmful radiation and sparks, and gloves protect hands from burns. In this group, students will learn what standards and norms PPE must meet, how to use and maintain it properly, and the importance of regular checks to avoid many hazards.

Fire Protection – Fire Hazards and Emergency Procedures:

Sparks, heated metals, and high temperatures increase the fire risk in welding areas. This group will analyze which fire protections should be present, such as fire extinguishers, spark shields, and proper insulation of flammable materials. Students will also learn emergency procedures, like quick evacuation and immediate use of fire-fighting equipment, and methods to prevent fires.

Ventilation and Poisoning Prevention – Protection from Toxic Fumes:

Welding releases harmful gases and fumes that can lead to respiratory diseases or even poisoning. In this group, students will study requirements for welding room ventilation, such as extraction and air filtration systems. They will also discuss respiratory protection measures, like masks with appropriate filters, and guidelines for regularly ventilating the workspace.

Protection of Equipment and Work Space – Technical Safeguards and Work Organization:

Welding safety also includes taking care of the workspace and the technical condition of equipment. This group will discuss how to prepare the workspace to minimize accident risks, such as storing flammable materials away from the welding area or using protective covers. Students will analyze regular maintenance procedures for welding equipment to avoid breakdowns during work. They will also cover ergonomics, the organization of the workspace to support not only safety but also the welder's efficiency.

Protection from Radiation and Heat:

Welding emits UV and IR radiation, harmful to the skin and eyes. Shields, welding helmets with UV filters, and screens protecting against reflected light should be used.

Handling Flammable Substances and Gases:

When using technical gases (e.g., acetylene, oxygen), extra caution should be taken during storage and use to prevent leaks and fires. Cylinders must be secured against tipping and kept away from heat sources.

Examples of Hazards and Protection Methods:

Radiation and Eye Protection:

During welding, intense UV and infrared radiation is emitted, which can lead to eye damage.

Welding helmets with appropriate filters are recommended to protect the eyes and face.

Welding Fumes and Gases:

Welding generates fumes containing harmful chemicals like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Proper ventilation of the work area and the use of protective masks with filters are essential.

Sparks and Metal Splashes:

Welding can produce sparks and hot metal splashes, creating burn risks.

It is important to wear protective clothing made of non-flammable materials and heat-resistant gloves.

Electromagnetic Fields:

Welding equipment emits electromagnetic fields that may impact the health of workers.

It is crucial to monitor radiation levels regularly and use proper protection.

Information for the Teacher

This WebQuest is intended for vocational school students training in technical professions such as welders, mechanics, or steel structure assemblers. Its goal is to introduce students to the basics of safety during welding work, including the use of appropriate techniques, protective materials, and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. As part of the task, students will work in groups, with each group preparing a presentation on various aspects of welding safety, particularly focusing on hazards and methods to eliminate them.

Thanks to completing this WebQuest, students will:

• Understand the basic safety rules for welding.

• Learn how to protect themselves and others from various hazards that occur during welding.

• Learn how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene practices in the workplace.

• Understand the importance of good practices in the workplace.

Suggested Time for Completion

The WebQuest process should take approximately 10 lessons.

Evaluation Criteria

The degree of topic coverage (maximum score: 5, exceeding the topic: score 6)

The aesthetics of the presentation and the way information is presented

Student engagement and teamwork ability

Evaluation:

• The teacher will help students analyze the content together until they fully understand it. The teacher will assist with advice, explanations, and not provide ready-made solutions. This method will be a good way to introduce students to independent action and creative thinking.

• The teacher should thoroughly analyze the content with the students until they understand it. However, the teacher should provide help, advice, and explanations, not ready solutions. This method will encourage independent thinking and creativity.

• Group division can be made according to various criteria, such as cognitive abilities, skills, or interests to balance the strengths of each group.

• The teacher can assist students while working in groups by asking guiding questions. It should be remembered that students are learning a new way of working (process).

• The teacher should provide students with specific information regarding the evaluation of their achievements, both during group work and when summarizing the results.

• The time for completing the project should be adjusted to the students' abilities. It is not predetermined. The suggested time for each stage of the process should be considered as a guideline.

TASK

Students will be divided into 4 groups, and each will develop a topic related to welding safety. The task of each group will be to create a multimedia presentation in which they discuss the assigned aspect of safety. During the presentation, one person will take on the role of the instructor, explaining hazards and safety procedures, while the remaining members will act as workers who ask questions and discuss the practical aspects of the discussed rules.

Each group will focus on a different area of safety:

Group 1: Personal Protection – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (protective clothing, glasses, gloves, masks). Discussing their functions and correct usage.

Group 2: Fire Protection – Types of fire hazards during welding, safety procedures, including the use of fire extinguishers, and evaluating safety conditions.

Group 3: Ventilation and Poisoning Prevention – The importance of proper ventilation in welding spaces and principles for protecting against toxic fumes and gases.

Group 4: Protection of Equipment and the Work Space – Guidelines for using welding equipment, maintenance, and securing the work environment, including proper storage of flammable materials.

Each group will present its findings to the class, discussing the hazards and recommended safety procedures, allowing for a deeper understanding and discussion of welding safety.

Stage 1: Introduction to the Task

• Familiarization with the WebQuest and welding safety topics.

• Discussion of hazards associated with welding and an introduction to PPE and safety procedures.

Stage 2: Working on Presentations

• Dividing into 4 groups, with each group assigned a topic.

• Each group prepares a multimedia presentation covering their topic.

• Each group will also prepare examples of practical solutions and the use of selected protective measures or procedures.

Stage 3: Discussion and Presentation of Results

• Each group will present their work to the class.

• Discussion of recommended practices, protection techniques, and risk analysis during welding.

• Debate on the benefits of using protective measures and the main hazards.

Stage 4: Evaluation

• The teacher will assess student engagement, the quality of presentations, and participation in the discussion.

• Summary of the acquired knowledge and conclusions about the necessity of ensuring a safe work environment during welding.

Work Steps and Time

2h

Stage 1

4h

Stage 2

4h

Stage 3

2h

Stage 4

Points	2	3	4
Content Quality	Work is weak in terms of content. Missing elements.	Work is good in terms of content. Minor or no errors.	Work is excellent in terms of content. Correct, engaging information.
Presentation of Work	• Presentation is unclear, superficial, and not engaging. • Lack of participation in discussion.	• Presentation is clear, good, and interesting. • The student participates in discussions but with limited input.	• Presentation is attractive, thorough, and engaging. • The student actively participates in discussions and contributes significantly.
Aesthetic Impressions	• Work is unclear, untidy, and poorly executed. • Poor arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is clear, neat, and carefully done. • Good arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is aesthetically pleasing, clear, and highly polished. It stands out visually. • Excellent arrangement of elements on the page.
Group Work	Lack of involvement of all group members in work and creative collaboration.	Good involvement of all group members. Satisfactory collaboration skills.	Full engagement of all group members. Excellent cooperation and motivation within the group.

CONCLUSIONS

After completing the WebQuest, students will:

• Understand the importance of safety rules in welding – Working on this WebQuest will allow students to gain a deep understanding of safety rules, particularly concerning radiation, welding fumes and gases, electromagnetic fields, and protection against sparks and splashes. They will understand why each of these hazards requires specific protective measures and safety procedures.

• Acquire skills in risk identification and assessment – Students will learn to evaluate potential hazards associated with various welding techniques and workstations. This knowledge will help them minimize accident risks, protect their health, and create safe working conditions.

• Develop the ability to select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) – Throughout the project, students will familiarize themselves with various protective equipment, such as helmets with protective filters, masks with the appropriate filters, protective clothing, and gloves. They will learn the principles of selecting the right equipment for each type of hazard.

• Broaden their skills in presenting knowledge – Group work and presenting results taught students effective communication, cooperation, and organizing knowledge in an accessible and understandable manner. Students refined their skills in arguing their points and actively participating in discussions.

• Understand the importance of regular training and updating safety knowledge – Working on the WebQuest helped students recognize that safety rules require continuous improvement and adaptation to new technologies, materials, and welding methods. They understood that periodic training and knowledge updates are essential for long-term occupational safety.

• Recognize the practical application of safety knowledge in future work – The WebQuest helped students understand that theoretical safety knowledge is directly related to professional practice. They realized that applying safety rules has a direct impact on their health, work quality, and efficiency.