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Other welding health risks questions for the Pipefitting and welding (PFW) specialist test

5 free questions on Other welding health risks, from section E. Specialist: HVACR – pipefitting and welding. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

A welder has sore, gritty eyes after arc welding without a proper visor.

What is arc eye?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Tired eyes from working late shifts
  2. B. A permanent change of eye colour
  3. C. A radiation injury to the front of the eye
  4. D. Dust stuck under the eyelid from grinding nearby
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Arc eye is caused by welding radiation.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Arc eye is an injury to the cornea.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says arc eye is an acute injury to the front of the eye (the cornea) after exposure to radiation from welding.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Arc eye is caused by welding radiation.

Explanation

Arc eye is a radiation injury to the cornea. Use proper eye and face protection.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A pipefitter feels flu-like after welding galvanised pipe.

What is this usually linked to?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Hay fever from outdoor work in the summer
  2. B. Weil's disease from rats in the plant room
  3. C. Too much coffee on the early shift
  4. D. Metal fume fever
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. It is linked to galvanised metal fume.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It is linked to galvanised metal fume.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. It is linked to galvanised metal fume.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says metal fume fever is usually linked to welding or hot work on galvanised metals. Its symptoms are flu-like.

Explanation

Welding galvanised metal can cause metal fume fever. Control the fume.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You are arc welding with MMA in a workshop.

What does HSE say about noise?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Most arc welding can harm hearing
  2. B. Welding is always quiet, so ignore noise
  3. C. Only grinding is noisy, never welding or cutting
  4. D. Noise only matters outdoors
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says that, except for TIG, electric arc welding generates harmful levels of noise. Hearing protection is the main control where noise can't be eliminated.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Most arc welding generates harmful noise.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Arc welding can be noisy too.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Noise harms hearing anywhere.

Explanation

Except for TIG, arc welding can be noisy enough to harm hearing.

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Question 4

Harder ·Link to this question (question 4)

A welder is using argon shielding gas inside a small, enclosed tank.

What is the danger?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Argon is only dangerous outdoors
  2. B. It can push out the oxygen
  3. C. Argon makes the weld weaker, nothing more
  4. D. Argon smells strongly, so you'll notice it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. It is most dangerous in enclosed spaces.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says welding in confined spaces can lead to death from asphyxiation, as shielding gases such as argon can build up and displace oxygen.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The danger is lack of oxygen.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Argon can build up unnoticed.

Explanation

In confined spaces, shielding gases like argon can displace oxygen and suffocate you.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

HSE says welders are more prone to one serious lung infection.

Which one?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A common cold, picked up on site
  2. B. Tetanus, from rusty pipes
  3. C. Pneumonia
  4. D. Chickenpox, caught from other workers
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to pneumonia.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to pneumonia.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says welders are more prone to pneumonia, which kills about 2 welders a year.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to pneumonia.

Explanation

Welders are more prone to pneumonia. Controlling fume reduces the risk.

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