Section 13: Welding, riveting, sandblasting or cutting.

Welding, riveting and sandblasting work may only be carried out by competent workers. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gaiters or leggings, aprons or protective waistcoats, “pile support” harnesses, masks or bonnets and safety goggles, are provided for these workers and their assistants, to protect them against the risks of burning or splashing of materials.

Breathing equipment preventing the inhalation of noxious vapours or dusts is made available to workers who carry out welding, riveting or cutting work on components coated with lead-based paint, as well as to workers who carry out metallization or sandblasting work. This equipment is maintained in good working order and disinfected before being allocated to a new owner.

When arc welding work is being carried out on a site, screens are used to mask the arcs from people other than the welders or their assistants, in order to eliminate the risks of dazzle and the dangers of ultra-violet radiation. In the absence of protective screens, danger zones are marked out and appropriately signposted.