Welding Contractors

Grinding, cutting, and welding operations can release toxic metal dusts containing hexavalent chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel. When these particulates settle on outdoor surfaces, they can enter stormwater run-off. If the stormwater run-off is not properly controlled, contained, and pre-treated before discharge into sanitary or storm drainage systems, it could impact groundwater, surface water quality, and aquatic systems.

Welding contractors may make modifications to design specifications while at a jobsite. Malfunctions arising from these inputs/changes can create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor.

Welders often work on pressurized water lines, steam systems, or fire sprinkler piping. A microscopic weld defect, leak, or joint failure can slowly release moisture behind walls or under subfloors, resulting in mold growth. Mold can disperse through the building and be absorbed by insulation and other building materials, resulting in costly remediation, third-party bodily injury claims, and disposal liabilities.

Performing welding modifications or repairs in occupied buildings can compromise indoor air quality by releasing hazardous fumes, including manganese, ozone, and carbon monoxide. If the area where welding operations are performed is not properly vented, or fumes are vented to areas where they are drawn into neighboring HVAC systems, third parties could be exposed, resulting in bodily injury claims.

Modifications or extensions to potable water lines or HVAC cooling systems can result in sections of piping where water remains stagnant. This can lead to Legionella growth, a bacterium that causes a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Exposure of third parties to Legionella-contaminated mists or vapors can result in severe health issues like Legionnaires’ disease.

The transport, storage, and use of highly pressurized process gases, such as acetylene, oxygen, and argon, present a severe hazard. Leaks in cylinders, valves, or malfunctioning regulators may result in a fire or explosion at a jobsite. Fires and explosions can generate smoke and toxic fumes that impact third parties. Firefighting foams can contain toxic chemicals, including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, that could create contaminated run-off.

Pre-assembly preparation and post-weld cleanup rely heavily on chemical solvents, degreasers, and anti-spatter sprays. Many of these products contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Short-term inhalation can cause immediate respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, or nausea. Prolonged exposure can cause severe and lasting impacts, such as kidney or liver damage.

Thermal cutting, grinding, and hot work performed on older structural steel or piping can inadvertently disturb existing asbestos-containing material (ACM). This could cause an airborne release of inhalable fibers, resulting in serious health hazards or fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers.

Thermal cutting, grinding, and hot work performed on older structural steel or piping can inadvertently disturb existing Lead-based paint (LBP). Lead exposure can cause significant bodily injury. Work performed on exterior structures can also result in lead leaching into the soil around the structure, creating cleanup liability.