Underwater Welding Dangers

Underwater welding is a specialized profession in which different welding procedures are carried out underwater. A person opting for this career should have the necessary information and some special skills for the job, and it is definitely dangerous. The procedures used in underwater welding are different from that of submerged arc welding. But, before learning the dangers, let us first understand its process.

Underwater welding is generally performed on steel and needs special diving skills which should be better than commercial divers. The functions include repairing pipelines, offshore oil platforms and ships. Lifting the whole structures out of water will be costly and the company will waste its time and money due to it. Underwater welding reduces the cost of the company by directly mending the damages underwater and also saves the time of the company because 'time means money' to the companies. The repairing is performed by the specialized welder. Underwater welders are specially trained, and have to work in teams. There are many underwater welding schools located in different parts of the world.

Types of Underwater Welding
Underwater welding can be divided into two main categories - dry welding and wet welding. Both these come under the category of hyperbaric welding. Hyperbaric welding method is a high pressure welding method. Wet welding takes place in a setting which is completely wet, and dry underwater welding takes place in a dry chamber. In dry underwater welding, the area which is supposed to be mended is encircled by a chamber and the water in pumped out totally from that area. The underwater welder then performs his repairing work inside this chamber. This chamber is totally dry even when it is underwater.

Dangers Involved in Underwater Welding
It is very necessary to have all the information because there are certain dangers which a welder may have to face. A person who aspires to become an underwater welder should love adventure and should be ready to visit any kind of locations. Let us see the dangers and risk factors in more detail.

• There are chances of getting an electric shock. Underwater welders have to take many precautions due to this danger. The precautions to avoid electric shock include use of equipment which are adaptable underwater, the power should be switched off immediately after the completion of the welding work and the welding current should be under control.
• Another major risk is an explosion. The formation and combination of hydrogen and oxygen pockets are dangerous because they are explosive and when ignited, they can lead to an underwater explosion.
• Another danger is the accumulation of nitrogen in the bloodstream of the welder due to high pressure. Decompression chambers and extra divers are provided to the welders as precautions for this danger.

The underwater welders are however, constantly in contact with their team members on the surface in case of any need or help. They do get immediate assistance in case of risks or if they are facing any trouble underwater. The underwater welders get sufficient air supply from the standard scuba breathing apparatuses.

This was some important information on underwater welding that one must know before taking it up as a career. Though there are dangers, this is an exciting and adventurous job which will really be enjoyed by people who love to live on the edge.