In-Depth Survey Report: The Effect of Weld Process and Ventilation Method on Physical Work Load, Weld Fume Exposure, and Weld Performance in a Confined-Space Welding Task at Jeffboat Shipyard, American Commercial Barge Lines (ACBL) Jeffersonville, Indiana, November, 2000.

摘要

The ergonomic factors affecting safety and performance of shipyard welders, especially those working in confined spaces, have not been adequately studied. Such workers typically weld in conditions that provide inadequate ventilation and require static muscular work and awkward, constrained postures. Thus, there is a need to establish the effectiveness of engineering interventions, such as static load reduction and alternative ventilation methods, on the basis of reducing musculoskeletal/physiological demand and weld fume exposure among confined-space welders while also enhancing worker performance. To accomplish these aims, this study measured the effect of weld process and ventilation method on the physical work load, weld fume exposure, and weld performance associated with a simulated confined-space welding task.