I had an Welder ask me this morning for the straight scoop on welding and
pace makers, as he is getting mixed info from his doctors.
I've always heard that welding and
pace makers don't mix, but decided I need to separate fact from fiction before telling him that he'll have to learn a new trade.
After internet searching, several sources say about the same things as the AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheet #16 -
https://app.aws.org/technical/facts/FACT-16.pdfWhich is basically that the electromagnetic fields generated from welding equipment may interfere with the operation of the
pace maker and as such, welding activities should be restricted in a manner that makes being a Welder in a high production shop pretty much out of the question.
Other sources state that welding over 120 amps (another says 400 amps), should not be done.
I've seen enough info from trusted sources like AWS , American Heart Association, St. Jude Medical, etc. to make me need to tell this Welder that if he indeed gets a
pacemaker, he'll need a new trade, and to recommend to our HR dept that those with
pace makers not be allowed in our welding shop.
I'm wondering if anyone here can contribute real life experiences on the subject?
Thanks,
Tim