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.pdf
Which 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

My Dad had his pace maker put in 5 years ago and was told to quit welding by his Dr.

When Googling "welding with a pacemaker" the following shows up: 

From twi-global.com=

"As a general rule, working close to sources of electromagnetic radiation from 'conventional' welding equipment e.g. MMA (SMA), MIG/MAG (GMA) or TIG (GTA) equipment, is unlikely to present much of a risk to a pacemaker user although it is advisable to reduce the exposure as much as possible. Welding cables should not be wrapped around the arm or draped over the shoulder and should be kept as far away from the user as possible. Where possible, twist the welding cables together, and ensure that the pacemaker user is not stood in a current loop, with the torch on one side and the return cable on the other.

Working in the vicinity of equipment which produces very strong electro-magnetic fields such as resistance welders or power sources which produce pulsing magnetic fields, particularly where the pulsing rate matches or is close to the pulse rate of the pacemaker user, can be a hazardous situation. In the presence of pulsing magnetic fields, the pacemaker can be fooled into thinking that the heart is beating normally and does not need assistance. In this case it will switch off with the risk therefore of a cardiac arrest and collapse. Removal from the magnetic field will result in the pacemaker returning to its normal, programmed condition. Exposure to very strong magnetic fields can clear the memory of the pacemaker. With more modern pacemakers, it is likely that they will reset to a default condition and pulse continuously until reprogrammed."

From a report by St. Jude's=

"Effects of Arc Welding on St. Jude Medical Implantable
Cardiac Rhythm Devices
Background
Electric arc welding produces intense electrical and magnetic fields that can affect the function
of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). This interference is caused by
the device sensing extraneous signals from the welding equipment that have characteristics
mimicking cardiac activity. While electromagnetic interference (EMI) from arc welding equipment
will not damage the implanted device, it can inhibit pacing, trigger the device’s noise response
(typically leading to asynchronous pacing), or produce inadvertent antitachycardia pacing,
cardioversion or defibrillation therapies. These effects are temporary, and will cease when the
patient turns off or moves away from the arc welding equipment.
Pacemakers and ICDs programmed to a bipolar sensing configuration are less likely to be
affected by such extraneous interference than those programmed to unipolar sensing.
Many patients with St. Jude Medical devices use or have been in close proximity to electric
welders with no apparent problems. In addition, several reports have documented the absence
of interference when patients with ICDs used arc welding machines. However, we cannot
guarantee that a patient will not experience device interference associated with arc welding."

Also articles by Lincoln Electric and many others show up.  Check it out...BUT, CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL DR AND THE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER ABOVE ALL ELSE.  DON'T TAKE ANYONE ELSE'S OPINION AS GOSPEL WHEN DEALING WITH YOUR LIFE!!

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

I just had an AV Node Ablation done this past Monday, which is an ablation and then they installed a defibrillator and pacemaker. When I asked the doctor if if would be able to continue welding, he said no in a very stern voice. So after it was all done the next morning a representative from the company said I could weld except arc welding, and not over 160 amps. I then said to her the doctor said no welding. She said you can, but we prefer you don’t. Sounded like a CYA statement.
Anybody have any other info that might help ???? I have 2 tig welders ( one about 3 month’s old, and 2 mig welders. I don’t think i’m very happy right now.
Thank you in advance,
Steve