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INTRODUCTION

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding manual metal arc

welding, is a welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated with a flux to create an

electric arc between electrode and this arc generate the heat to melt both the electrode and the

base metal quick creating a molten pool that fuses the together as it cools and solidifies.

According to Martonalie (2018),welding operations present several hazard to both those

undertaking the activity and others in the vicinity, therefore, it’s important that you are aware of

the risk and hazards welding process and understanding what precaution you can take to protect

yourself undertaking welding activities well expose you to invisible gas use fumes, including,

ozone, nitrogen oxide, chromium and nickel oxide carbon monoxide which can easily penetrate

into your lungs. depending on the gas or fumes, the concentration, and duration of your

exposure, the resultant damage can be saver.

According to Laws (2017), that there are several hazards and problems central in

welding that must accounted for, in welders training, set for a job and equipment. Several

hazards and problems it may include, fire, injuries, electric shock and welding fumes that can be

caused of wearing PPE that is not sufficient to protect against the level of hazards and problems

may encountered during task.

Estenzo et al. (2020), stated that welding process is involved the potential hazards for

inhalation exposures that may lead to acute or chronic respiratory diseases, and it also causes

[Link] all types of welding processes fumes and gases can be dangerous. Electric shock can

kill, arc rays can insure eyes and skin. Hazards that students welders may face are dizziness from

hazardous inhalants, skin and eye damage from ultraviolet light, chemical or electrical has
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caused many job seekers to consider a career in welding for few reasons. The welding industry

offers higher than average starting pay, good and benefits and a bright future

According to Gambo (2015, welding is associated with various inherent occupational

hazards and problems which may result in severe consequences on health of workers performing

this task. Very little information exist regarding health hazards and how they are controlled

among welders developing countries. For instance, there is limited information on use of

personal protective equipment of work- related health problems with this occupational group.

Welding process are widely used for the manufacture of shipyards, civil engineering

structure, mining industry, transportation, petrochemical

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the awareness of the Grade 12 (SMAW) Students in hazard

and problem encountered in practicing shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)xx

Furthermore this seeks to answer the following questions

1. What is profile of the respondents in terms of the following attributes

1.1 age, and

1.2 sex

2. what are the hazards encountered by the students in the workplace?

3. what are the problems encountered by the students in workplace?

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will be beneficial to the following:

School Administrators: This study help them to have the Information the hazard and problems

that students of way encounter in the workplace

Parents: This study will give them awareness about the hazards and problems that their children

may experience in their specific subject area This will, also give them information that the

choses track of their students may be prove to hazard

Teachers: This study will help them to give precautionary measures about by the students while

performing welding this will also help them to give restrictions and maintain the safeness and

workability of all equipment to be used in the workplace or laboratory

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Students: This study help them to be cautions and be aware at all times that hazards and

problems may arise any time when work is in progress

Future Researchers: This study will help future researchers to have basis and gain some

insights about the hazards and problems encountered by the students in shielded Metal Arc

Welding

Scope and delimitations of the study

This study is to be conducted among the Grade 12 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

students of Rosauro R. Tangson Sr. National high School for S.Y 2022.2023. The main focus of

this study is to determine the awareness of Grade 12 shielded

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents excerpts for existing literature and studies. Relevant literature and

studies were reviewed by the researchers in order to give a firm background for this study.

Related Literature

This study conducted by Thomas and Garcia (2020), likely explored these age-related

differences in awareness by analyzing the perceptions and knowledge of students engage in

shielded metal arc welding. Their research findings may shed light on the specific factors that

influence these discrepancies and provide insights or improving health and safety training

programs for student of all ages in this field. This observation implies that older students who

have more experience, maturity, and training in field of shielded metal arc welding may have a

higher level of awareness about the potential health risks involved in this type of work. On the

other hand, younger and less experienced students might have lower awareness levels due to

their limited exposure and training.

According to Osh (20218, there are several hazards central to welding that must be

accounted for welders, training, equipment and set up for a job. This include electric shock,

welding fumes, fire injuries that can be caused by wearing PPE that is not sufficient to protect

against the level of the hazards and problems encountered by the task. Gi chino and week (1995),

stated that welders need the ability to concentrate on detailed work must be free of disabilities

that prevent working in awkward positions.

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Jeffuseetal (2012), asserted that welding is a specialized task that usually requires

training and certification of abilities, before a welder can work in industry. Jeffus and Bower

(2010), stated that a young person who planning a career in welding should possess good

eyesight, good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, as well as an understanding of welding.

According to 2nd International Iron and Steel Symposium (2017), if proper precautions

are taken, safe working environment can be provided. According to Int. J. Environ. Red. Public

Health (2015), primary preventive actions are developed and organized to avoid or minimize risk

posed to health of individuals or a collective

According to Gambo (2015), welding is associated with the various inherent occupational

hazards and problems which may result in serve consequences n health of the workers while

performing this task. He added that, little information exist regarding health hazards and

problems on how they controlled among welders in developing countries. For instance, there is

limited information on use of personal protective equipment or work-related health problems

with this occupational group.

Training institutions and providers play a key role in managing the trainings process. In

many countries, a diverse training market has developed correspond to the demand for skills

trainings and capacity building. It comprises non- governmental organizations, research

institutes, foundations, universities, and private consultants. For trainings with women, training

providers influence the perceptions of gender issues but are not always training providers are

involved with consultation.

Palmer (2007), emphasized the need to take a balance approach to finding education and

training across all the main sub-sectors in order to create the skills-mix for sustainable growth
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METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods and procedures used in the [Link] includes the

research used in the study. It includes the research method used, definition of terms, theoretical

and conceptual, locale of the study, respondents of the study, data gathering instrument, data

gathering procedures, and statistical analysis

Research Method used

The descripted method of research was employed to get the needed data in this study.

According to Calderon and Gonzales (2010), descriptive method is purposive gathering,

analyzing, classifying and tabulating of data about prevailing conditions, practices, belief,

process, and trends and then making adequate and accurate Interpretation about such data with or

without the aid of statistical methods.

This research is fact finding with adequate and accurate interpretation. Hence, this study

aimed to determine the awareness of Grade 12(SMAW) in hazards and problems encountered in

the workplace

Definition of Terms

To clearly understand same of the terminologies used in this study, the following terms

were defined:
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Age refers to the number of years of student respondents from the beginning of existence

to present.

Awareness refers to a knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

Hazard refers to a source or a situation with the potential harm in terms of human

including health.

Problem refers to a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to

be dealt with overcome.

School Administration refers to officers who see the daily operation of the school

Sex refers to a characteristic of being a male or female.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) pertains to the strand of the researchers and as

well as the respondents.

Welders refers to any person that performs welding processes including apprentices.

Theoretical Framework

This study anchored to the theory of awareness by (Mica Endsley1995) This research

aims to highlight the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and having the ability to

perceive an event. Students with high situational awareness are more likely to identify potential

hazards and problems in the workplace. This ability can be developed through training,

experience and adopting a proactive mindset

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This study is anchored to the theory of Health believe Model by (Hoch bum 1950) this

theory suggests that people are more likely to take preventive actions if they believe they are

susceptible to a health problem (in this case, workplace hazard) and if they believe the actions

they take can reduce their susceptibility to severity of the [Link] could be applied to be

applied to understand how students perceive the risk associated with welding and what actions

they take to mitigate those risks

According to the theory of Planned Behavior (1991) this theory states that human

behavior is guided by intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control,

understanding students and attitudes and subjective norms related to the workplace safety can

provide insight into their awareness and preparedness to deal welding hazard.

This study is also anchored to the theory of hazard communication by Osha (1993) This

theory focuses on the importance of effective communication about workplace hazards.

Examining how information about welding hazard is communicated to students, and how well

they comprehend and apply this information, can provide valuable insight into their awareness

levels.

According to the theory human factor by Russell Ferrell (2016) This theory explores how

human capabilities and limitations influence and design of work environments and work

processes. Understanding the ergonomic aspects of welding workstations and how they affect

student’s performance and safety can be crucial in addressing workplace problems.

Conceptual Framework
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Figure 1 shows the conceptual paradigm of the study, which visualizes the concept of the

entire. Study the input composed of the profile of the respondents, which includes hazards age,

sex encountered in the workplace and problems encountered in the workplace before, during and

after the process

The process composed the researchers made questionnaire which is going to collect and

interpret resulting awareness of grade 12 shielded metal arc welding students in hazard and

problems encountered in the workplace.

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INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

>Profile of the >Questionnaire
Awareness of Grade
respondents 12 Shielded Metal
.age
Arc Welding
.sex Students in Hazards
>Hazard >Data Gathering
and Problems
encountered in Encountered in the
the workplace workplace

>Problems
encountered in
the workplace
>Data Analysis

Figure 1. The conceptual paradigm of the study showing the input, process and output of the

study
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Locale of the Study

This study was conducted among Grade 12- SMAW students of Rosauro R. Tangson Sr.

National High School for S.Y 2023-2024.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were Grade 12 SMAW students of Rosauro R. Tangson Sr.

National High School for S.Y 2023-2024

The actual number of respondents was the total number of grade 12 SMAW who are

currently enrolled in Rosauro R. Tangson Sr. National Highschool.

Data Gathering Instrument

The data instrument used in the study is a research made questionnaire patterned and

adopted of previous the questionnaire composed as statement regarding the Awareness of grade

12 shielded metal arc welding students in hazards and problem encountered in the workplace, the

advantages is knowing the precautionary measures in the workplace, and smaw students describe

the hazardous and problems encountered in the workplace.

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Data Gathering Procedure

Before the actual conduct of the study, the researchers presented a letter to the School

Principal of Rosauro Tangson Sr. National High School. Upon the approval, the researchers

personally presented the questionnaire to the respondents.

All data in the study were gathered through the aid of questionnaire. Accomplished

questionnaire was retrieved and immediately checked to avoid non-response items.

Statistical Analysis

The gathered was tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted using the descriptive statistical

such as frequencies transformed to percentage

This study also used descriptive statistics to interpret individual responses such as ratings

transformed to total and average to describe the problems encountered by the students who are

taking Shielded Metal Arc Welding.

To get the general weighted mean (GWM), The formula below was employed:

∑ WM
GWM= , where ∑ WM is the total weighted mean and S is the number of the statements.
S
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To describe the respondents’ responses the following rating were used: Strongly Agree

(SA), Agree (A), Neutral (N), Disagree (D), and Strongly Disagree (DS).

The following scale was verbally interpreted as follows:

4.21 - 5.00 Strongly Agree

3.41 - 4.20 Agree

2.61 – 3.40 Neutral

1.81 – 2.60 Disagree

1.00 – 1.80 Strongly Disagree

To establish reliability of the research, 42 students were chosen as respondents to answer

the questionnaire which are all Grade -12 SMAW in the said institutions.

To establish validity of the questionnaire, our Teacher Adviser and our English critique teacher

were asked and consulted. Teacher and members of this research were also consulted to make the

research made questionnaire valid and reliable.

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RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents and analysis and interpretation of the data gathered response to the

specific objectives of the study.

Table 1 shows the sex distribution of the respondents who are Grade 12 students enrolled

in Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Male respondents have a frequency of 28(80.00%) while female

respondents have a frequency of 7(20.00%).

Table 1. Sex of the Respondents

SEX FREQUENCY PERCENT

Male 28 80.00
Female 7 20.00
TOTAL 35 100.00

Table 2 shows the age distribution if the respondents who are currently enrolled as Grade

12 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) students. Age 18 has the highest frequency with

16(45.71%), followed by age 17 with a frequency of 10(28.57), followed by age 19 with a

frequency of 5(14.29%) followed by age 20 with a frequency of 3(8.57%), and lastly by age 21

with a frequency of 1(2.86%)

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Table 2. Age of the Respondents

AGE FREQUENCY PERCENT

17 10 28.57
18 16 45.71
19 5 14.29
20 3 8.57
21 1 2.86
TOTAL 35 100
Table 3 shows the hazard encountered in the workplace. Based on the actual conduct of

this study. In statements 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 most of the respondents agreed. Eighteen or

51.43% of the respondents strongly agreed in statement 2.

Table 3. Hazards Encountered in the Workplace

WEIGHTED VERBAL
STATEMENT 5 4 3 2 1
MEAN INTERPRETATION
During the welding
process, worker
1. 12 15 5 2 1 3.97 Agree
inhales the welding
fumes.
Before the welding
process the students
2. 18 15 2 0 0 4.46 Strongly Agree
must check the safety
to avoid accident.
During the welding
process students’
skin may be exposed
3. partially to the 14 13 8 0 0 4.17 Agree
extremely bright
flash even if they
wearing PPE.
Students experience
breathing difficulties,
4. 8 14 11 2 0 3.80 Agree
during and after
welding.
5. Welders can 12 16 5 2 0 4.09 Agree
experience a variety
of physical hazards
including eye
damage, cuts, burns,
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or even crushed
fingers and toes.
The students begin to
6. 8 13 8 6 0 3.66 Agree
cough while welding.
Electrocution can
occur when safety
7. 12 12 7 2 2 3.86 Agree
practices are not
applied.
Welding fumes can
cause lung damage
8. 10 15 6 2 2 3.83 Agree
when overexposed to
it.
During the welding
process, students are
exposed to metals
such as chromium
9 16 7 9 2 1 4.00 Agree
nickel and cobalt in
welding fume may
cause occupational
asthma.
Students begin to
have respiratory tract
irritation due to
10. exposure to 11 16 7 1 0 4.06 Agree
chemicals resulting
in dryness of the
throat.
GENERAL WEIGHTED MEAN (GWM) 3.99 AGREE

Table 4 shows the problems encountered in the workplace of Shielded Metal Arc

Welding (SMAW) students in the workplace. In statement 2,5,6,7,8,9 and 19 most of the

respondents agreed while in statement 1,3 and 4 most of the respondents strongly agreed that

knowing

precautionary measures in the workplace is an advantage in the welding process.

Table 4. Problems Encountered in the Workplace

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WEIGHTED VERBAL
STATEMENT 5 4 3 2 1
MEAN INTERPRETATION
The necessary
welding equipment
1. and tools is 18 14 3 0 0 4.43 Strongly Agree
functional and
sufficient.
There is proper
ventilation and air
2. 12 17 3 3 0 4.09 Agree
quality control in the
welding area.
Students receive
proper education,
training and
3. 19 11 4 1 0 4.37 Agree
guidance of safety
measure related to
SMAW.
The workplace
provides proper
4. personal protective 2 9 4 0 2 4.29 Strongly Agree
equipment (PPE) for
welding task.
The work
environment is well-
5. 8 19 5 3 0 3.91 Agree
maintained and free
from hazards.
There is effective
communication
between supervisors
6. 10 17 5 2 `1 3.94 Agree
and workers
regarding welding
task.
Students experience
difficulties in
7. maintaining a stable 12 14 7 1 1 4.00 Agree
result during SMAW
operations.
Power supply is a
8. problem during 12 15 5 3 0 4.03 Agree
welding activities
9. Students face 11 11 8 5 0 3.80 Agree
challenges in
achieving the desired
weld quality and
appearance due to
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lack of equipment.
Inadequate material
preparation cleaning
10. and preheating 11 16 4 2 2 3.91 Agree
effects the welding
process.
GENERAL WEIGHTED MEAN (GWM) 4.08 AGREE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study covers the summary of the study, conclusions, and the recommendations.

Summary

This study aimed to find out the awareness of Grade 12 shielded metal arc welding

(SMAW) students in hazards and problem encountered in the workplace. Furthermore, this

sought to answer the following question: What is the profile of respondent in terms of age and

sex, how the awareness of Grade -12 SMAW students be described in terms of: awareness and

knowledge, and how the respondent capabilities affect to their chosen field?

To facilitate the study, the researchers used survey questionnaires as their tool to gather

information about the awareness of grade-12 SMAW in hazards and problems encountered in the

workplace.

Gathered data were statistically treated, analyzed, and interpreted using descriptive statistic

like frequencies transformed to percentage and verbal interpretation were employed base on the

rating scale patterned and adopted to previous researchers.

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Conclusions

From the findings of this study, the researcher concluded the following:

1. In the hazards encountered by the respondents in the workplace must of the respondents

agreed that welders experienced variety of physical hazards including eye damage, cuts,

burns, or even crushed fingers and toes.

2. In the hazards encountered by the respondents in the workplace, most of the respondents

agreed that the students begin to have respiratory throat irritation due to exposure to

chemicals resulting in the dryness of the throat.

3. In the hazards encountered by the respondents in the workplace must of the respondents

agreed that they need to check equipment and materials to be used to avoid accident.

4. Most of the respondents strongly agreed in problems encountered in the workplace,

personal protective equipment (PPE) must be available in the workplace before the

welding task is to be done.

5. In the problem encountered in the workplace, most of the respondents that agreed that

they need proper education, training, and guidance about safety measures related to

SMAW.
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Recommendation

The following recommendations drawn based on the conclusions of the study:

1. That the welders need to wear proper PPE for them to avoid that hazard in the workplace

and they need to follow precautionary measures properly.

2. That students must wear proper mask and other protective gear to avoid smelling the

tomes and chemicals, and to avoid the dryness of throat.

3. That students need to follow precautionary measures before, during and after welding to

ensure safety and to avoid accident.

4. That students must be wear a proper (PPE) available in the workplace to avoid some

accidents and physical hazards.

5. That students must be applied the proper education, training, and guidance coming from

experts and professionals to acquire knowledge and skills that help them to become more

knowledge.
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