Chapter 5

Summary

The different roles played by welding in many industries have made it a high-value skill
not looked for only in the Philippines but even internationally. Among the different
welding methods, Arc welding remains a widely used and versatile technique for joining
metals. However, welding is also a dangerous job. Without following proper safety
measures, welders can face risks like electric shock, harmful fumes, burns, and even
fires. and with the increased demand, those opportunities lose their value if the
participants do not know the importance of safety precautions during welding activities.
Safety is necessary in a workplace, and everyone working there should prioritize not
only their safety but also the safety of those around them.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2020) states that although
welding training includes technical and vocational training, there are many risk factors
associated with the job, including chemical, psychological, and physical risks. Health
difficulties include skin burns, lung conditions, problems with the eyes and hearing,
heart problems, and musculoskeletal illnesses might result from exposure to these
dangers. Only small numbers of welders undergo formal training or certification, with
most acquiring skills through hands-on experience lacking proper safety training.
Improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) stands out as a
primary factor leading to workplace hazards. Despite the vital role of PPE in mitigating
health risks, its correct implementation is still limited. The improper use of
PPE considered as one of the major causes of workplace accidents. Although PPE is
regarded one of the most effective measures in reducing health risks, its proper use is
still not well supported.
Welding is a popular method for joining metal parts. It involves using an electric
current to create an electric arc between two electrodes, melting the metal to form a
strong weld joint. However, it is one of the most dangerous types of welding, with
hazards such as electric shock, welding fumes, fire, and injuries. Proper safety
measures are crucial for welding, as failure to do so exposes workers to significant
hazards, including harmful gases, fumes, arc radiation, electric shock, and fire hazards,
which can lead to serious accidents or fatalities.
This study aims to understand the precautionary measures used by Electron College
of Technical Education for senior high school and college students and to propose
interventions to increase awareness of these measures. It seeks to determine the extent
of the students' safety knowledge and how effectively these precautions are
implemented during welding activities. The research also highlights the importance of
improving safety practices and promoting awareness to reduce risks in the workshop
environment.

This study assesses the safety awareness on precautionary measures of students at the main
campus of Electron College. It looks at how well they understand and implement safety
precautions, highlighting how crucial the right tools and procedures are to reducing hazards.
The study does not include other welding programs or institutions or the impact of non-technical
(soft) skills on safety practices. Data was gathered through a descriptive survey based on self-
reported responses, which may influence accuracy. The research focuses only on the safety
training standards in place during the study period.
The study uses a descriptive qualitative design, this design is ideal for examining the current
levels of safety awareness and precautionary measure among welding students. This design
helps collect measurable data on students’ understanding and following of welding safety rules,
without changing their practices.
The data was collected using a custom-made survey questionnaire. It included sections on
demographic details, the impact of PPE on students' health, the effectiveness of safety training
programs, gaps in safety awareness and practices, and found obstacles to following safety
procedures.
The researchers first obtained formal permission from the administration of Electron College of
Technical Education Main Campus to conduct the study. Upon receiving approval, the
researchers personally distributed the custom-made survey questionnaires to the selected
respondents. Each respondent was given clear instructions on how to complete the
survey. After the respondents completed the questionnaires, the researchers collected them
immediately to ensure data integrity. All responses were then securely stored for analysis

Table 1.1: Ages of respondents the data you've provided represents the distribution of
people in different age groups, and here's how it can be interpreted: 17-20 years old: 1
person, making up 10% of the total population. 21-24 years old: 6 people, accounting
for 60% of the total. 25-29 years old: 3 people, making up 30% of the total. Total
population: 10 people, with a 100% total percentage. This shows that the majority of
people in the
sample are in the 21-24 age range, even though the sample size is small (only 10
people).
Table 1.2: Gender of respondents the data you've provided represents the gender
distribution within a group. Here's the interpretation: Male: 8 people, making up 80% of
the total group. Female: 2 people, accounting for 20% of the total group. Total
population: 10 people, with 100% total percentage. This indicates that the majority of
individuals in the sample are male, with a small proportion being female. The Meaning
of the is Male: 8 people (80% of the group Female: 2 people (20% of the group) In
essence, the group is predominantly male.
Table 1.3: Educational level of respondents the data you provided appears to reflect
the distribution of individuals based on their educational year or grade level. Here's the
interpretation: 1st Year: 0 people, accounting for 0% of the total group. 2nd Year: 2
people, making up 20% of the total. 3rd Year: 5 people, representing 50% of the total.
4th Year: 1 person, which is 10% of the total. Grade 11: 1 person, accounting for 10% of
the total. Grade 12: 1 person, making up 10% of the total. Total population: 10 people,
with a 100% total percentage.
Key Insights: The largest group is in 3rd year, comprising half (50%) of the sample.
2nd year students make up 20%, while 4th year, Grade 11, and Grade 12 each
contribute 10% or fewer. There are no individuals in the 1st year group.
This suggests that the majority of individuals in the sample are in their 3rd year, with a
smaller distribution across the other years and grades
How often do you use PPE during welding? The data you've provided represents how
often people in the sample engage in a particular activity or behavior, with different
frequency categories. Here's the interpretation: Frequency Breakdown: Every time: 5
people, accounting for 50% of the total sample. Most of the time: 2 people, making up
20% of the total sample. Sometimes: 3 people, representing 30% of the total sample.
Never: 0 people, making up 0% of the total sample. Total: 10 people, making up 100%.
Key Insights: The largest group, 50%, reported that they engage in the activity every
time. 30% of people engage in the activity sometimes. 20% engage most of the time.
No one in the sample reported that they never engage in the activity (0%). Conclusion:
Half of the people (50%) engage in the activity every time, making this the most
frequent response. A smaller portion (30%) participates sometimes, and another 20%
do so most of the time.
No one in the group reported that they never engage in the activity. This shows a
general trend of regular engagement, with most people either doing it every time or at
least sometimes.
.What benefits do you experience from wearing PPE while welding? The data you
provided shows how people in the sample perceive the importance or benefits of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Here's the interpretation:
Frequency Breakdown: Protects me from injuries: 7 people, accounting for 70% of the
total sample. Keeps me safe from hazards: 3 people, making up 30% of the total
sample. Makes me feel more confident: 0 people, which is 0% of the total sample.
I don’t think PPE is necessary: 0 people, also making up 0% of the total sample.
Total: 10 people, making up 100%. Key Insights: 70% of the people in the sample
believe that PPE protects them from injuries, indicating that most individuals recognize
its protective role. 30% feel that PPE keeps them safe from hazards, suggesting that
these individuals value PPE primarily for safety. No one in the sample reported that
PPE makes them feel more confident or that they don’t think PPE is necessary.
Conclusion: The overwhelming majority (70%) see PPE as something that protects
them from injuries, while a smaller group (30%) values it for keeping them safe from
hazards. No one in the sample seems to think PPE is unnecessary or that it improves
their confidence, highlighting a strong recognition of PPE's importance for protection
and safety. How would you rate the safety training you have received at electron
college? The data reflects the perceived effectiveness of a certain process, tool, or
intervention. Here's the interpretation: Frequency Breakdown: Very effective: 2 people,
accounting for 20% of the total sample. Effective: 1 person, making up 10% of the total
sample.
Needs improvement: 7 people, representing 70% of the total sample. Not effective: 0
people, making up 0% of the total sample. Total: 10 people, making up 100%.
Key Insights: 70% of the sample believes that the process or tool needs improvement,
indicating a strong need for enhancement. A small group, 20%, think it is very effective,
while 10% consider it simply effective. No one views the process or tool as not effective.
Conclusion: The majority of respondents (70%) feel that the current approach or tool
requires improvement. A smaller proportion considers it effective or very effective,
suggesting that while some people find value in it, there is a general sentiment that
improvements are needed. What topics were covered in your safety training? The data
you provided represents the frequency of responses related to different aspects of
welding safety, particularly in terms of training or focus areas. Here's the interpretation:
Frequency Breakdown: PPE usage: 2 people, accounting for 20% of the total sample.
Safe operation of welding equipment: 6 people, making up 60% of the total sample.
Emergency response procedures: 0 people, making up 0% of the total sample.
Identifying welding hazards: 2 people, representing 20% of the total sample. Total: 10
people, making up 100%. Key Insights: The largest group (60%) is focused on the safe
operation of welding equipment, indicating that most respondents consider this the most
important aspect of welding safety. 20% of the respondents are concerned with PPE
usage and identifying welding hazards, suggesting these areas are also important but
less prioritized compared to safe equipment operation. 0% of the sample mentioned
emergency response procedures as a focus, implying that this is either not considered
important or not addressed in the sample group. Conclusion: The majority of the sample
(60%) views safe operation of welding equipment as the most critical aspect of welding
safety. PPE usage and identifying welding hazards are also recognized but by a smaller
portion of the group (20% each). Emergency response procedures are not seen as a
priority by the sample, as no one selected this option. This indicates that the key
concerns in this group are about operational safety and hazard identification, with less
emphasis on emergency preparedness. Do you feel the safety training is enough to
prepare you for potential workplace hazards? The data you've provided reflects the
frequency with which a certain behavior or activity is performed. Here's the
interpretation: Frequency Breakdown: Always: 3 people, accounting for 30% of the total
sample. Often: 1 person, making up 10% of the total sample. Sometimes: 6 people,
representing 60% of the total sample.
Rarely: 0 people, making up 0% of the total sample. Total: 10 people, making up 100%.
Key Insights: 60% of the respondent’s report engaging in the behavior sometimes,
which is the largest group. 30% of the respondents say they do it always, suggesting
regular engagement, though it is a smaller group. 10% report engaging in the behavior
often, showing a relatively smaller group. No one in the sample reports doing it rarely.
Conclusion: The majority of the sample (60%) engage in the behavior sometimes, while
30% do so always. A small portion (10%) engage often, and no one reports doing it
rarely. This indicates that the behavior or activity is performed regularly by the majority
of respondents, with "sometimes" being the most common frequency. What challenges
do you face in following safety rules? The data you provided represents the challenges
or obstacles faced by a group, and here's the interpretation: Frequency Breakdown:
Lack of proper equipment: 8 people, accounting for 80% of the total sample. Lack of
supervision: 2 people, making up 20% of the total sample. Time constraints: 0 people,
making up 0% of the total sample.
Forgetting the rules: 0 people, also making up 0% of the total sample. Total: 10 people,
making up 100%. Key Insights: The majority (80%) of respondent’s report that the lack
of proper equipment is a significant challenge they face, indicating that inadequate tools
or resources are seen as the main obstacle. 20% of the group identified lack of
supervision as a problem, showing that some people feel the need for more oversight or
guidance. No one in the sample identified time constraints or forgetting the rules as
issues, meaning that these factors are not seen as relevant challenges in this case.
Conclusion: 80% of the respondents view the lack of proper equipment as the primary
challenge they face. A smaller group (20%) considers lack of supervision a problem.
Time constraints and forgetting the rules are not considered significant obstacles, as no
one in the sample selected these options. This suggests that improving the availability
of proper equipment is the most pressing need for the group, with less concern about
supervision or time management. How important are safety protocols in preventing
workplace accidents? The data you've provided reflects how people in the sample
perceive the importance of a particular issue, task, or concept. Here's the interpretation:
Frequency Breakdown:
Very important: 8 people, accounting for 80% of the total sample. Important: 2 people,
making up 20% of the total sample. Not very important: 0 people, making up 0% of the
total sample. Not important at all: 0 people, also making up 0% of the total sample.
Total: 10 people, making up 100%. Key Insights: The majority (80%) of the respondents
consider the issue or concept to be very important. 20% of the sample view it as
important, but not as strongly as the previous group. No one in the sample thinks the
issue is not very important or not important at all. Conclusion: The issue or concept is
viewed as important by all respondents, with the vast majority (80%) considering it to be
very important. 20% view it as important, but it is not seen as irrelevant or insignificant
by any of the participants. This indicates a strong consensus that the issue or concept is
of significant importance, with a small group feeling it is important but not of the highest
priority

Summary of finding
Welding is a highly valued skill in industries worldwide, including the Philippines, with
arc welding being a widely used technique for joining metals. However, welding is also a
dangerous profession, with risks such as electric shock, harmful fumes, burns, and fires.
The demand for welding professionals is high, but this demand diminishes if workers do
not prioritize safety precautions. According to the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (2020), welding involves various risks, including chemical, psychological,
and physical hazards, such as skin burns, lung conditions, eye and hearing problems,
heart issues, and musculoskeletal illnesses. Despite welding training focusing on
technical skills, many workers lack formal safety training and rely on hands-on
experience, which often neglects proper safety protocols, including personal protective
equipment (PPE) use. PPE is crucial for reducing health risks, but its improper use
remains a significant cause of workplace accidents. This study investigates the safety
awareness and precautionary measures among welding students at Electron College of
Technical Education. It aims to assess the students' understanding and application of
safety measures in welding and suggests interventions to enhance safety awareness.
Data was collected using a custom-made survey to evaluate students’ knowledge of
safety protocols and the effectiveness of their training. The results revealed that while
most students recognize the importance of PPE, many believe safety training needs
improvement. Common challenges include inadequate equipment and lack of
supervision. The study underscores the need for better safety practices and training to
reduce workplace hazards and ensure the well-being of welders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, welding is a valuable skill in industries worldwide, including the Philippines, with arc
welding being a popular method for joining metals. However, it is a dangerous profession that involves
significant risks, such as electric shock, burns, harmful fumes, and fire. The demand for skilled welders is
high, but this demand is compromised if proper safety measures are not followed. As highlighted by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2020), welding presents various physical, chemical, and
psychological hazards that can lead to serious health issues. Despite the focus on technical training,
many welders lack formal safety education, often relying on hands-on experience that neglects proper
safety practices, particularly the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study,
conducted among welding students at Electron College of Technical Education, assessed their awareness
and application of safety protocols, highlighting the need for improved safety training. The findings
revealed that while most students understand the importance of PPE, many feel that safety training
needs enhancement. Common obstacles to effective safety practices include inadequate equipment and
lack of supervision. Overall, the study emphasizes the urgent need for better safety training and
practices to minimize workplace risks and ensure the health and safety of welders.

Recommendation

Future Researchers. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations into welding safety training
and education. Researchers can build on its findings to investigate related topics like how safety
practices affect job performance or how successful different teaching approaches are in safety training.

School. This study is significant for Electron College since it can enhance safety training regulations. By
improving its training programs, the school can make sure that its students are ready for safe work
practices in the future.

Students. This study focuses on welding students at Electron College's main campus, assessing their
safety awareness and practices. It aims to enhance their preparedness for the workforce, emphasizing
the importance of safety and equipping them with knowledge to protect themselves and others in
practical settings.

Teachers. The result of this study will also be helpful for them to know the risk and Hazard of an Arc
Welding and encourage them to teach the effects of welding Hazards and to improve the safety
precautions in the welding area
Welders. These will give the welders enough information about using precautionary measure that is
important to their safety