Headache and dizziness at work

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Just recently, every time I'm at work and start welding, I've been getting a horrid headache and very dizzy. Mig welding, core-x and metalloy. I'm not welding on any galvanized metals, only carbon steel. I'm using a #13 shade on a Miller Digital Elite helmet.Any idea what could be causing this? It's making for a terrible day of work. Thanks in advance for any help!
Reply:GO SEE A DR! Your eyes and ears... well you only get one chance with them. Guess what? They are both connected to your brain.On a lighter note, how many amps are you running? I had a problem years ago with my yes hurting while tig welding thin tube all day. I was straining my eyes with such low amps (light) and strong shade of lens.
Reply:YA see a doc but try a non automatic shade hood perhaps there is a problem that your not aware of.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:You might be alergic to work.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by jontheturboguyGO SEE A DR! Your eyes and ears... well you only get one chance with them. Guess what? They are both connected to your brain.On a lighter note, how many amps are you running? I had a problem years ago with my yes hurting while tig welding thin tube all day. I was straining my eyes with such low amps (light) and strong shade of lens.
Reply:If I had the symptons of a possible brain tumor 1st place I'd check would be a welding forum on the internet.
Reply:Oh boy here we go..Does it happen every day?Do you get enough sleep?Do you drink at night?Do you eat a good breakfust?Are you hydrated enough?Is it hot out?Is it cold out?Does it happen every day?...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Zapster is  a doctor now....Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by Old SkoolIf I had the symptons of a possible brain tumor 1st place I'd check would be a welding forum on the internet.
Reply:I wonder if anyone else at your workplace might be having similar symptoms? Do you have a good relationship with your supervisor? (im guessing not due to risk of termination for taking a doctors visit). I would hope you are able to voice safety concerns on your jobsite.
Reply:OK first of all you have to report this to your employer and have it documented. Second, you need to see a doctor about it. It may be coincidental that it happens when you are welding. Your employer will be happy if they determine it is not work related. These are also the same symptoms as previously mentioned, brain tumor, and also other neurological disorders. It could also be hypersensitivity to one, some or all of the fumes from your welding process. Fearing termination because you need to see a doctor is bull****. Its why my mind is boggled at any and all of you who deride unions and vote republican. No insurance? Also bull****. Good medical care is a human right, not a pay-to-play privilege. You can always pursue a lawsuit if they fire you for missing 1/4 of the day, but if you live in a "right to work" state, it would be almost impossible to prove. Next time vote democrat, we actually care about you seeing a doctor and not losing your job. Hope it works out for you.Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:Originally Posted by tenpinsGood medical care is a human right, not a pay-to-play privilege.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmBull****!  <--- That's coming from a guy with no insurance and no cash to go to the doc myself.  Medical care is indeed a privilege.  One you pay for.To the OP,You should mention your symptoms to you boss.  If others are having the same symptoms then it is work related and they will be footing the bill for the doc.
Reply:Why does this have to turn into a political diatribe? The OP is looking for possible causes.If you can rule out the obvious, you could try using the amber safefy glasses if you think it could help filter errant arc rays. It should not interfere too much with the hood.Are you using any kind of respiratory protection? Could be the fumes are not getting along with you.Are you far sighted or near sighted? Perhaps some prescription safety glasses may help.Earplugs could block out annoying noises. High pitch screetches or knocking gives me headaches.And the helmet could have a warped lense. Shame that you have to use the shops hood.If it helps, there should be plenty of clinics that are open all hours of the night, and are not too expensive.Good Luck.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by bruceryou can walk in any insurance company in town and get medical insurance for yourself..
Reply:Free clinics can be found in every state and in many cities so yes it is free and even if you have to pay for it its still a human right and you can not be denied basic health care or emergency health care.Tired of hearing about any welder not having health insurance from their employer, this is where a national health plan would benefit people.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.
Reply:Originally Posted by NJGreenBuddI wonder if anyone else at your workplace might be having similar symptoms? Do you have a good relationship with your supervisor? (im guessing not due to risk of termination for taking a doctors visit). I would hope you are able to voice safety concerns on your jobsite.
Reply:I know one person that wanted to weld and took classes for welding, but had to stop due to dizziness, and it had some thing to do with a inner ear problem, but they never had headaches. Might be some thing to check out.
Reply:I agree 100% with tenpins.   Its called workers comp.  Guess what,  go to hr office or managers office and tell them u need to start a workers comp claim and see a dr due to this issue.   Once u start a claim it is near impossible for them to terminate your employmentuntil the docs and you sign off on the medical problems being resolved.  If they fire u during or after then go see a lawyer.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I did have something a lot like that happen to me when working in a shop - the answer was that all I drank was coffee and being dehydrated gave me a headache.  Try it:  Just take some juice and chug it on break.You've come all the way to be hired as a weldor - I guess you could work at being a fitter and do less time in the helmet.I hope you find a way to feel better.Miller Syncrowave 180SDLincoln WeldPak 100 with gasHandheld Milwaukee BandsawO/A Cutting Torch
Reply:Have you had your eyes checked, you may need glasses or even a cheater lens.I use a 3M half-face w/ P100 filters, but you can get Nuisance Mask for about $1 each.Several kinds here at Amazon....[ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?field-keywords=Nuisance+Mask&url=search-alias%3Dtools&x=13&y=21"]Here[/ame]Box of 20 for $13....[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Survival-Air-Systems-8610-Disposable/dp/B000RFP4E0"]Here[/ame]Edit: Normally if you impair your breathing by any means, you may have to have a pulmonary test prior to using!Check with your employer, If they don't allow respirator use w/o testing, there are waver forms.Last edited by skelley521; 09-13-2011 at 12:06 PM.Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:Hydration is really funny.  All kinds of weird symptoms can show up if you aren't well hydrated.  A little known or often overlooked fact is that coffee, tea and most sodas are diuretics - meaning they cause your body to remove water from its system.Try drinking WATER during the day (once your morning caffeine dose is done) - steer away from other stuff at first.  Watch your pee - if it is light colored (mild lemonade is color) you are fine, if it is darker colored you are not drinking enough water.In the army they used to tell us that by the time you are thirsty you are behind on water intake - if you don't have to pee you aren't drinking enough water.  This may be extreme, but you get the point.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:What? Urine isn't suppose to be yellow powder I'm gonna give my hydration specialist at the bar hell Yeah, I was asked "If your urine is yellow, what is wrong?" during a CG inspection in the Marine Corps.Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:+1 on drinking water, lots of it. Here, in Phoenix, class temperatures are "routinely" over 100F (yes, I carry a thermometer). Add apparel and it gets hot, really HOT! Take care of yourself. Heat is deadly.XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:Are they using CO2 during the welding process??Click...HERE....and scroll down to ToxicitySemper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!I strictly drink water during the day at work unless I need some caffeine to wake up and then its only one bottle of soda.  Some other things that can cause headaches are posture and position when standing/sitting/kneeling ect.  Pressure on various points of the spinal column can cause stress on the membrane that covers the brain and connects to the spinal cord.  Pressure can also be transferred to nerves going to arms and legs or other area's of the body.  Focus on your posture as a possibility and see if your slouching or leaning and if the problems start from there.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.