welding wearing a pacemaker

professor · Dec 25, 2013

Have any of you that have pacemakers done any stick welding? I am considering trying to do a little welding wearing a heavy coat and keeping the electrode away from the pacemaker as far as possible. I use a string trimmer and chain saw with no adverse reactions.

Clint S · Dec 25, 2013

Talk with your MD. You may also want to find out the manufacturer of your pacemaker and contact them as some MD's will just give you a generic no. Do not weld until you do. I have heard you can do limited welding with lower amps, but I have also seen first hand a trip to the ER after trying to TIG.

Tractor Seabee · Dec 25, 2013

Look at this web site: arc welding - Pacemaker Club

Also google "arc welding with a pacemaker". Quite a number of info sites.

Ron

RoyJackson · Dec 25, 2013

I have a pacemaker...and I've worked in companies that did welding.

First, talk to your doctor!!!

It's not just the stinger to be concerned about. The cables produce a magnetic field as well*...that would be the more dangerous issue if your pacemaker is susceptible to magnetic fields.

* I'm sure you're familiar with magnetic particle inspection (better known as Magnaflux). The cables and transformers used in Mag Particle aren't dissimilar to those used in welding... Coiled cables can generate a stronger magnetic field the one cable laid straight out. If you do weld, do NOT drape those cables over your shoulder. If you want to take some of the weight...rig up a bungee overhead that can support the cable weight.

And I reiterate: First, talk to your doctor!!!

Buckgnarly · Dec 25, 2013

I would not beleive a thing you read on the internet except when someone says talk to your doctor AND the maker of your welder. Both combined would know the real answers.

CobyRupert · Dec 25, 2013

A heavy coat? A coat if armor, grounded, may be better protection from the magnetic fields. But don't believe everything you read from the tin-foil hat wearing crowd on the Internet.

RoyJackson · Dec 25, 2013

CobyRupert said:
A heavy coat? A coat if armor, grounded, may be better protection from the magnetic fields. But don't believe everything you read from the tin-foil hat wearing crowd on the Internet.

The best protection from magnetic fields is distance...

adventure bob · Dec 25, 2013

I know a mig will screw up a cell phone, I would be highly concerned of the rf effect on my pacemaker.
l

RoyJackson · Dec 25, 2013

adventure bob said:
I know a mig will screw up a cell phone, I would be highly concerned of the rf effect on my pacemaker.
l

With TIG, the high frequency used for arc stabilization can be a contributing factor.

Now, although I have welded (used to be pretty good with TIG and was certified while in the Navy), my civilian career exposed me to welding. Since the pacemaker was put in in 2008, I still worked in the vicinity of welding equipment but I always stayed a reasonable distances away for the welding work and equipment...same thing with mag particle equipment. I've never suffered any ill effects, but that's just me. Anyone with a pacemaker must (and I repeat myself) talk to their doctor...and even if he gives the go-ahead, I'd suggest ensuring there be another person around to keep an eye out...just in case.