Pacemaker + Welding

[Big Barn]

I would strongly recommend the buddy system for any pacemaker welding experiments. ?"

MY buddies would be crankin up the amps the the second I nodded my hood.

Terry

 

[bumperm]

I'm reasonably familiar with EMI/RFI, being an Electronics Technician in the Navy (63 - 70). I don't have any experience with pacemakers, but do weld.

One would think that a wearable external grounded metal meshshield should provide adequate protection, but I can't find anything on line that would support that view. Only that chain saws are to be avoided as well, due to the closeness of the ignition system . . . probably should have added weed whackers too.

 

[CobyRupert]

I'm reasonably familiar with EMI/RFI, being an Electronics Technician in the Navy (63 - 70). I don't have any experience with pacemakers, but do weld. One would think that a wearable external grounded metal meshshield should provide adequate protection, but I can't find anything on line that would support that view. Only that chain saws are to be avoided as well, due to the closeness of the ignition system . . . probably should have added weed whackers too.

To avoid EMF's, one would think grounded shielding would be your friend, and distance to your chest from the current, including all cables, is right up there too.
Perhaps you have a medieval reenactment friend whose has a spare suit of armor or some chain mail.

 

[CobyRupert]

I think using high frequency would be worst with a pacemaker or cardoiverter.

Agree

 

[CobyRupert]

I'm curious where the leads where when the OP put the torch in his left hand and hit the pedal?

 

[Sprinklerman]

Live a bit longer , hard to do but leave the welding to someone else . I did some welding for a guy and he left the building , I was like " what are you scared of " he told me about the pacemaker .

 

[Brad_Blazer]

My plasma torch with HF start always makes my shop stereo crap out and I have to reset it to get it to play again.

 

[Dieseljeeper]

I've been equipped with an ICD for the last 7 years. I was also told I couldn't weld and being a crane mechanic with two years left to retire from IUOE I was not going to leave that on the table without a fight . I contacted Medtronic, the manufacturer of the pacemaker, explained my problem and it was suggested to keep the leads on the same side of my body. The magnetic field created by welding is what shuts off the pacemaker. This has worked for me since I had it placed and I have done a lot of both stick and mig welding and am left handed. The important thing is to stay safe and healthy but you could try stick welding gently and see if it works for you as well. Good luck

 

[RBLapham]

I too am left handed and have an ICD but have the ICD on my right side. So the comment about not using the left hand is for people that have their device implanted on the left. Keep everything as far away from the ICD as possible. I arc weld and wrap the two cables around each other lightly, this cuts down on the EMF from the welding. Also my cardiologist told me for MY ICD I would be safe under 200 amps using an arc welder. Also try not to get the electrode stuck when striking an arc because that is where the greatest EMF is generated. I also use a chain saw, string trimmer and leaf blower - all gas powered. Just keep the spark plug at a distance - don't hug the chain saw when running 5 years with my ICD. Disclaimer - all ICD's and pacemakers are different so this may not be good information, be careful.

 

[Dieseljeeper]

RB Lapham mine is on the left, I also use a chain saw and weed eater with no ill effects but I also thought of the possibility that they are not all the same and I'm glad you pointed that out as well, the last thing I want is to cause someone problems. I like the idea about making a twisted pair out of the welding leads. Very cool idea! If I have a torch and an air hose along side my leads they eventually end up that way anyway lol. Before I retired I was working on a P&H 5150 while it was running and got over the magnatorque which is an electromagnetic swing brake. I cannot recommend that for a big and rich time