Great example shot here :-
http://www.royalty-free-pictures.com...04-welding.jpg
I would agree with most comments above....use RAW, go for a dark shot using body as sihouette against bright welding. Also try "slow synch" flash , plus some more with full blown flash to freeze action. Also think B&W conversions could work well with some of the shots . Basically just fire off tons of shots with differents setups. Can't wait to see the outcome.....could make a good shot for this months comp