Welding Used For Various Industries

Welding gases and fumes may be hazardous to your health. All welding processes produce hazardous gases. Gases are invisible to the eye and does not contain odor. Ultraviolet rays from the arc produce gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and ozone. Fumes are also produced while welding. Welding “smoke” is an example of a visible fume.

Symptoms of harmful exposure produced during welding are as follows: You may have irritation in your eyes, nose and respiratory system, skin. Some other symptoms may be cough, chest pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. If you have these problems, consult a doctor and explain what you do for a living.

Welding gases and fumes do not cause immediate health problems. But as you keep working for various years as a welder and find out that breathe in gases and fumes in quantities is greater than OELs (Occupational Exposure Limits) your health will be affected. Quantity of gases and fumes caused by welding depends upon welding processes and other variables like current, voltage, type of electrode, polarity and type of shielding gas.

You can reduce exposure to welding fumes and gases by wearing respiratory protection, by implementing work rest schedules and safe-work practices, by introducing engineering controls and improving ventilation and substituting less hazardous flux materials.

To protect yourself from these gases and fumes you should take certain steps. Effective exposure is the first step to controlling exposure. Before starting to work, find out whether the fan is in working condition and filters are clean. Find out what materials and hazards you are dealing with. Before starting your work, make sure you read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) supplied with welding electrodes.

Use respiratory equipment because it is very important. Greater risk is involved while welding plasma arc and arc gouging. They are also high while welding stainless steel, alloy steel as well as galvanized, coated and painted steels. Always use respiratory equipment under such conditions. According to law, respiratory protective equipment must be of an approved type; suitable for hazard; must be selected and fit tested according to CSA standard and employer is responsible for providing appropriate equipment.

Examples of numerous other hazards present during welding are eye hazards, burns, electric shock, fire and explosion, compressed gas cylinders, heat stress, dust hazards, overhead, excessive noise levels and confined spaces.

A welder can get problem in his eyes due to ultraviolet rays, flashes, spatter, chipping or grinding. Burns can happen due to radiation, hot metal spatter or handling hot tools and equipment. Welding operator can get electric shock if cables are damaged, lack of proper gloves and working in wet conditions.

Hazards due to compressed gas cylinders can happen if there’s damage to cylinder valves and flashback.