Welding fumes is a collection of very small particles formed by the condensation of molten metal fumes, slag and coating electrodes. The most harmful secretions include manganese oxides, organic cause of nervous system diseases, lung, liver, and blood; silicon compounds, causing as a result of inhalation of silicosis; chromium compounds capable of accumulating in the body, causing headaches, diseases of the digestive organs, anemia; titanium oxide, which causes lung disease. In addition, the body is adversely affected by aluminum, tungsten, iron, vanadium, zinc, copper, nickel and other elements. Hazardous gaseous substances entering the body through the respiratory tract and digestive tract sometimes causes severe damage to the entire body.
Welding Fumes
The most harmful gases released during welding and cutting, are nitrogen oxides that cause diseases of the lungs and the circulatory system; carbon monoxide accumulated in the room leads to irritation of the respiratory tract, cause loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, convulsions, and damage to the nervous system;
Ozone is formed when welding in inert gases, quickly causes irritation of eyes, dry mouth and chest pain; Hydrogen fluoride affects the respiratory tract and even in small concentrations, causing irritation of the mucous membranes. Following is the list of occupational exposure standards in relation to welding fumes
- Welders ought to comprehend the hazards allied with the material they are working with. The hazard communication standard of OSHA requires employers to present training along with the information to the workers regarding the hazardous materials at the workplace.
- The welding surfaces must be cleaning of any coating that can lead to toxic exposure including paints and solvent residue.
- The workers at the welding site should position themselves in the manner that they avoid breathing welding gases and fumes. For instance, the workers must stay upwind while welding in outdoor and open environments
- Proper ventilation should be ensured in indoor welding sites since the forced and natural movements of fresh air can diminish gas and fume levels in the working area.
- Within the areas that do not enclose exhaust or ventilation systems, the welders ought to utilize natural drafts in addition to proper positioning to keep gases and fumes away from themselves as well as other workers.
- Local exhaust ventilation systems can be utilized to eradicate gases or fumes from the breathing zone of welders.
