When it comes to welding, there are several common hazards. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 560,000 workers are injured yearly due to welding accidents. One type of welding accident that many are unaware of is welding fume exposure.
But what are welding fumes? OSHA classifies toxic and explosive fumes as welding fume hazards. Inhaling fumes from welding can harm your health, and long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems.
This is why monitoring your welding fume exposure and taking steps to protect yourself is essential. This guide will cover everything you need to know about welding fume exposure monitoring, including what welding fumes are, their hazards, and how to limit your exposure.
By the end, you’ll better understand how to keep yourself safe while welding.
What Are Welding Fumes?
Welding fumes are a mixture of small particles and gases released when metals are heated during the welding process. The type of fumes and their concentration level vary depending on the metals being welded and the welding process being used.
Typical constituents of welding fumes include metals from the electrode and base metal. There are also oxides of metals, fluorides, chlorides, and sulfates. Metallic vapors, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide are also welding fumes.
Hydrocarbons can be a byproduct of welding, which makes them an additional hazard. Those in the welding industry must know about this. These particles and gases can be harmful if inhaled, and long-term exposure has been linked to various health problems.
That’s why monitoring your exposure to welding fumes and taking steps to protect yourself is essential.
Welding Fume Hazards
The health hazards posed by welding fumes also depend on the type of metal being welded and the concentration of fumes in the air. It also matters the amount of time you’re exposed to these fumes.
The most common health problems welding fumes are nose, throat, and lung irritation. Some welders experience coughing and difficulty breathing.
More severe health issues include lung fluid (pneumonia), cancer, and fertility problems.
Short-term exposure to high concentrations of welding fumes can also cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, it can even lead to loss of consciousness.
How to Conduct Welding Fume Monitoring
It’s essential to monitor your exposure levels and protect yourself. There are several ways you can do this:
1. Use a Respirator: Wearing a respiratory mask or respirator is one of the best ways to protect yourself from welding fumes. Make sure you choose a respirator approved by NIOSH for use with welding fumes (you’ll see this designation on the packaging).
2. Ventilate the Area: Another way to protect yourself from welding fumes is to ventilate the area where you’re working. This can be done with a fan or by opening windows and doors.
3. Use a Local Exhaust Hood: If possible, position a local exhaust hood near your work area to capture as much of the smoke and particulate matter as possible before it has a chance to spread throughout the room.
4. Avoid Skin Contact: If you must handle materials exposed to welding fumes, wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid skin contact.
Besides these steps above, hiring a company that can perform air quality testing and Industrial Hygiene Assessments can significantly impact safety. Companies like Phase Associates have helped companies within the welding industry improve safety.
Ready to Improve Workplace Safety?
Reducing the amount of welding fume exposure your employees have should be a priority. Now that you know about welding fume hazards, you should begin conducting some welding fume monitoring.
Understanding the welding fumes exposure limits will ensure you comply with OSHA. If you are looking for ways to improve workplace safety in the welding industry, we can help.
Visit our website today to learn more about how Phase Associates can help you take the safety of your employees to the next level!
Phase Associates conducts welding fume monitoring services to NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT, MD, and VA