During the welding process, metal is heated until it melts. This procedure causes the release into the air of large quantities of fumes which contain metal particles and various other substances found in the welding device or on the surface of objects being welded.
These substances are not harmful at room temperature, but the fumes caused by the heating process can be very harmful to the workers’ health.
Fumes resulting from welding contain high concentrations of iron, lead, zinc, manganese, and fluoride dust. Moreover, during the heating process,nitrogen and nitrogen dioxide is produced and these gases can be very dangerous when inhaled particularly at high concentrations and over long periods of time, while the inhalation of said welding fumes sporadically hardly gives rise to symptoms of any kind.
Metal fumes harmful to the respiratory system
In the case of welders who work for many hours every day, the inhalation and absorption of metal fumes through the skin can lead to intoxication or irritation of the respiratory system. To prevent the occurrence of different health problems, such as chronic bronchitis or various degrees of irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract, it is essential to use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when welding.
There are many products on the market nowadays that protect the body, and the respiratory system in particular, from harmful fumes and vapours which develop when working metal.
Which PPE is most suitable when welding
In the case of welding, one should always wear eye protection, with specific shields for protection against bright light and face masks with filters for cleaning the air.
When you choose these types of devices you need to make sure that they are very comfortable as they will need to be worn for long periods of time. The best PPE in these cases may be powered air purifying respirators incorporating a helmet which will protect the head, face and respiratory system of the wearer and offer optimum comfort at the same time.
Kasco srl offers different types of Respiratory Protective Devices including the powered half mask respirator, Cleanspace2, recommended for all types of work in industry and welding operations as well.
Jan 30 2017
How to protect the respiratory system against welding fumes
These substances are not harmful at room temperature, but the fumes caused by the heating process can be very harmful to the workers’ health.
Fumes resulting from welding contain high concentrations of iron, lead, zinc, manganese, and fluoride dust. Moreover, during the heating process,nitrogen and nitrogen dioxide is produced and these gases can be very dangerous when inhaled particularly at high concentrations and over long periods of time, while the inhalation of said welding fumes sporadically hardly gives rise to symptoms of any kind.
Metal fumes harmful to the respiratory system
In the case of welders who work for many hours every day, the inhalation and absorption of metal fumes through the skin can lead to intoxication or irritation of the respiratory system. To prevent the occurrence of different health problems, such as chronic bronchitis or various degrees of irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract, it is essential to use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when welding.
There are many products on the market nowadays that protect the body, and the respiratory system in particular, from harmful fumes and vapours which develop when working metal.
Which PPE is most suitable when welding
In the case of welding, one should always wear eye protection, with specific shields for protection against bright light and face masks with filters for cleaning the air.
When you choose these types of devices you need to make sure that they are very comfortable as they will need to be worn for long periods of time. The best PPE in these cases may be powered air purifying respirators incorporating a helmet which will protect the head, face and respiratory system of the wearer and offer optimum comfort at the same time.
Kasco srl offers different types of Respiratory Protective Devices including the powered half mask respirator, Cleanspace2, recommended for all types of work in industry and welding operations as well.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •