According to data provided by the National Institute of Statistics, there is a large number of workers who carry out welding operations unaware of the serious health risk that this may entail.
Welding hazards
According to data provided by the National Institute of Statistics, there is a large number of workers who carry out welding operations unaware of the health risks that this may entail. The issue has been argued over and over again, particularly the requirement that all workers are to wear a welding mask or helmet to reduce the effect of harmful agents and the likelihood of workers contracting occupational diseases. As evidenced by many medical reports, welding fumes are extremely harmful. Their toxic effect on human health is referred to as being either acute or chronic depending on the type of exposure to the fumes and seriousness of the illness. Furthermore, welding fumes can have devastating effects on the respiratory system resulting in the blockage of the transportation of oxygen from the alveoli to the capillaries.
Acute respiratory disorders are usually caused by exposure to high concentrations of fume particles over a short period of time. Harmful conditions such as “metal fume fever” are quite common. This particular condition is characterized by flu-like symptoms which usually start about 4 to 8 hours after the termination of the welding job and last for about 24 to 48 hours. There is also an increased breathing difficulty due to the heavy metals inhaled and deposited in the lungs and in bronchial and alveolar tissues.
There are many chronic respiratory diseases which can be laid down to welding fumes. These disorders are usually caused by exposure over long time periods and symptoms start to appear some time after the first exposure. These diseases range from chronic bronchitis (the development of which is probability higher in cigarette smokers), to pulmonary fibrosis and the development of many other harmful diseases such as asthma, originating from the inhalation of heavy metals (i.e. chrome and nickel), or lung cancer due to the inhalation of possible cancer causing chemical agents.
Moreover, welders should also be aware of other safety considerations within the work environment for example: injuries, such as burns, the most common welding injury, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as well as injuries to the central and peripheral nervous system due to the manganese, lead and aluminium found in the welding fumes.
Which type of respiratory protection which is best?
To protect the respiratory system when welding, it is advisable to don powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) equipped with face masks. Generally, these devices are equipped with blower units and filters which supply clean, filtered air directly to the inside of the mask. The blower units are powered by light, compact batteries. PAPRs for welding need to comply with a number of international standards and are subject to approval.
Kasco srl supplies a respirator model which has all of the above mentioned features, the Cleanspace Respirator .
Nov 15 2017
Respiratory system disorders caused by welding and how to avoid them
Welding hazards
According to data provided by the National Institute of Statistics, there is a large number of workers who carry out welding operations unaware of the health risks that this may entail. The issue has been argued over and over again, particularly the requirement that all workers are to wear a welding mask or helmet to reduce the effect of harmful agents and the likelihood of workers contracting occupational diseases. As evidenced by many medical reports, welding fumes are extremely harmful. Their toxic effect on human health is referred to as being either acute or chronic depending on the type of exposure to the fumes and seriousness of the illness. Furthermore, welding fumes can have devastating effects on the respiratory system resulting in the blockage of the transportation of oxygen from the alveoli to the capillaries.
Acute respiratory disorders are usually caused by exposure to high concentrations of fume particles over a short period of time. Harmful conditions such as “metal fume fever” are quite common. This particular condition is characterized by flu-like symptoms which usually start about 4 to 8 hours after the termination of the welding job and last for about 24 to 48 hours. There is also an increased breathing difficulty due to the heavy metals inhaled and deposited in the lungs and in bronchial and alveolar tissues.
There are many chronic respiratory diseases which can be laid down to welding fumes. These disorders are usually caused by exposure over long time periods and symptoms start to appear some time after the first exposure. These diseases range from chronic bronchitis (the development of which is probability higher in cigarette smokers), to pulmonary fibrosis and the development of many other harmful diseases such as asthma, originating from the inhalation of heavy metals (i.e. chrome and nickel), or lung cancer due to the inhalation of possible cancer causing chemical agents.
Moreover, welders should also be aware of other safety considerations within the work environment for example: injuries, such as burns, the most common welding injury, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as well as injuries to the central and peripheral nervous system due to the manganese, lead and aluminium found in the welding fumes.
Which type of respiratory protection which is best?
To protect the respiratory system when welding, it is advisable to don powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) equipped with face masks. Generally, these devices are equipped with blower units and filters which supply clean, filtered air directly to the inside of the mask. The blower units are powered by light, compact batteries. PAPRs for welding need to comply with a number of international standards and are subject to approval.
Kasco srl supplies a respirator model which has all of the above mentioned features, the Cleanspace Respirator .
By Kasco Srl • Blog •