Protecting Welders from Harmful Fumes

Designed to fuse materials, welding is a fundamental process in manufacturing and engineering industries. However, welding can also expose workers to harmful fumes that pose serious health risks if left unprotected. That’s why it's important to have clean air systems in place to combat these hazardous fumes. In our blog, we’ll explain the dangers of welding fumes and the essential safety measures needed to manage them in the workplace.

The Dangers of Welding Fumes

Welding fumes are a complex mixture of metallic oxides, silicates, and fluorides. Fumes are formed when a metal is heated above its boiling point and its vapours condense into very fine particles (solid particulates). Welding fumes can pose a serious health risk to workers if not properly managed.

Chronic exposure to these fumes can lead to a variety of serious health conditions, including pneumoconiosis (also known as "welder's lung"), which is a type of lung disease caused by inhaling dust and other fine particles.

Additionally, certain types of welding fumes contain elements such as chromium and nickel, which are known carcinogens, potentially leading to lung, larynx, and urinary tract cancers.

Other health problems can include:

• Metal fume fever
• Stomach ulcers
• Kidney damage
• Neurological conditions from manganese exposure, which is commonly found in welding rods.

To safeguard welders from these hazardous substances, it is important to implement and maintain effective fume extraction systems in all welding environments, significantly reducing the risk of these serious health issues.

What is Safety in Welding?

Safety in the workplace when welding, goes beyond just gloves and goggles. It needs to protect workers from hazards like burns, eye damage, and exposure to fumes and gases. It requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to adhere to safe work practices. Welding safety can be implemented by proper training, inspecting the welding equipment, filtration systems and making welders aware of safety precautions.

Detailed Safety Measures for Welding

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• What to wear: Welders should wear flame-resistant clothing to protect against sparks, heat and burns. A welding helmet with a proper shade of face shield is required to protect the eyes from ultraviolet and infrared rays. Gloves should be fire-resistant to protect hands from heat, sparks, and electricity. Safety shoes and ear protection should also be used as needed.
• Why it's important: PPE is crucial as it provides the first line of defence against the common hazards of welding, including burns, sparks, intense light, and heat.
• When to wear it: PPE must always be worn during welding operations, even during brief adjustments or work inspections.

Inspecting Welding Equipment:

• What Checks to Perform: Regular inspections should include checking welding machines for proper setup and condition, inspecting cables for insulation wear, ensuring all connections are tight and secure, and verifying that safety devices are functioning properly.
• Why It's Important: Regular inspection of welding equipment helps prevent accidents caused by equipment failure, such as electrical shocks, fires, and explosions. It confirms that the equipment performs optimally and safely, which ultimately reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

Proper Air Ventilation:

• Air Quality

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV): Use fume extraction at the source (like On torch extraction, fume arms or extraction nozzles right near the weld).

• Implementation: Make sure that all welding areas are well-ventilated either through natural means like open windows and doors or through mechanical ventilation systems specifically designed to capture fumes and gases.
• Why it’s important: Proper ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne contaminants, which can be toxic to welders and nearby workers.

Comprehensive Training:

• What it should cover: Training programs should include instruction on the safe use of welding equipment, the importance of using PPE, emergency procedures, and recognition of hazardous situations.
• Why it’s important: Well trained welders are more aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

What Happens If You Don't Have Welding Safety for Businesses

Safety protocols can’t be overlooked, as negligence can jeopardise lives. The mix of gases and fine particles in welding smoke, including manganese and lead, can cause diseases if inhaled.

Cooperating with the right safety measures will cut down these risks, making sure that welders are protected from these hazards. Taking a proactive approach preserves the well-being of employees, fosters a culture of safety and minimises any potential legal and financial repercussions. 

Businesses found in violation of these standards might face fines running into tens of thousands of pounds, and in severe cases, company directors can be held personally liable, leading to even stricter penalties.  

Companies must also consider potential compensation claims made by employees who might suffer health issues due to inadequate safety measures. These claims can not only result in significant financial costs but also damage a company’s reputation and worker morale. It's advisable for businesses to regularly consult sources like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website to be thoroughly informed.

Purex’s Role in Transforming Welding Workplaces

At Purex, our advanced clean air systems are engineered to tackle harmful fumes efficiently. We make sure that hazardous substances are captured before they can be dispersed into the air. Our technology plays an important role in maintaining clean and safe working conditions. Discover our full range of products here to create a safer environment for your workers.

Welding Extraction Case Study

Nothing speaks louder than a success story. Check out our welding extraction case study, or visit our case studies page to see how real business have transformed their operations and improved their safety measures with our clean air technology to prove that good health and high efficiency go hand in hand.

Protect Your Workplace from Hazardous Fumes with Purex

Contact Purex today to discuss how our fume extraction solutions can help eradicate harmful toxins in the air. If you are looking to update your equipment or have a new safety system, we can help.