Welding Gases & Fumes

Welding gases and fumes can be dangerous to anyone who breathes them in. A different mix of gases is emitted with every welding project. These gases can cause adverse effects on the body depending on the duration of exposure. The best way to protect yourself is to keep your head out of the smoke while welding.

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How workers are exposed
Welders have a greater risk of being exposed to welding fumes, but anyone working near them might also inhale these fumes. This is more likely to happen when working indoors or in enclosed spaces. Because the air can’t dissipate, the fumes can accumulate to a dangerous level. This means that anyone working in an enclosed space with a welder is exposed to the same level of risk.

The dangers to workers
Different metallic components in welding fumes occur due to different materials, electrodes, and type of welding used. Various airborne gases and fumes that can be found during the welding process include the following:

• Nitrous oxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Carbon monoxide
• Shielding gases (argon or helium)
• Ozone
• Metal fumes (manganese and chromium)

Short-term exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, dizziness and vomiting.  Long-tern exposure can cause occupational asthma, pneumonia, cancer and kidney or nervous system damage.

How to reduce the risks
To lessen the hazards of being exposed to welding gases and fumes, there are many risk controls that can be implemented. The most effective way is to eliminate the source of the hazard, if possible. If not, other ways are listed below, arranged in order of efficiency. Start choosing your next steps by asking the questions following each control.

Elimination or substitution
The most effective risk control is eliminating the threat by replacing or substituting a safer method or material.

• Can a less dangerous material be used?
• Are there other ways that create fewer gases or fumes?

Engineering controls
Changes to the facility, machinery, and methods used can greatly lessen exposure.

• Can ventilation be enhanced?
• Can fans be installed to keep the smoke away from welders and others?

Administrative controls
Administrative controls include changing the rules and regulations, distributing awareness materials, and training workers.

• Is there an exposure control plan known to workers?
• Have workers been a part of a hygiene awareness program?

Personal protective equipment
The least effective control is personal protective equipment. It’s very important to use at least one other control in addition to PPE.

• Are workers always wearing complete & appropriate personal protective equipment?
• Are respirators fit-tested for each employee to ensure effectiveness?

 

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

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