Prevent overexposure to welding fumes and gases

 

Prevent overexposure to welding fumes and gases

Short-term and long-term exposure to welding fumes and gases can result in dizziness, unconsciousness, illness, and even death.

Welding workplaces must have adequate ventilation to keep exposure to these airborne contaminants below permissible limits. According to the American Welding Society, proper ventilation is determined by a variety.

• Workplace size, shape, and environmental conditions

• Workplace size, shape, and ambient conditions

• Number and type of operations

• Contents of the fume plume 

• Type and effectiveness of ventilation

Recommendation of working near welding fumes:

• Having a technically qualified person evaluate the exposure to determine if the ventilation is adequate if you're working near fumes.

• Using an approved respirator when ventilation is insufficient or impractical.

• Allowing natural ventilation by opening windows, roof vents, and doors.

• Turning on fans, making sure the air is blowing away from the workers.

The position of the welder's head is also important. To avoid breathing in welding fumes, workers should be reminded to reposition their work, their heads, or both.