The elimination of invisible threats contained in welding fumes is one of the necessary functions of ventilation equipment. Reducing welding emissions is of interest to all metal fabricators, and modern welding technologies do a good job of removing welding fumes, which can be a health hazard. However, this can be misleading, Artem Komarov said.
At the nano level, invisible to the human eye, the concentration of particulate matter can pose a great risk to welders. Research shows that welding fume particles are generally smaller than 0.1 micrometers, making nearly all welding fume particles breathable. They can penetrate deep into the alveolar region of the lungs during inspiration and remain firmly fixed there.
Welders who are constantly exposed to welding fumes are at significant risk of health problems. The most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, bronchial problems, manganese, lead and cadmium oxide poisoning, episodes of fever in metalworkers when welding galvanized materials, and even damage to the central nervous system. Harmful solid particles formed during the welding of nickel, chromium and cadmium compounds can be considered carcinogenic.
Filler materials are associated with additional health risks. Ninety-five percent of the harmful substances that make up the welding particles are formed from the filler metal, and only the remaining 5 percent come from the base metal.
Conducting a risk assessment
When looking for a suitable extraction and filtration system, a metal fabricator should conduct a risk assessment to take a closer look at all associated risks and working conditions.
The first question in risk assessment concerns what materials and welding procedures are used. Metal gas arc welding (GMAW) and coated MMA welding show the greatest potential risk of generating hazardous particulates. The most dangerous particles are formed during the welding processes of chromium-nickel steel.
Appropriate ventilation measures should also be used for processes with at least an intermediate hazard class. This includes tungsten gas arc welding of toxic and irritating materials such as oxides of manganese and copper.
Using a different filler material when welding can help reduce the risk, but metal fabricators should use extraction and filtration systems to remove as much harmful particulate matter from the ambient air as possible. This is especially true as welding materials and procedures can change over time.
Extraction of welding fume at the source
The most important factor when using air purification technologies is the following: Weld fumes must be kept in their place of origin.
When used correctly, indirect capture techniques can help prevent the spread of harmful substances in the ambient air. Extraction systems from low-power vacuum sources are most used in production. They trap harmful substances with exhaust hoods and flexible exhaust arms about 1 foot away from the point of origin. Extraction brackets connected through an exhaust and filtration system or a piping system to a central ventilation system are self-supporting devices.
Welding fume extraction for large areas
Source extraction systems are often pushed to the limit when used in conjunction with multi-site welding of large parts. Welders may not set the ventilation device correctly in the correct position, or they simply cannot reach a certain area of work.
In these cases, worker safety can be ensured by using room ventilation systems in addition to source extraction systems. They also help protect non-welders in the workplace from exposure to harmful substances and improve air quality in the work area.
To provide additional industrial safety in a metal production plant, high-quality filtration of recirculated air from room ventilation equipment should be provided. This type of filtration ensures that the air supplied from the filtration system is recirculated to the work area without the presence of dust.
For example, when welding chromium-nickel steel, metal fabricators should only use filters that provide the highest efficiency. Filters must be certified to remove 99 percent of particulate matter from the air.
This air recirculation can also help save energy in winter, since the shop does not need to heat the air from the ventilation equipment; it is already heated after being released from the equipment, Artem Komarov noted.
