Detail

Welding, glittering sparks and graceful curling fume are inseparable. It's almost a romantic image, with hard-working welders in the middle. However, the romance evaporates quickly if you understand what welding fumes are and what its composition may be.

Welding of stainless steel is a common process, which has increasing raised concerns for the working environment. Chromium is next to nickel one of the basic alloy element of all groups of stainless steels. During the welding process, chromium is converted to its hexavalent state, Chromium (VI).

Two NIOSH Health Hazard Reports (HHEs) recommend that fire stations are equipped with diesel exhaust extraction systems, and to encourage regular use, even when firefighters are conducting routine running of the apparatus during equipment checks.

In workplaces such as garages, bus depots and warehouses there is a lot of pollution, caused by diesel engines. The engines produce toxic gases and particulates, that can cause serious health risks and legal liability. Although it is well known that fumes are toxic and protective measures should be taken, that isn’t always done.

Welding fumes contain oxides of the metals in the materials being welded. If not protected by personal protection equipment and proper ventilation measures, a welder and his surrounding are exposed to several health risks by the oxides of the metals.

To extract welding fumes and protect the welder, at source ventilation is always the most efficient and safe way. In addition, all kinds of measures can be taken to reduce welding fumes and its risks.

Removing turnout gear immediately after fighting a fire can greatly reduce skin absorption of cancer-causing compounds, according to a study from the University of Ottawa.

In buildings where welding is carried out, temperature control and problems of airborne contamination are important, and the provision of clean air increases. Although fresh air is usually supplied by general ventilation, the sole use of general ventilation for airborne pollutant control in welding is usually ineffective.

Nowadays, everybody knows that welding fumes are very dangerous and that all kinds of protective measures should be taken and respected during work. In other blogs on this site, you can read more about those dangers and risks. But is everybody really aware of the importance of those protective measures such as PPE and local exhaust ventilation? The answers of welders themselves are surprising…

Welders must be protected against hazardous welding fumes. Depending on the welding environment or how and what is welded, welders can be protected by systems for source extraction and general filtration and ventilation. Also, they can be protected by respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as welding helmets with fresh air supply. Supplied air respirators are known to provide the best all-around protection for the welders themselves.

Last year, leading US firefighter advocate Billy Goldfeder wrote an article on the importance of having compatible systems among fire departments with automatic or mutual aid agreements:

Metal fume fever is a benign, self-limiting occupational respiratory disease that results from the inhalation of fine metal particles. Whilst the exact mechanism for this condition is not known, the primary cause is thought to relate to the inhalation of zinc oxide fumes produced when zinc-coated steel or zinc-containing alloys (e.g. brass) are heated to high temperatures. A variety of other names for this condition is used, such as copper fever, brazier’s disease, welder’s ague, foundry fever, brass chills and spelter shakes.