Welding Fume in the Workplace Preventing potential health problems through proactive controls

摘要

Welding is a common industrial process―so common that up to two percent of the working population in industrialized countries has been engaged in some sort of welding (Liss 2). Welding is also a hazardous process. Burns to the skin, flash burns to the eyes and fire are some of the more immediate and acute hazards. One hazard is less readily noticeable, but has both acute and more long-term chronic effects* welding fume. Fumes are solid particles that originate from welding consumables, the base metal and any coatings present on the base metal. Despite advances in control technology, welders continue to be exposed to welding fume and gases (Wallace, et al 4). The chemicals contained in these fumes and gases depends on several factors: 1) type of welding being performed; 2) material the electrode is made of; 3) type of metal being welded; 4) presence of coatings on the metal; 5) time and severity of exposure; and 6) ventilation (ELCOSH "Hazard Alert" 1).