Welding fumes comprise of the oxides of the metals in the materials being welded. These metal oxides, which are released during welding, can bring about a number of health dangers to the welder and those around, if there is no protection by personal protective equipment, or inadequate ventilation and fume removal systems. This is why it is recommended that there is proper ventilation in the welding workspace, and a welding fume extractor India installed. also, every welder is advised to wear personal protective gear like goggles, face masks, leather gloves, leather shoes, and more.
Metals producing hazardous fumes
Different flux compositions, which can result in bodily complaints and serious diseases, are to blame for the risks. Here are a few examples of welding fume compositions –
- Steel welding produces iron, along with minor levels of other metals like chromium, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, cobalt, and copper
- Stainless steel welding produces chromium or nickel, along with iron
- Nickel alloys produce nickel and iron
- Silica or fluoride-containing fluxes produce amorphous silica, metallic silicates, and fluoride fumes
Metal coatings posing more danger
If the metal itself wasn’t enough to cause so much harm, the additional coatings over the metals can pose even more threat to the welder, and those in the vicinity. When welding a coated metal or a metal with residues, the fumes can be much more hazardous. Some such harmful coatings or residues include oils, metalworking fluids, rust preventatives, cadmium plating, plastic coating, paint coating, zinc coating, and lead oxide primer coating.
Taking off the coatings first
When any of the extra elements mentioned above are present, the metal particles and metallic oxide combine with them, lingering in the air for several hours. It is thus advised to clean the air before, during, and after the welding process. Also, it is recommended to remove all the coatings and residues before beginning the welding process. Removing the coatings will not only reduce the dangers during and after welding, but will also enhance the welding quality itself. Special products can be used for stripping off these coatings, or wet slurry vacuum removal procedures may be used. It is important to adhere to the recommended safety precautions, and put on the required personal protective equipment during the coating removal process, based on risk assessments, manufacturer’s guidelines, and potential exposures.
As you can see, welding fume is a composition of a variety of metallic oxides, fluorides, and silicates. So, it is very important to get rid of all the coatings and residues, keep the space well-ventilated, and wear protective gear while performing the welding procedure. But, at the same time, it is also important to install a genuine welding fume extractor India within the premises, which can constantly eliminate any welding fumes being generated. One fine example is the Fumekiller from Powertech Pollution Controls, which is a high-efficiency two-stage electrostatic precipitator, combined with electrostatic filtration technology, designed to capture and control fumes, mist, smoke, and fine dust produced by welding, soldering, and other similar processes.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.powertechpollutioncontrols.com/
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