Welding is the basic technology for joining metallic materials and plastics. High occupational exposure of welders results from the occurrence of various harmful factors accompanying welding processes, including dust and gas emissions into the working environment. The main role in reducing the concentration of air pollutants in the zones where welding works are carried out is played by mechanical ventilation.

Aluminum, antimony, barium, fluorine, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, lead, titanium, vanadium and zinc dusts are irritating or sensitizing. Zinc oxide formed during the welding of galvanized sheets can cause the so-called zinc fever. Nickel, cadmium, beryllium and chromium dusts and fumes are carcinogenic substances.

Long-term exposure to welding fumes leads to the deposition of metal oxides (mainly iron and tin) and silica in the lungs, causing the so-called electric welders’ pneumoconiosis. In Poland, the values ​​of the highest permissible concentrations (MAC) have been defined for dusts containing crystalline silica and individual welding gases.

Rational protection of workers against welding fumes requires information on the concentration of welding fumes and their distribution in areas where welding work is carried out. The main task of ventilation is then to reduce the concentration of air pollutants, as it is a measure of the level of risk in the worker’s breathing zone. Due to the fact that the highest concentrations occur in the immediate vicinity of the welded elements, it is most advisable to ventilate where air pollution is generated. This can be achieved by:

• local exhaust ventilation to prevent the spread of air pollution
• general ventilation by dilution of pollutants and exchange of air in the facility
• supplying fresh air to welding areas and personal shielding.

In accordance with EU directives and Polish law, workplaces where welding fumes are emitted must be equipped with appropriate collective protection against dust.

The most advantageous and recommended solution from the point of view of protection against the emission of air pollutants into the working environment is the complete enclosure of the welding station (hermetization). If this is not possible, the following are used: partial enclosures with working openings, local ventilation systems equipped with suction cups, hoods (stationary or movable) and general supply or exhaust ventilation systems.

Casings and installations should be connected to a dust extraction installation or a filtration device. In a play environment where air pollution is emitted, housings and local ventilation systems should be supported by general mechanical ventilation.

Source: CIOP and PIB materials

Source:https://www.seka.pl/dymy-spawalnicze/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.