Is Welding Harmful To The Body?

Is welding harmful to the body?

焊接 fumes are dangerous if inhaled into the lungs

The smoke generated during welding operations contains many toxic substances. For example, substances such as hexavalent chromium released during stainless steel welding. If it is inhaled into the body for a long time, it will cause damage to the lungs, and may cause asthma and even lung cancer. In addition, the welding rod coating will also produce carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides during the combustion process. In a closed space, the concentration of these gases will be relatively high, which can easily cause acute poisoning.

In 2023, there was a welder in a shipyard who continued to work in the cabin for four hours. Later, due to poor ventilation, he was poisoned by carbon monoxide and eventually fell into a coma. In view of the situation presented by relevant data, workers who are exposed to welding fumes for a long time have a risk of contracting pneumoconiosis that is more than three times higher than that of ordinary workers.

The dazzling arc light and ultraviolet damage are more severe than the sun

The intensity of ultraviolet rays produced by arc welding is more than 10 times higher than that of sunlight. If it is directly irradiated into the eyes, it will cause a series of conditions, such as severe pain, photophobia, and tearing. The combination of this series of conditions is the so-called electro-optical ophthalmia. If electro-optical ophthalmia recurs, it may cause corneal damage. If you are exposed to this kind of ultraviolet rays for a long time, it will also increase the risk of cataracts.

There are some welders who do not wear protective masks for the sake of convenience and just use sunglasses to cover them. However, less than half an hour later, their eyes sting into unbearable conditions. Infrared radiation is also dangerous. It can gradually cause the lens to become cloudy, and this damage often does not appear until years later.

Riveting noise, big ears, hearing loss quietly

The noise generated by riveting work generally exceeds 85 decibels, and occasionally reaches 100 decibels. If you work in such an environment for a long time, your hearing will gradually be damaged. At first, it is just tinnitus, but after a few years, you may not even be able to hear normal conversations clearly.

In a certain machinery factory, the average working experience of workers in the riveting workshop is more than 10 years. After a hearing examination, it was found that nearly 30% of the workers had moderate hearing loss. What's even more troublesome is that the damage caused by noise is irreversible. Once this happens, it is difficult to recover.

Beware of splashing slag and scalding your skin from electromagnetic radiation

During the welding operation, the temperature of the metal slag splashed up can reach thousands of degrees. Once it splashes on the skin, it will cause burns in an instant. The sparks generated when polishing welds are also dangerous. Many welders have scars left after burns on their arms and necks.

High-frequency arc igniting equipment that produces electromagnetic radiation. Long-term exposure to it may affect the nervous system, causing dizziness and fatigue. Although these physical hazards are not fatal, they will continue to consume the body's health.

Ventilation and smoke exhaust is the first step and the equipment must be in place

The smoke concentration can be effectively reduced with the help of local exhaust devices, such as side-suction welding smoke purifiers, which suck harmful gases directly away from the operating point. The overall ventilation system of the workshop is also very critical to ensure smooth and unobstructed air circulation.

When welding in a small space, forced air supply equipment must be equipped, and at the same time, an oxygen monitor must be used for real-time detection. In 2022, welding work was carried out inside a closed water tank at a construction site . The welding would produce arc smoke and make the riveting noise loud. The occupational health was poor . Because the exhaust equipment was not started, two people were poisoned and fell into a coma.

Protective equipment must be worn in full and regulated, don’t be lazy

Equipment used for personal protection includes welding helmets, dust masks, earplugs, protective clothing, and gloves, all of which are indispensable. Special toxic fumes will be released when welding aluminum and galvanized materials, so special masks that can prevent zinc fumes must be used.

It is important to follow the advice of taking a 15-minute break every 2 hours, because if the continuous operation time is too long, accidents are more likely to occur. This must be understood. Apprentices need to be more careful. Protection is often neglected during short-term work, so the risk of injury is higher. You must participate in professional welding safety training and learn the correct use of equipment and emergency response methods to minimize risks.

If you have friends who are engaged in welding or riveting , welding will produce arc smoke and riveting, which is noisy and has poor occupational health . Would you like to remind them to take protective measures? Welcome to share your experience in the comment area . Does welding produce arc smoke? Is welding harmful to the body? Riveting is noisy. Occupational health comparison . Like and repost to make more people pay attention to occupational health!