Welding Safety Tips: Protect Yourself From Fumes
Welders know that it is very important to take precautions where sparks, explosions, fires, and potential eye damage is concerned. Every welder knows that he has to wear the right clothing and take care to maintain his equipment properly. Every welder knows that they have to make sure valves are on cylinders properly and that hoses are not leaking. Yet many welders forget the unseen danger of welding: fumes. Many welding safety tips publications do not include sections about fumes.
They always include sections on proper attire and avoiding explosions, yet fumes are often ignored. Whether you work for yourself or for someone else, you must limit your exposure to fumes as much as possible. Good ventilation, special equipment, and shielding are all necessary. Following some basic welding safety tips will also help you avoid fumes that can cause everything from mild irritation of the eyes and lungs to death.
Top 10 Welding Fumes Protection Tools
1| Rubber Respirator Mask NBC Protection For Industrial Use, Chemical Handling, Painting, Welding, Prepping
Whether in the chemical, metal, or automotive industries, ship building, maintenance, supplies, or disposal: This NBC Rubber Respirator full face mask is the right solution for environments where not only increased respiratory protection is required, but also a clear vision is mandatory. The Rubber Respirator full-face mask has been successful in the market worldwide for decades and provides reliable and secure protection. In combination with a compressed air breathing apparatus or rebreather it is used as a tried and tested face piece by welders, firefighters and in mining.
NBC Protection. Be prepared for the next black swan with the Wild Survival Co Full Face Gas Mask NBC protection – fits any standard 40mm Nato Filter (40rd) gas canister. One size fits all: Easily adjust straps to fit all sizes: adults and and children. (FILTER SOLD SEPERATELY) High-quality Professional grade material. Googles made from scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens. Industrial and commercial use: Use for welding, painting, sand, dust, cleaning, smoke, tear gas and grinding fume protection. Backed by the Wild Survival Co 100% money-back guarantee.
2|Moldex 2310 N99 Premium Particulate Respirator with Valve and Handy Straps, Box of 10
N99 for a higher level of protection. NIOSH certified to have a filter efficiency of 99% or greater against particulate aerosols free of oil. Suitable for most welding applications. Meets heat and flame resistance in accordance with ANSI/ISEA 110-2003 Section 7.11.1
Workers stay cooler with an exhale valve that reduces breathing resistance and hot air build up. The exclusive Dura-Mesh® shell protects the filter media so it stays cleaner looking longer. Plus it resists collapsing, even in heat and humidity so the respirator holds its shape longer. The result is fewer respirators used and lower cost. Easier to wear and more all-day comfort for more of the work force and without a metal noseband.
Welding, soldering, brazing, torch cutting, metal pouring, and dusty environments, i.e., polishing, buffing, lime, poultry and textiles. No oils present. Note: For areas with oils present, you must use an R or P respirator. Call our Technical Support Department for more details.
3| Fibre-Metal 280-990BE Tigerhood Classic Welding Helmets, #10, 4 1/2″ x 5 1/4″, Blue
Welding fumes are basically a mixture of metallic oxides, fluorides, and silicates. Not so wonderful to be breathing into your lungs by themselves, but since we have to live and work in the real world, there are other considerations such as the paint, rust inhibitors, solvents, and other coatings on the welded metal which can create additional dangers. With proper precaution, the amount of gas and vapor can be eliminated, or at least reduced to a high degree. Ventilation is always an essential control option. Whether you are ventilating the entire area or can drill down to a very specific confined space, replacing dirty air with clean is often the first go-to procedure. Many shops require ventilation that meets UL specifications such as the RamFan UB20 with ducting.
Another option is respiratory protection. Fumes produced by basic welding of iron or steel can often be blocked by wearing a simple Fibre-Metal 280-990BE Tigerhood Classic Welding Helmets. This helmet have exhalation valves to keep the mask cool. However, these types of disposable masks are only good for simple welding. Molded-in colors eliminate chipping, peeling, and fading. Smooth, seamless shell deflects sparks and spatter reducing the risk of burn through. Unique welding helmet design provides extended throat protection while blocking fumes and smoke from the face.
4| 3M 8514 N95 Particulate Welding Respirator, 10 per Box (Pack of 40)
This disposable N95 particulate welding respirator features a carbon layer and the 3MTM Cool FlowTM Valve. It is designed for applications where metal fumes are present including those with ozone* and nuisance level organic vapors* The lightweight, disposable N95 particulate respirator is designed to help provide respiratory protection for applications such as welding, soldering and other operations in which metal fumes may be present. 3M uses a variety of innovative technologies and features to help you meet your respiratory protection and comfort needs. The specially designed cake-resistant filter media provides longer respirator life. The respirator incorporates 3M’s proprietary technology with advanced electrostatically charged microfiber filter media, designed for ease of breathing. The proprietary 3MTM Cool FlowTM Exhalation Valve reduces heat build up inside the respirator to help keep the wearer more comfortable.
These combined features, along with the fully adjustable straps are designed to help enhance user comfort and may increase wearability. -N95 Approved filtering facepiece particulate respirator for certain non-oil based particles – 3M™ Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve – Cake-resistant filter media – Flame resistant as demonstrated per modified ASTM D2859 (not a substitute for a face shield) – Carbon filter for ozone* and nuisance level organic vapors** – Compatible with a variety of protective eyewear and hearing protection – Adjustable nose clip helps provide a custom and secure seal – Fully adjustable head straps help provide a secure fit – Suggested applications: Welding, torch cutting, brazing, soldering, metal pouring, working with stainless, galvanized or aluminum * 3M recommended for ozone protection up to 10 times the OSHA PEL or applicable government occupational exposure limits, whichever is lower. Not NIOSH approved for use against ozone.
WARNING: These respirators help reduce exposures to certain airborne contaminants. Before use, the wearer must read and understand the User Instructions provided as a part of the product packaging. In the U.S., a written respiratory protection program must be implemented meeting all the requirement.
5: Elipse P3 RD Carbon Filter Safety Mask Odour Dust Welding Woodworking Respirator with additional pack of filters by elipse
The Elipse P3 R Nuisance Odour respirator combines a particulate filter with an activated carbon cloth to provide the ability to remove low level odours. The P3 R D mask is an upgrade from the P3 R mask it is fitted with carbon filters so it also offers protection against low level odours The head strap has four adjustable locations for increased comfort and a protective head band at the rear. The compact design further reduces the risk of the mask interfering with the users line of vision, or with and eye or ear protection that must also be worn. Elipse Reusable Safety Respirator with P3 R Nuisance Odour Filters Provides protection against low level odours, toxic dust particles, metal fumes (smoke), mists & Vapours, Bacteria and Viruses.
Typical applications: Welding, Metalwork, Construction, D.I.Y Conforms to EN140 & EN143 Designed to fit the contours of your face. Odour free, Non-allergenic, Medical Grade Materials, Latex & Silicone Free. Easy 4-point adjustable light weight head strap. Flexible materials to fit the curvature of the face and patented low profile filter design to give maximum field of vision. Non-return exhaust valve to reduce risk of wearer fatigue. Use with P3 R D Nuisance Odour Filters.
6: Shark Shark 14417 Welding Fume Respirator
Shark Shark 14417 Welding Fume Respirator’ pleated filter design allows for greater surface area to ease breathing resistance. Patented filter media maximizes efficiency regardless of humidity, extending filter life. This product’s filters are strongly resistant to oil and provide filtration of airborne particulate including solid dust particles, metal fumes and mists. Wrap-around spark guard protects filter media from sparks and other debris.
The filters provide protection from Hexavalent Chromium (Stainless Steel), Zinc Oxide (Galvanized Steel), Manganese, Aluminum, Nickel, Iron Oxide, Copper, Cadmium, Lead and Beryllium fumes. The ergonomic mask shape minimizes dead air space to keep user comfortable and cool. Large non-return exhaust valve eases breathing. Slim design allows mask to fit comfortably underneath welding helmets, while maximizing field of vision.
7| ArcOne AP-X60VX-1526 AirPlus Vision Red Rock Welding Helmet with X60VX 5 x 4-Inch Digital ASIC Filter with X-TIG
This welding helmet is a lightweight, full-coverage helmet in a sleek, modern design. Front and rear cover plates can be changed in a matter of seconds with our unique patent-pending systems. The product comes equipped with the ComfaGear headgear, the only ultra-soft headband that follows the same angle as your forehead. Headband adjusts forward/back, up/down, and side-to-side. All ArcOne AP-X60VX-1526 AirPlus Vision Red Rock Welding Helmet Auto-Darkening filters are ANSI and CSA approved. The AirPlus PAPR system is a motorized, battery operated system that blows a Constant supply of fresh, filtered air over the face. It creates a positive pressure inside the respirator head top keeping out harmful welding fumes and particulates. Personalize your AirPlus system by combining an AD helmet with a specific filter to best fit your welding needs.
8| Scan Moulded Valved Masks(10) Ffp3 Dolomite
These Scan FPP3 Premier valved disposable masks are designed to cover the nose, mouth and chin. The construction is made of the filter material itself, and the exhalation valve makes breathing easier. These masks have passed the optional Dolomite clogging test, giving the user better breathing resistance for longer. They are ideal for use with:
– Toxic waste disposal
– Casting metals
– Smoke fumes
– Paint and varnish fumes
– Hand and power sanding of soft and hard wood and MDF dust
– Masonry and concrete dust
– Metalworking with power tools
– Loft insulation/fibre glass
– Mineral fibres
With a FPP3 protection level, these masks will protect lungs against very fine particles (less than 2 microns), such as very fine dusts, fibres, aqueous mists and oil based mists. For a guide on protection levels, please see below. The masks have elasticated retaining straps to keep them securely in place. In addition they have an adjustable nose clip and full PVC face seal for custom fitting. The non-irritating inner face piece ensures added comfort. To be disposed of after each period of work or 8 hour shift. The masks conform to EN149: 2001 + A1: 2009.
9: MSA Safety 816516 Advantage 200 LS Half-Mask Facepiece Assembly, Blue
The Advantage 200 LS is a comfortable, efficient and economic half mask. It is ideal for applications where workers are exposed to various hazards from job to job, such as high concentrations of fumes, mists and gases. With its patented MultiFlex system the Advantage 200 LS offers maximum protection and high wearing comfort. The soft, pliable combination of rubber and plastic provides a customised and pressure-free fit, instantly conforming to the wearer’s unique facial characteristics. The Advantage 200 LS comes in three sizes and has a complete and exclusive filter programme to protect against harmful particles and/or gases.
10: 3M 8212 N95 Particulate Welding Respirator with Faceseal, 10 per box (40-Count)
This disposable N95 particulate welding respirator is designed to help provide respiratory protection for applications such as welding or soldering where metal fumes may be present. Features 3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve, foam faceseal, adjustable head straps. 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8212, N95 is a disposable particulate respirator that is designed to help provide reliable respiratory protection for applications such as welding or soldering where metal fumes may be present. This welding respirator provides at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles. Cake resistant filter layers reduce the caking of particles on the respirator surface. Soft inner material provides added comfort while the cup shape design makes the respirator spacious and durable.
Adjustable noseclip helps provide a custom secure seal. Fully adjustable head straps help provide a comfortable and secure seal. This respirator is compatible with a variety of protective eyewear and hearing protection. Recommended applications include welding, torch cutting, brazing, soldering, and metal pouring. Fitted with a 3M Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve, this respirator is ideally suited for work situations involving heat, humidity, or long periods of wear.
The proprietary 3M Cool Flow valve is designed to release hot, humid exhaled breath quickly, helping to prevent an unpleasant build up of heat inside the facepiece – a significant cause of discomfort to respirator wearers. This particulate respirator is NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved for environments containing certain non-oil based particles and provides P95 (95%) filter efficiency.
The respirator is also flame resistant as demonstrated per modified ASTM D2859 (not a substitute for a faceshield). Breathing hazardous particles can pose a risk to your health. NIOSH, a Federal government regulatory agency, has tested and approved the 3M Particulate Welding Respirator 8212, which is designed to help reduce exposure to certain airborne particles. WARNING: These respirators help reduce exposures to certain airborne contaminants. Before use, the wearer must read and understand the User Instructions provided as a part of the product package.
Welding may also lead to the release of carcinogenic or toxic chemicals that might be present in a sealant or coating over the metal surfaces to be welded. The welding machines generate immense heat that releases these hazardous molecules in the air, where they are easily inhaled. Metals such as stainless steel, copper, and zinc may contain lead, cadmium, and chromium, which can prove very dangerous if inhaled. Initial symptoms of exposure may include temporary flu-like sickness whereas long-term exposure can lead to fatal diseases affecting the lungs, liver, and other important organs of the human body. Welders can protect themselves from these toxic fumes by using industrial welding masks available in the market.
Ventilation is extremely important. A hood is considered to be a kind of local exhaust ventilation and can reduce the fumes that are in or near your breathing zone. General ventilation is also needed, but it uses floor or roof fans, roof vents, and windows and moves air throughout the work area but it isn’t geared to your personal space like a hood is. Local exhaust ventilation works much better than general ventilation but if it’s possible, it’s best to use both kinds of ventilation.
By law, if some toxic metals are present and the welder has to work in a small, crowded area that has limited access, self-contained breath respirators and local exhaust ventilation are required. If you decide to use a personal respirator as part of your personal protective equipment along with your normal goggles, helmets, and other gear, make sure to use it in addition to general or local ventilation and not instead of.
Just What Fumes Can you be Exposed to as a Welder?
Manganese is the biggest danger when you are working. Manganese can cause serious damage to your nervous system and brain. Many welders that are exposed to manganese develop Parkinson’s disease. Often they develop what is known as “manganism” which is a disease that is closely related to Parkinson’s and makes it difficult to move or walk properly. Tremors, shakes, and muscle control loss are also symptoms and both diseases get worse as time moves on.
If the base metal or welding rod is mild steel or iron, then iron oxide may also be in the fumes. This can irritate the lungs, throat, and nasal passages. Stainless steel can produce fumes that contain chromium and nickel. If a welder has asthma, they must limit exposure to nickel as it can make the illness worse. Chromium causes or aggravates sinus problems. Both fumes – nickel and chromium – have been linked to cancer.
Even the coatings on plated or painted metals can be dangerous. Steel often has a coating of cadmium to prevent rust but cadmium fumes cause kidney failure, lung disease, and emphysema. Lead oxide is another fume released from coatings like paint. It can lead to lead poisoning and damage to the kidneys, nervous system, and reproductive system. Asbestos is also in some welding rods and can cause asbestos-related diseases such as an aggressive lung cancer and lung scarring. Having the proper ventilation can protect you from dangerous fumes. Pay close attention to the welding safety tips posted by your company so you know what you might be dealing with and can work without becoming ill.