Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Welding risk Inevitable With The Proper Use of Equipment

Welding jobs can be as dangerous as other industrial activities and include the risk of suffocation due to dangerous inhalants, skin and eye damage caused by ultraviolet light, electrical or chemical fires, and long-term negative effects of smoke. This risk can be avoided or reduced by the use of appropriate equipment, safe materials, and some common sense measures.

In addition to the physical risks associated with sparks and arcs, brightness and strong ultraviolet (UV) rays also pose a major health hazard and can cause eye and skin cancers that are not protected, if exposed for a longer period of time. Welders can protect themselves with the help of various safety equipment such as auto-dark helmet and thick gloves to reduce exposure. Any flammable materials or substances present in the welding area should be removed to prevent the risk of accidental fires due to sparks.

Welding can also cause the release of carcinogenic or toxic chemicals that may be present in the sealant or coating on metal surfaces to be welded. Welding machines generate incredible heat that release harmful 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 extremely dangerous if inhaled. The early symptoms of exposure may include temporary flu-like illness while long-term exposure can cause fatal disease that affects the lungs, liver and other organs of the human body. Welders can protect themselves from toxic fumes using industrial welding masks are available in the market.

Welding job should be done in well ventilated room as the welding process is often associated with the depletion of gas such as life giving oxygen. Welding in a confined space will cause the accumulation of large concentrations of ozone, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, which can cause headaches and even brain damage if exposed for longer.

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