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How Electric Arc Welder Training Can Help With Fume Safety

May 29, 2019

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Some safety risks are far more obvious than others. A welding flame, for instance, is easy for the naked eye to spot, and measures are consciously and subconsciously taken to avoid getting in direct contact with it. Welding fumes aren’t as obvious, but there are lots of steps which can be taken to ensure that a workspace remains safe and healthy.

Depending on a variety of different factors, welding can produce iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and many other types of fume particles. Poorly skilled welders put themselves at risk of illness by using ineffective techniques in unsuitable welding environments. Here is a useful guide on how to maintain good health throughout the process.

Different Types of Welding Produce Varying Fume Levels

Welding fumes are even smaller than common dust particles, and come from welding consumables and base metal materials. Students in welder school learn that the welding technique they use has a big impact on the amount of fumes produced. Submerged arc and resistance welding are among the low risk options, while flux core and arc gouging produce some of the highest amounts of fumes.

electric arc welder training-2Fume safety plays a big part in a welder’s wellbeing

The type of fume particle also differs based on what types of metals are being used. Iron and manganese are usually by-products of mild steel welding, while chromium and nickel are often produced when working with stainless steel. Of course, it may not always be possible to choose a safer welding technique, but it should nevertheless be a consideration before the start of a project.

Ventilation Should Always be Considered After Electric Arc Welder Training

Just like the chimney or vents in a house, there should always be an easy escape route for fumes created in a welding workspace. Take the opportunity to carry out welding projects outside where possible. However, this may not be practical at all times, so make sure that adequate airflow is allowed into the building when working indoors.

Ventilation is vital in a welding workspace. Vents can be built into the walls, doors or windows, but local exhaust ventilation is a modern way to remove dangerous fumes much closer to the source. These units are like vacuums which can be placed close to the welding workspace. This creates a far more pleasant working environment, allowing you to maintain concentration throughout the welding process.

Follow Professional Best Practices During Welding Projects

Welders should pay attention to the positioning of their head while carrying out work. Make sure that it’s kept out of direct contact with fumes so that these particles are not being breathed in. This is a particularly common problem when welders work in a crouched position. If possible, sit down while carrying out welding work. This reduces the possibility of fumes entering the breathing zone. Electric arc welder training is a great time to develop correct safety techniques and good habits which can be carried through your career.

welding certificationWelding in a crouched position can be hazardous

Protection equipment is also an important part of a welder’s toolkit. Respirators can be worn over the mouth and nose, to prevent the inhalation of dangerous fumes. They can come in many shapes and sizes, so welders need to make sure that they find an option which is both comfortable and effective.

Interested in obtaining welding certification?

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