OSHwiki — dust and aerosols — welding fumes
English
Description
Welding creates major problems for workers' safety and health. This OSHwiki article addresses these health issues and preventive measures including exhaust systems, low fume generating welding, training to prevent the breathing in of fumes and helmets with integrated air supplies. It also presents tools that can be used by small and medium-sized enterprises, and an outlook on the most important trends in welding and related health issues.
Access tool
Other data
Provider
Provider name (English)
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
Provider name (Original)
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
Type of provider
Tasks covered
Heating, Machining, or Welding Metal
Biological hazard
Not applicable
Hazard - physical state
Aerosols
Dusts
Gases
Nanoparticles (airborne liquids/solids including smoke or mist)
Vapours
Hazard - health effects
Allergens
Asphyxiants
Carcinogens
Mutagens
Reprotoxic substances
Neurotoxic substances
Irritants
Toxic substances
Fire and explosion
Heat
Exposure route
Inhalation
Substance Description
Welding fumes may contain a large variety of particles and gases that pose hazards (e.g. Ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide etc).
CAS Number
10028-15-6
10102-44-0
630-08-0
EC number
233-272-6
211-128-3
233-069-2
Prevention measures
Level 1. Elimination of hazards
Level 1. Substitution
Level 2. Technical measures, e.g. local exhaust ventilation
Level 2. Reducing / minimising the risk by organisational measures, e.g. reducing the number of workers exposed
Level 3. Reducing / minimising the risk by personal measures (PPE)
Training / guidance
Purpose of the material
General information
Target group
All (no specific target group)