Controlling the Risks from Welding Fume
What is Welding Fume?
Welding produces fume – particulate and gaseous.
- Particulate fume is formed primarily by the vaporisation of metals and flux.
- Gaseous fume i.e. ozone is formed when oxygen absorbs UV radiation from the arc.
Both forms of fume are microscopic and therefore inhaled along with the air around the welding area.
What are the Risks?
According to the HSE welding fume guidance, risks from inhalation at low concentrations include respiratory irritation and asthma. At higher concentrations, risks range from metal fume fever through to poisoning or lung cancer.
The HSE (UK Health & Safety Executive) states:
“By law you must protect your workers by controlling the health risks from welding fume. This applies to specialist welders and workers who do some welding, no matter how small the amount.”
For further information refer to the HSE website: Welding fume: protect your workers →
What are the Choices?
Whist LEV (local exhaust ventilation) methods are often seen as the primary control method to reduce welding fume exposure, there is another way.
“Reduce and Control the Risk with Maxx® Gases”
Using welding techniques and materials that reduce fume exposure is a step up the hierarchy of controls to minimise risk. Maxx® welding gases produce lower levels of both particulate fume and ozone as well as additional productivity benefits.
Maxx® Gas = Minimal Fume
Extraction is not the sole solution to minimising the risks of welding fume, the correct choice of welding gas also plays a part to reduce fume generation at source. However, not all welding gases are equal. Maxx® welding gases were purpose-designed, in collaboration with The Welding Institute (TWI), to generate low levels of fume and ozone and thereby, reduce risk.
Whatever you are welding we have a Maxx® gas for you.
Carbon Steel Welding
Ferromaxx® gas provides a better working environment as well as improved productivity and fewer rejects.
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Stainless Steel Welding
Inomaxx® gas significantly reduces emissions with a flawless finish.
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Aluminium & Alloys Welding
Alumaxx® Plus gas dramatically increases both the workplace safety and weld travel speeds.
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