There is a growing demand for welders. A job that is in high demand and translates into more opportunities and higher pay, with the average pay being $42k a year. Plus, if you love working with metal, heat, and sparks, welding can be an exciting job!
There are various hazards associated with welding which can pose a risk if you have asthma or other respiratory issues, such as:
- Burns
- Electrical shocks
- Skin damage
- Exposure to fumes
With that said, welding is one of the most physically demanding jobs out there, and it may be particularly risky for someone with respiratory issues, such as asthma. Wearing the proper equipment and following work procedures can minimize these risks. Keep reading to learn more about how you can mitigate these risks.
What Are the Hazards of Welding?
Arguably, there are hazards associated with just about every occupation out there, including your typical 9-to-5 cubicle desk job. However, there are specific hazards that are associated with welding and, in order to maximize your safety and health, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them.
The most common hazards of welding are:
- Burns
- Electrical shock
- Explosions
- Fires
- Fumes and Gases
- Radiation
Burns, fires, and explosions are the obvious risks of welding work. After all, you are involved in an activity that produces a great amount of heat, sparks, and flames. According to Health and Safety Magazine, certain types of welding involving gas and oxygen tanks and bottles are particularly prone to this hazard.
Radiation and electric shock are the lesser-known hazards associated with welding activity. The eyes can be affected by radiation, and electric shocks can result from damaged electric cables and welding leads. Eye protection and routine equipment inspection can greatly reduce these risks.
What This All Means For Asthma Sufferers
If you are someone with asthma, fumes and gases should concern you the most.
According to OSHA, prolonged exposure to welding fumes and gases may cause lung damage and certain types of cancer in the long run. In cases of acute exposure, you can expect dizziness, irritation, or nausea.
In sum, welding can pose a risk if you have asthma, but there are several ways to protect your respiratory health from fumes and gases that are common in welding environments.
Read ahead to understand the risks involved and how to best protect yourself.
What Makes Fumes and Gas Hazardous for Asthma Sufferers?
In general, welding work involves the fusion of certain types of metals, which results in the emission of hazardous fumes. Welding fumes consist of small, solid particles from metals and coatings that are shed during the welding process.
Shielding gases used during the weld also contribute to hazardous conditions.
Some of the gases that are present in the welding and shielding process include:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitric oxide
- Carbon dioxide
For a complete list, please consult the OSHA Fact Sheet.
The types of gases and fumes and the extent of your exposure ultimately depend on the type of welding activity and your work environment. Furthermore, the severity of the risks to your respiratory health also depends on these factors.
For example, helium and carbon dioxide are used as shielding gases in arc welding. Helium and carbon dioxide, by themselves, will not pose a risk but can displace oxygen if you work in a confined environment.
These gases can become dangerous if they are present in high concentrations in your workspace. Carbon monoxide is another gas produced during the welding process and is dangerous in high concentrations.
How to Protect Yourself From Welding Fumes and Gas?
Since welding fumes and gases can trigger a significant asthma attack or cause other health problems, protecting your lungs and overall health is paramount.
There are precautions that you and your employer can take to reduce exposure to fumes and gases and, therefore, minimize asthma triggers.
According to the Health and Safety Executive of the UK, you should keep your face away from the fumes and use the correct methods and equipment at all times. This means that you should not only maintain the distance between your face and the airflow of the fumes but wear a respirator as well.
Keeping your face away from fumes and gases and wearing a respirator are good, basic steps. Proper ventilation in your work area is also key to protecting your lungs. A small cooling fan can help you accomplish this. However, a proper ventilation system is even better.
If you are working in a small, confined area – with no proper ventilation – the Industrial Safety & Hygiene News recommends wearing a respirator with a good filtration system, which we discuss below.
How to Choose the Right Respirator?
There are three types of respirators that are particularly suited for welding:
The powered air respirator is several notches above an N95 mask, which is often recommended for respiratory safety. It is an electric-powered mask that delivers cool air to what is known as the “breathing zone” while purifying contaminated air. The filtration system ensures maximum protection for your breathing passage during welding.
Half-mask respirators are tight-fitting units that provide extensive coverage for your nose and bottom half of your face – down to your chin. They are one of the least cumbersome and most affordable options out there for respiratory protection. These masks filter out harmful particulates that are typical in welding environments.
Supplied air respirators supply air through a line that is connected to a source of uncontaminated air. There are various delivery methods available, and these respirators are usually inexpensive and easy to maintain. They are also lightweight and easy to carry.
Respirators are a crucial piece of personal protective equipment that you will need to protect your lungs in a welding environment.
Conclusion
It is good practice to become familiar with all of the threats to your physical health and safety. It is equally good practice to undertake all precautions to protect your health and safety. This typically involves wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and following proper work procedures and operations can greatly minimize these risks.
