Page 112 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat
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O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4
Remember:
Welders should ensure that they wear appropriate clothing for the operation they are carrying
out. Flame-retardant boiler suits, gloves or gauntlets, safety shoes, leather aprons, etc, should
be in good condition and as free from oil, grease and moisture as is physically possible as
these can reduce the effectiveness of the safety equipment.
Welding Fume
Welding fume is an unavoidable by-product of welding, although fume generation from the
process is generally low. However, the welder should still be aware of what fume is likely to be
generated while welding is taking place and the potential hazards of exposure to the welding
fume.
22.4 Particulate Fume
Particulate fume is mostly formed from vapourisation of the welding consumable in processes
where the consumable is transferred across an electric arc.
22.5 Gaseous Fume
Welding processes with open arcs, such as TIG, are likely to promote the formation of gaseous
fume as a result of the action of ultraviolet light and heat on atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen.
22.6 Exposure to Fume
Whilst all components of welding fume may present a risk to health, given
a high enough concentration, some present a greater hazard than do
others. The potential effect of exposure to welding fume depends upon:
➢ The composition of the fume.
➢ The volume of fume produced.
22.7 Welding Fume Fever
Welding of certain materials can give rise to fume containing freshly formed metal oxide fume.
If inhaled in sufficient concentration it can produce a reaction similar to a bout of flu. This is
what is commonly known as Metal Fume Fever.
Although it normally lasts no more than a day, it is possible to get an attack of fume fever more
than once. However, there is no evidence to suggest that repeated bouts cause cumulative
damage.
The metal oxides usually associated with metal fume fever are those of zinc and copper,
although others can have the same effects. In welding and cutting it is working with copper
alloys, galvanised and some painted components that are most likely to this problem.
Alternative names for metal fume fever include, 'Zinc Fume Fever', 'Brass Chills' or 'Brass
Founders Ague'. These derive from the regular occurrence of fume fever in workers employed
in brass foundries, where zinc, with its low boiling point (907°C), would boil-off when added to
molten copper at 1083°C, forming zinc oxide in the air.
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