Page 113 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

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

22.8 Symptoms

Metal Fume Fever is an acute, 'flu-like' attack brought on by exposure to freshly formed metal
oxide fume.

Symptoms are first experienced about 8 to 12 hours after inhalation of the metal oxide. Sufferer
feel like they are going down with 'flu.

22.9 Causes

Fume Fever is caused by inhalation of freshly formed metal oxide fume. Any fresh metal oxide
can cause it but it is most frequently associated with zinc, from welding brasses, galvanized
iron and steel, other alloys containing zinc and in some instances zinc rich primers and paints.

22.10 Control Measures

The simplest way to avoid getting metal fume fever is to use a suitable fume extractor, correctly
positioned, to take the metal oxide fume away from the welders' breathing zone. The most
suitable kind of extractor is a high volume, low velocity unit, as this type can be used with all
welding processes, including TIG and other gas-shielded processes, without disrupting the gas
shield.

22.11 Chromium in Fume
Chromium can be present in fume in different forms. There are two main forms of chromium
found in welding, trivalent, Cr3+, and hexavalent, Cr6+. Hexavalent chromium is considered
the more hazardous of the two forms, and in welding fume it is a suspected human carcinogen.
Chromium is an element present in the consumables and parent material of stainless steels,
heat-resisting steels, some creep-resisting steels, some high nickel alloys, and armour plate.
It may also be present in some consumables used for hard facing.

Chromium is also used as a coating for other materials, such as chrome plating, to give
corrosion protection to steel, or to give a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

Chromium, as chromate, may also be found as a constituent of some industrial paints.

Welding or cutting materials containing chromium is likely to give chromium compounds in any
particulate fume that is generated by the process. Whether it presents a significant hazard to
health depends on the concentration and the duration of exposure.

22.12 Confined Space Welding
A confined space is usually small and difficult to get into and out of. As such, the normal
hazards of welding are intensified when carried out in confined spaces. Asphyxiation is the
main danger and the most common cause of death in confined spaces. A formal 'safe system
of work' should be followed at all times.
Many of the everyday hazards encountered in welding can be exacerbated if the work is being
carried out in a confined space. A significant number of deaths involving people working in
confined spaces occur each year, with asphyxiation being a major cause of those deaths, so
extra vigilance is needed.

Please also think about your colleagues and ensure they are adequately protected whilst
welding.

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