Measuring of harmful substances in welding fumes with measuring device SG5200 and SG5100ex
Our SG5200 and SG5100ex sampling devices are recommended for measuring harmful substances when working with welding fumes. These are personal measuring devices that can detect dusts, gases and fumes. Simultaneous measurement of E-dust and A-dust in welding fumes requires the PGP EA sampling system in accordance with IFA. These are sampling heads specially developed for this measurement, which enable a meaningful measurement.
What is the danger of welding fumes?
The particles can enter the lungs via the respiratory tract and cause (severe) damage there. The A-dust fraction penetrates into the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) and causes irritation and long-term damage to the lung tissue. This is how the term “pneumoconiosis” came about. The pollutants released always depend on the materials used.
You can find more information on the subject of dusts in our article on measuring fine dust pollution with portable measuring device SG 10-2?
As welding fumes are mixtures, it is not possible to provide a uniform description of the hazards. These also depend on the substances used. Various oxides are frequently present, including aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (FenOm) or lead oxide (PbO). These are present in particle form and can therefore enter the lungs. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) or ozone (O3) are present in gaseous form and can cause irritation and other reactions in the lungs when inhaled. The respective concentration and specific composition depends on the materials used.
Definition of welding fume(s)
TRGS 528 contains the following definition:“Welding fumes are the particulate substances produced during welding, thermal cutting and related processes”.
Accordingly, welding fume describes a mixture of various gases and particles that are produced during welding work. In the case of particles, a distinction is made between the dust fractions inhalable dust (E-dust) and respirable dust (A-dust). This describes how far the particles can penetrate into the respiratory tract. The particle sizes are between 10µm (PM 10) and 2.5µm (PM 2.5). The smaller the particle, the further it penetrates into the lungs, where it can cause damage.
Four different activities are summarized under welding work in TRGS 528:
- Welding
- Thermal cutting
- Thermal spraying
- Soldering
Measuring of harmful substances in welding fumes – answers to frequently asked questions
1. What are the health risks of exposure to welding fumes?
Welding fumes can contain hazardous substances such as metals, oxides, fluorides and other toxic compounds. When inhaled, these particles can cause respiratory irritation, asthma, pneumonia and serious long-term health problems.
2. Which gases and fumes are contained in welding fumes?
Welding fumes contain a variety of gases and fumes that vary depending on the welding process and material. Examples include nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. These can be harmful to health and should be avoided.
3. How can you protect yourself from the dangers of welding fumes?
To protect themselves from this, welders should use respiratory masks or equipment. Ventilation systems in the workshop can reduce the concentration of harmful substances. Regular health monitoring is also important.
4. What role do welding speed, welding voltage and welding current play in the formation of welding fumes?
These factors influence the quantity and composition. Higher welding speeds and amperages can increase emissions. The correct setting is crucial in order to minimize fume development.
5. Are there differences in welding fumes depending on the welding process or material?
The various welding processes (e.g. MIG, TIG, arc) and materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel) generate fumes. It is important to know the specific risks for each process and material.
Sources:
[1]: Source Featured image: © Anthony Villalon / 123RF.com
[2]: https://www.bghm.de/fileadmin/user_upload/BGHM/Presseportal/Fachartikel2017/Schweissrauche_und_TRGS_900.pdf
[3]: https://arbeitsschutz-schweissen.de/gefahrstoffe-im-schweissrauch-wie-sie-sich-auf-den-menschlichen-koerper-auswirken/
[4]: https://arbeitsschutz-schweissen.de/schweissrauch-kompakt-erklaert-warum-eine-absaugung-so-wichtig-ist/
[5]: https://www.dguv.de/medien/fb-holzundmetall/publikationen-dokumente/infoblaetter/infobl_deutsch/077_fbhm-schweissrauche.pdf
[6]: https://www.kemper.eu/de/wissenswertes/schweissrauch-im-al,,lgemeinen/zusammensetzung-von-schweissrauch
[7]: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/pdf/TRGS-528.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
[8]: https://www.arbeitssicherheit.de/schriften/dokument/0%3A3554989%2C1.htm