Welding Fumes
Health risks associated with welding fumes
Welding is the process of joining metals at particular points using heat. The fumes which are emitted during this process can present a risk to people’s health. The harmful fumes and particle emissions produced by welding rods may cause various illnesses and injuries, particularly if a worker is exposed over a long period of time.
The type of risk associated by welding rod fumes depends on the welding process, the types of metals, the coverings on the metal and the quality of ventilation. Welding fumes can harm the body in different ways; the most significant is through the respiratory system.
The most common injuries which occur as a result of welding rod fume exposure are:
- Chronic Bronchitis – is the most common illness caused by welding rods; this is where the welding has taken place in a poorly ventilated area.
- Occupational asthma – welding stainless steel results in chromium and/or nickel fumes being released. With poor ventilation and inadequate protection these fumes can cause asthma and similar respiratory conditions.
- Metal Fume Fever
- Welder’s siderosis – is caused by iron particles being retained in the lungs after inhalation of fumes.
- Manganism – is a condition resulting from chronic exposure to manganese
It is also possible that long term exposure to these fumes might increase the risk of lung cancer.
US litigation on exposure to welding rods
In December 2005, the Supreme Court of Illinois upheld a $1 million award to a welder on account of the Parkinson’s Disease (PD) he developed as a result of exposure to manganese in welding rods. The award was made against three welding rod manufacturers on two grounds:
-
A failure to investigate the risks associated with manganese in welder rods; and
-
A failure to warn.
The manufacturers appealed unsuccessfully arguing that they had given warnings and that the cause of PD was as yet unknown and any link between the disease and manganese in welding fumes remained unproven.
Prevention of welding injuries within the workplace
Injuries caused by welding rod fumes can be prevented. There are detailed regulations in place which are designed to protect workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace. These are called ‘The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988’. COSHH requires employers to undertake risk assessments of any potential dangers. Employers have an obligation to provide appropriate ventilation and protective equipments such as gloves, respiratory equipment, goggles etc. Special precautions are required if the work is in a confined space. Employers are also under a duty to monitor workers exposure and provide appropriate training.
Talk to an expert about making a claim
Call us on 0870 024 0558 or fill in our claim form and we will get back to you.
If you would like us to provide you with advice with regard to your potential claim, please complete our brief claim form. We will reply to your enquiry within one working day.
Fill out our quick claim form
If you would like to speak to someone directly about your claim, please call our friendly team on:
0870 024 0558