Smoke and dust generated by energy storage welding

What are welding fumes and grinding dust?

Welding fumes and grinding dust are produced during welding and grinding in the workshop. While all fumes are bad, some fumes are recognized as more hazardous than others. One of such fumes is hexavalent chromium, which is produced when welding of stainless steel and other materials containing chromium.

Which welding process produces a lot of smoke and fumes?

Other welding processes that produce a lot of smoke and fumes include flux core arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas or oxy-fuel welding. These processes involve the use of fluxes, coatings or gases that can vaporize and oxidize in the welding arc or flame, creating more fumes than other methods.

What are welding fumes & gases?

Various fumes and gases can be generated during welding. Welding fumes are metal-containing aerosols consisting of particles formed through complex vaporisation–condensation–oxidation processes during welding.

How do welding fumes get into a welder's body?

Welding fumes are metal-containing aerosols consisting of particles formed through complex vaporisation–condensation–oxidation processes during welding. Welding fume gets into the welder’s body mainly through the breathing organs, because welding fume particles are among the most respirable ones.

How is fume produced during welding?

It was observed that during welding the fume produce was extracted by the extractor fans. The fumes were channeled through the manifold to the PVC suction plastic outside the welding workshop.

How to reduce welding fumes?

Keeping the head out of the fume plume and using a backhand welding technique can help minimize inhalation. Keeping the work area clean by regularly removing accumulated dust and residues also helps reduce the production of fumes. Whenever possible, use less hazardous materials or different welding processes that generate fewer fumes and gases.