Welding & Robotic Welding
Welding & Robotic Welding Applications in Your Workplace
Poisonous gases, fumes and sparks are created anytime metals are welded together.
It doesn’t matter what type of welding equipment is used or what type of metal is being welded. The fact that welding is among the most common industrial processes means that air filtration for welding and robotic welding is an important topic.
Welding takes place at industrial sites that use it as part of the manufacturing process, but it also takes place in workplaces that don’t use it for business purposes. The extraction of welding fumes is a critical part of any welding process, because the health risks are often severe.
Health Risks of Welding Gases & Fumes
The length of time you are exposed to welding gases and fumes, the type of welding, the effectiveness of your safety protection and your work environment all play a role in how serious the exposure risks will be. The fact that welding gases may not have an odor and can’t be seen by the naked eye makes them particularly dangerous.
Heat from the welding flame may produce gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Gases and vapors may also be produced by coatings or solvents on the metal. Depending on the variables listed above, the health risks of welding gases and fumes may include:
- Mild respiratory irritation
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Headaches and dizziness
- Irritated eyes, nose and throat
- Chest pain
- Respiratory damage
- Difficulty breathing
- Excess fluid in the lungs
- Lead poisoning
- Nervous system damage
Air Filtration is Critical for Welding Applications
Removing the gases and fumes caused by welding applications such as stick welding, MIG welding and TIG welding is a critical step in having a safe workplace. Diversitech offers a range of proven products that will capture welding gases and fumes at the source and extract them before they ever have a chance of causing trouble. Some of the world-class products we have available include extraction arms, portable fume extractors and downdraft tables.
We typically recommend using HEPA filters for stainless steel welding and Nanofiber filters for aluminum or parts that contain higher levels of manganese. When coatings, lubricants or rust inhibitors create oily smoke, polyester filters work well because they can be washed in water.
All of our welding fume and gas extraction products meet required regulatory guidelines, and our team of experienced air filtration experts is always here to help you determine which filtration method is best for your application. If worker safety is your primary goal when it comes to welding, then you’re in the right place.
Contact us today for more about how we can help.