Brand new scientific research has found that exposure to welding fumes can lead to lung and potentially kidney cancer.
Any welding activities carried out without any suitable control measures in place will no longer be permitted by the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Control measures will ultimately depend upon the nature of the activity but can range from Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) to Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
All workers who undertake any welding activities, no matter the industry will be affected by these changes. As a result, employers must take the necessary steps to protect their workforce by revising their risk assessments which should take into account new control measures.
Welding fume can cause a variety of illnesses such as;
- Pneumonia
- Occupational Asthma
- Cancer
- Metal Fume Fever
- Throat & Lung Irritation
HSE estimates that 40-50 welders are hospitalised per year as a result of inhaling metal fume. These illnesses are easily preventable with additional ventilation, fume extraction or RPE. One of the primary solutions is to minimise fume by designing jobs which require reduced amounts of hot work. Various solutions are recommended which based on the particular job in question.
The choice between extraction and RPE are dependent on a variety of factors. Whichever method of fume reduction is chosen, it will only work if it is conducted in the correct manner. If you require further information on how to protect yourself or your workforce, please contact our Technical and Engineering experts.
MSC Industrial Supply will be amongst the hundreds of members exhibiting at this year's Made in the Midlands Exhibition, which takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on June 20. To join them, register for tickets by clicking on the banner below and don't forget that for more details on the event, visit our new website - www.madeinthemidlandsexpo.co.uk
The company will also be exhibiting at this year's MIY exhibition, which takes place at the Centenary Pavilion in Leeds on May 23. To join them or to register for tickets for the event click on the banner below; and don't forget to visit our new website - www.madeinyorkshireexpo.co.uk
