Research has shown that prolonged exposure to welding fumes can be responsible for a long list of illnesses, including various forms of cancer. The new updated regulations were based on evidence gathered by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and approved by the Work Health Expert Committee (WHEC).
What should we pay attention to when choosing a protective mask?
Therefore, based on the above information, all companies that employ employees or external collaborators in welding operations should take care to adopt the necessary precautionary measures for personnel.
PHASE 1 : We carry out a risk assessment and check if the ventilation system is able to contain the fumes, because traditional ventilations are not sufficient to keep the space free from fumes.
PHASE 2 o : It is very important to maintain adequate communication with our employees. We will have to decide which protective mask is right for each worker, because the "one size fits all" tactic cannot work properly in this case.
STEP 3 o : We should get enough protective masks. The safest way is to consult a specialist shop with worker protective equipment. The minimum protection that should be worn by everyone is a welding mask.
STEP 4 o : Since respiratory protective devices (RPE) are special in terms of their use and correct functioning, it would be useful to organize a training course, which will show the worker the correct way to use the equipment.
STEP 5 o : It is also extremely important to identify the appropriate protective masks that fully cover the needs of our workers. In this case, the cheapest option isn't the right solution, but neither is the most expensive option.
STEP 6 o : Once we have obtained the necessary respiratory protective equipment (RPE), we should constantly maintain this equipment to avoid unpleasant accidents at work and we should also make sure to replace it when it passes its expiration date.
