Health and safety in welding to be one of the focus areas at SteelFab-MEIS 2004

The major hazards associated with welding are fumes, noise and optical radiations. These can cause varying damages if sufficient precautions are not taken.

Welding vapourises metals, and anything which is resting on the surface. This gives rise to fume, which is condensed fine particulate material. The fume is mostly oxides of the metals, including any alloying elements, but it also contains gases produced in the arc, such as ozone or oxides of nitrogen, and decomposition products from any paint or coating which was on the metal surface.

The nature and quantity of the fumes depend critically upon the welding process, the materials and the welding parameters. Some are harmful to health, and effects can vary from a bout of 'metal fume fever' to long-term, more serious problems if suitable fume removal is not carried out.

Welding environments are most of the times noisy, above 85dB(A). Some operations, such as de-slagging can take noise levels in excess of 108dB(A). This means that hearing protection during the process is almost certain to be required, at least for some operations.

The welding process produces a large quantity of visible light, ultraviolet and infrared. Exposure to the radiation from an arc causes burns to the skin, and damage to the eyes. For this reason, welders need to wear clothing to protect their bodies and arms, regardless of the weather conditions. They also need efficient eye protection, which is usually supplied in the form of a protective shield. The precise choice of the shade of glass filter in these shields depends on the type of welding operation, since they vary in their light output.

Welder assistants also need protective clothing and eye protection. Passers-by should be protected by placing opaque or properly filtered screens around the work area. Sellstrom, one of the leading manufacturers of personal safety equipment for over 80 years will be exhibiting its entire range of welding protection at the upcoming Middle East Industrial Show, to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from the 10 to 12 of October, 2004.

"Sellstrom's display will include welding shades and filters, welding helmets, goggles, Welding Plates and Accessories, Welding Blankets, Curtains and Screens," said Mr. Moosa Kutty, MD of URUGUAY TADING CO. the authorized agents for Sellstrom products for the Middle East.

"There is a heightening of HSE issues in this region and we believe we have the products to address these concerns of employers. We will also be displaying a full range of personal safety and work wear which we represent," he added.

According to Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah, SteelFab at Middle East Industrial Show is a niche platform that is being launched to address the needs of Steel Fabricators in the Middle East region.

"It is our endeavor to provide the much needed one-stop-shop for the booming steel fabrication Industry in the region," said Mr. Khan

"SteelFab will feature exhibitors from the fields of Steel, Fasteners, Surface Preparation, Welding & Cutting, Machinery and Machine Tools, Finishing Systems and protective coatings.

SteelFab has generated encouraging response from the local and international marketplace and the Steel Fabricators can look forward to a wide choice and complete array of exhibits covering their work sphere," he added.

SteelFab is part of the Middle East Industrial Show.