Since the 1980s, we have been trailblazers in North America, offering solutions for the extraction of welding fumes. This blog article will provide you with the exposure limits in Nova Scotia for some of the most frequently encountered hazardous metals and gases in welding fumes.
Fumes are formed when a metal is heated above its boiling point, and its vapors condense into very fine particles. Their size ranges from 0.005 to 20 µm, but most are smaller than 1 µm and may deposit throughout the respiratory system.
The composition of the fume is influenced by several factors such as the material being welded, the electrode, the coatings, the flux, and the shielding gas, among others. It is often necessary to sample the air to determine which hazardous and regulated substances are present in your work environment. However, obtaining information about the composition of metals, gases, and consumables used in the welding process can be a beneficial first step.
Which particulates in welding fume pose potential dangers?
This article will cover some dangerous metals and gases that are commonly found in welding fumes:
- Aluminum
- Antimony
- Arsenic
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Iron oxide
- Lead
- Manganese (learn more about manganese in welding fumes)
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Silver
- Tin
- Titanium dioxide
- Vanadium
- Zinc
- Argon
- Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide
- Helium
- Hydrogen Fluoride
- Nitric Oxide
- Nitrogen
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Ozone
- Phosgene
Workplace Health and Safety Regulations for Welding Fumes in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, businesses are required to comply with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations. Information about Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) can be located in Part 2 (Occupational Health).
“TLVs and BEIs means the latest version of the publication of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists of threshold limit values and biological exposure indices.”
“An employer must comply with, and ensure compliance with, the threshold limit values for exposure to all of the following, as listed in the TLVs and BEIs: gases; vapors; mists; fumes; smoke; dust; chemical substances; physical agents.”
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Nova Scotia – Threshold Limit Values for Welding Fume, Metals, and Gases
Threshold Limit Values (TLV) are copyrighted by ACGIH and cannot be reproduced on other websites. However, links to the relevant pages on their website can be found below. Use these to understand the OELs you need to follow.
ACGIH has not released a general recommendation concerning welding fumes. Consequently, they come under the category of Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated. In such a case, the ACGIH recommendation is a TLV-TWA of 3mg/m3 for respirable particles and 10mg/m3 for inhalable particles.
- Aluminum
- Antimony
- Arsenic
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Iron Oxide
- Lead
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Silver
- Tin, organic
- Tin oxide & inorganic
- Titanium
- Vanadium
- Zinc Oxide
- Argon*
- Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide
- Helium*
- Hydrogen Fluoride
- Nitric Oxide
- Nitrogen*
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Ozone
- Phosgene
* A concentration limit is not included because available oxygen is the limiting factor.
Health Risks Associated with Inhalation of Welding Fumes
As stated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the CNESST (Quebec), breathing welding fumes may result in the following health consequences:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Dizziness and nausea
- Breathing difficulties potentially leading to suffocation or asphyxiation
- Metal fume fever
- Lung damage and various forms of cancer
- Stomach ulcers
- Damage to kidneys
- Damage to the nervous system
- Manganism
- Chest pain
- Asthma
- Hemorrhaging
- Dermatitis or eczema
- Kidney disease
- Disorders affecting bones and joints
- Siderosis (inhalation of iron oxide resulting in lung tissue deposition)
- Stannosis (inhalation of tin oxide resulting in lung tissue deposition)
- Anthracosis (poisoning following inhalation of carbon dust)
- Berylliosis (poisoning following inhalation of beryllium dust)
- Accumulation of fluid in the lungs
These are compelling reasons to protect welders, comply with standards, and eliminate pollutants as effectively as possible. Welding fume extractors are the best tool for this task.
If you wish to learn more about welding fume regulations in another Canadian province or territory, please click on one of the links below to be redirected to our relevant article on the topic:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Any Questions?
Feel free to contact us. We will help you protect your workers and comply with welding fumes standards anywhere in the US and Canada.
1-866-800-8421
info@airgomig.com