Welding is the process of joining metal parts and pieces together by applying extreme heat to surfaces in order to melt them and then using pressure to unite them back together. The process of welding requires very high temperatures and comes with certain hazards. The most obvious source of hazard comes from getting burned by extremely hot objects, but there is a more insidious hazard to be concerned about: weld exhaust and other fumes from welding . While safety goggles, helmets, jackets, and gloves are mandatory; the same attention should be given to the area’s ventilation. Air ventilation ducting is key in order to prevent weld exhaust from staying in the welding area.
The fume exhaust given off by the process of welding can take a damaging toll on the inner body. The inhalation of welding exhaust fumes such as manganese and hexavalent chromium can harm a person’s eyes, lungs, and brain. These exhaust fumes are known to cause cases of brain damage and lung cancer if they are not guarded against. This is part of the reason why welding is an intensive technical process that requires various kinds of safety gear.
“PVC Flex Self Supporting”
“PVC Flexduct General Purpose Blue”
“SS-Flex 800”
Welding itself is a high temperature application, so the accompanying fumes from welding possess a higher temperature than most other types of fumes and gases. The ductwork in the area needs to be able to operate in high temperatures in order to come into contact with weld exhaust.
When welding operators are looking for flexible ducting to install in their welding site, they look for ductwork that is made of materials that have very high rates of temperature resistance. Such welding exhaust hoses can be made from different materials such as PVC, polyurethane, neoprene, and stainless steel. Due to their material composition, they are well suited to enduring contact with weld exhaust fumes such as smoke, fluoride, lead, carbon monoxide, and other similar hazardous compounds.
Temperature resistance is also very important for hoses ventilating welding exhaust. While all welding is generally of a high temperature nature, different types of welding applications will involve different levels of heat.
That is why there are weld exhaust flexible ducting products that can handle maximum levels of 160° F, while some others can endure an extremely high rate of 1650° F. This gives operators a wide range of options to handle their specific weld exhaust application.
Having weld exhaust ventilation ducting in the area will keep the welding operators safe from both short-term and long-term harm. The resulting fumes from welding will not linger in the area so that they can be inhaled or make contact with eyes. Instead, they will be suctioned away from the area, making it a much safer venue to conduct work.