The Welding of Zinc Plated Materials... 3

[CHRISB]

Can you help....?

What are the effects of welding Zinc plated mild steel?

Does it cause any poisonous gases? I have been told it does! if so what?

Are there any health and safety issues involved...

Thanks for your time...!

 

[Ron]

It does cause "noxious" gases. Some people are sensitive to these, others are not. Gases produced depend on several variables.

Most regulatory standards address ventilation for this condition, as a buildup up of gases can occur under a welding helmet. Just to keep all happy, good to provide extra ventilation when working with galvanized steel.

Check with your local welding consumables supplier. They usually have pamphlets on this and other personal protection issues with welding.

 

[Geof]

I can tell you that breathing the fumes from welding zinc galvanized steel causes headaches and night sweating. I've only had a mild case of it but old-timers at a company that I once worked for said that it could feel pretty awful.

The solution is two-fold. First, ventilation of the fumes. If your personnel are not exposed in the first place they can't be affected.

The second is: "Dilution is the solution to pollution." If you're going to be exposed, a little bit will not really hurt you, so stay out of the plume above the weld and keep plenty of fresh air coming in.

If you want something written on the subject, I came across an article in "The Fabricator" back in '97 or '98.

Good luck.

 

Galvanized welding is very dangerous and long term exposure can result in death. I have seen first hand experience with heavy shakes and cold sweats. The best solution I have found is Drink milk before and after the welding proceedure. The best ventalation is vacuum all fumes and use a mask designed to remove heavy metals. Zinc is found at heathcentral.com Good luck

 

[pandithan]

as vaporization of zinc is very fast it will affect our health if it is not properly ventilated and try to use smaw process