Summary for metal fabrication welding hazard Discussion
Metal fabrication/welding hazard concerns are raised by T.C. Parker Sr., who says that after grinding coating off 1-inch plate for two 12-hour days, he could smell and taste steel and felt exhausted. The reply notes that wanting to nap after long days in the sun is not necessarily a sign of toxic poisoning, especially since he said he was working outside. However, the answerer points out two real concerns: he should know what coating he is grinding off, and the shop’s ventilation may be inadequate if it relies only on a roll-up door and air conditioning. The advice is to treat poor ventilation and unknown coatings seriously, and to contact the OSHA Hotline if the shop may be unsafe. The discussion emphasizes workplace safety and the need for proper information and controls.
Q. I have been working in a shop for 3 weeks, the shop fabricates special items for its clients. This week I was grinding the coating off 1 inch plate and now all I can smell and taste is steel. This was two twelve hour days doing this and I was outside. On my day off all I want to do is lay around and nap! The vent system in the shop is a roll-up door and air conditioning, no blowers or fans to help the fumes and grinding dust out of the shop. can any one tell me what to do?
Thanks,
T.C. PARKER Sr
Welder / Fabricator – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
2004
A. Wanting to nap after two 12 hour days working in the sun is not necessarily a sign that you have some kind of toxic poisoning :-)
And I’m a bit confused about how if you were working outside, the vent system in the shop is concerning you.
Nevertheless, there are issues of concern! If you are grinding off a coating and don’t even know what it is, that’s a problem where you probably aren’t being informed enough. And if there is inadequate ventilation in the shop, that’s a serious problem too. Look up the number for the OSHA Hotline in your local phone book; if the shop is unsafe it should be fixed or closed.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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A. Sounds like he might have been grinding galvanizing off of steel. With no respirator (mask) it is possible that you could have inhaled enough fumes to have a mild dose of zinc poisoning. You need to ask your boss for a MSDS sheet for whatever that coating is. It will list the required safety equipment. Do not be shocked if your boss finds some way to fire you if you make an issue of it. If the company is not willing to follow the law, find another job, leave and turn them in.
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida