Potential dangerous gases?

[Ranger1776]

so i have a hobart mig welder solid core mild steel wire, c25 gas. i wanted to put small rubber feet on the bottom of my pedestal grinder, so it wont move around on the floor... well... the base is cast iron, and i welded mild steel pads to it to mount the rubber to... then i thought well jeez... if that worked, why not stick my stupid cheap toolbox back together, (as the welds around the latches broke and the lid didnt close properly...) well i welded it up, and it stuck... just curious if im generating any toxic fumes or gases to be concerned about? im not doing these welds for customers only for my personal junk... THANKS GUYS!!!

 

[bmerr98]

I think anytime you're welding there is going to be a certain amount of toxic gases produced. As long as your work area is properly ventilated there shouldn't be much to worry about though.

 

[MastuhWaffles]

Just don't go deliberately trying to get high off the gases and you'll be fine.

 

[wildbill23c]

I'm not sure what the gasses are that are released during the welding process and I'm sure it depends on the type of welding you are doing, along with the materials being used as well. However, yes there are toxic gasses released during the welding process so you have to be careful and have a well ventilated area to work in. If you do a lot of welding, you may want to look into a respirator if you can't work in a well ventilated area constantly.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Zinc coated [galvanized] isn't good to inhale. But the very worst I've heard of if chlorinated "brake kleen"....if that is still on whatever part you cleaned the fumes can KILL. Or render you unable to work for the rest of your life. Make SURE that it has had plenty of time to evaporate.

Richard

 

[Ranger1776]

yeah the chlorinated brake cleaner is a big one! possible phosgene gas... not cool. i hate the fact that my generation has screwed me out of buying my own spray paint and the like, stupid kids getting high instead of applying a smooth couple of coats to something they would have to be sober to make... hate the idea of high, hate the people around me who do it, and i would never associate it with my passion... thanks for all the help, i know there are ALWAYS toxic gases produced i just wanted to make sure there were none in particular like the phosgene issue... THANKS!!

 

[huh?]

respire, not expire

get yourself a full face respirator, dude

or maybe a half face respirator to accommodate the welding visor/eyeball protector.

 

[wildbill23c]

get yourself a full face respirator, dude

or maybe a half face respirator to accommodate the welding visor/eyeball protector.

I agree, I've seen some really nice ones on the woodworking side as well, full face protection shield with built in respirator. They work great, and from the standpoint of cost, they are or can be expensive depending on your budget, but how much is your life worth? If I ever can get another welder I'll be buying one of those full face shields and respirators.

 

[straycat]

Pull my finger for some toxic fumes....lol. As long as it is in a well ventilated area, nothing to worry about.

 

[hoosier1104]

Ventilation is key.

 

[Mac]

At our steel fab shop they do a lot of small steel/titanium tanks 30"-60" dia x 10'-40', and only have a fan in the man way, usually just for the heat Never been a problem or concern.
Dave

 

[harbt95]

Make sure your in a well ventilated area. Welding produces multiple dangerous gasses. Argon is one of the many popular shielding gasses that has no smell, no color and no taste, but will kill you if you inhale too much of it. Ozone is created and present within a few inches of your arc this is effectively an o2 free area. If you breathing to close to your arc you may become light headed. So keep your face about 8" or more from your arc. I went to school for welding for two years and I could bore you to death on the various safety protocols. Just make sure your in a well ventilated area and you'll be fine!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[harbt95]

A ventilation booth is awesome but not every one can afford that or have the room for it. A small box fan in an open window or even just in the room directed near where your welding can be a big help. Just don't point it at the area you'll be welding because you can blow your shielding gas away and your efforts will be useless. And always try to cover your exposed skin and protect your eyes. The uv light will give you major flash burn and it's like a really bad sun burn.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Chris_North]

Argon is no more dangerous than nitrogen. You can breathe as much of it as you'd like, so long as you're getting enough oxygen with it. If you're getting a high concentration of argon and minimal oxygen then you will asphyxiate, but have no worry of poisoning.

There are guys that know miles more than I about welding but from what I understand MIG produces very little toxic gas. Most if not all of any fumes come from the material being welded itself. Flux-core and stick welding puts out a crap ton of toxic fumes that are known to cause of bunch of different diseases (cancer being one of them).

In any case only welding in a well-ventilated but not breezy area is a good way to go.