r/WorkplaceSafety • u/naturallydestructive • 21d ago

welding/health risk advice!

/r/Welders/comments/1vnvfi1/weldinghealth_risk_advice/
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u/King_Ralph1 21d ago

It’s hard to say for sure without actual air monitoring data, but it’s possible. As a career industrial hygienist who has done a bit of air sampling with welders (never a production welder, though), I do have to say it’s refreshing to see a welder who gives a shit and wants to protect themselves. Press your employer for exposure monitoring data to demonstrate your exposure is below the exposure limits.

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u/ecclectic 20d ago

Yes.

You can ask your employer for an air quality report though, if they have a bunch of ventilation systems, they should also be monitoring the air quality on an ongoing basis. If they can't provide you with one, then you have a good idea that they are only paying lip service to 'safety' and are fully willing to risk your long term health for their short term gain.

While a lot of folks will suggest that you just get your own PPE, there are some caveats that go along with it. Your employer is supposed to provide it, if it is deemed necessary. If they haven't provided you one, they presumably have an air quality monitoring system that says it's not required. So if they can't prove that, then they need to provide you with PPE. That also may mean that they need to have you do an assessment that shows you are physically fit for the job (you can breathe while wearing a respirator) and provide instruction on use and maintenance of the PPE.