Gas shielded welding is a welding method that utilizes gas shielded arc and molten pool to achieve the connection of metal materials. Gas shielded welding is widely used in various industrial fields, such as ships, automobiles, bridges, steel structures, etc. However, gas shielded welding also poses some hazards to human health and safety, and effective preventive measures need to be taken to protect welders and surrounding personnel.

I. The hazards of gas shielded welding mainly include the following aspects:

 Welding sparks and flames: During gas shielded welding, the arc generates high-temperature sparks and flames, which may cause combustion and explosion accidents, or cause burns and scalds to welders and surrounding personnel. Sparks and flames may also ignite surrounding combustibles, leading to a fire.

Welding arc light: During gas shielded welding, the arc emits strong light radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc. These light radiation may cause damage to the eyes and skin of welders, causing ophthalmitis, keratitis, skin burns, pigmentation, etc. Ultraviolet radiation can also cause serious consequences such as skin cancer.

Welding fume: During gas shielded welding, a large amount of fume is generated due to the evaporation or combustion of metal materials, welding rods, dirt, paint, etc. due to the high temperature of the arc. Welding fume contains various harmful substances, such as metal oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, etc. These harmful substances may be inhaled into the respiratory tract or deposited on the skin, causing poisoning or allergic reactions. Long term exposure to welding fumes can also lead to respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis.

Welding electromagnetic field: During gas shielded welding, due to changes in current, alternating electric and magnetic fields are generated, forming electromagnetic fields. The impact of electromagnetic fields on the human body is not fully understood, but some studies have shown that long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields may affect the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, etc. of the human body. Electromagnetic fields may also interfere with the normal operation of medical equipment such as pacemakers.

II In order to prevent and reduce the hazards of gas shielded welding, the following measures should be taken:

Select qualified equipment and materials: use gas shielded welding machines, welding rods, gases, etc. that have been inspected and qualified by the technical supervision department; Select appropriate accessories such as conductive nozzles and nozzles; Choose high-quality welding wires to avoid welding wires with high carbon content or unclean surfaces.

Choose reasonable parameters and methods: select appropriate parameters such as current, voltage, wire feeding speed, welding speed, etc. based on different materials, thicknesses, positions, and requirements; Using appropriate operating methods, such as short arc welding, shaking welding wires, etc; Avoid transition welding or short-circuit transition welding to reduce the generation of spatter and smoke.

Wear protective equipment: Welders must wear protective equipment during operation, such as protective clothing, gloves, shoes, hats, etc; Must wear protective glasses or masks to block the stimulation of electric arc light; You must wear a dust mask or respirator to filter out harmful substances from welding fumes.

Maintain good ventilation: When conducting gas shielded welding indoors, good ventilation conditions should be maintained, such as opening windows, doors, fans, etc; Wherever possible, vacuum cleaners or exhaust devices should be used to exhaust welding fumes outdoors or collect them for treatment.

Avoiding interference from electromagnetic fields: When possible, the length and quantity of cables should be reduced to make them as concentrated as possible and not scattered; Cables should be kept away from operators and other personnel to avoid entanglement or hanging from the human body; Welding power sources and cables should be kept away from medical equipment such as pacemakers.

In short, gas shielded welding is an efficient, economical, and practical welding method, but there are also some hazards to human health and safety. Therefore, we should address the hazards of gas shielded welding and take effective preventive measures to protect ourselves and others.