We investigate the risks associated with heating metals to high temperatures and outline the services Cura Terrae provide to help manage them.
Metals are everywhere in society – in our buildings, technology, transport, and personal possessions. However, there are risks for the people who work with them. Here, we give a general overview of the hazards associated with metal fumes and how Cura Terrae can help you address them.
What are metal fumes?
It might be hard to imagine metals becoming airborne; however, when certain metals are heated to very high temperatures – such as during processing, cutting, welding, or soldering, they vaporise. As the vapour cools, the metal condenses into fine particles, which form clouds of fume. The precise composition of this complex mixture of gases and tiny particles depends on the metals involved, their coatings, additives, and trace elements.
What are the risks?
The nature of risk varies depending on the factors above, as well as working practices and workplace conditions.
Short-term exposure to metal fumes can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system. In severe cases, individuals can contract pneumonia. The term “metal fume fever” is used to describe flu-like symptoms which may also develop, but these usually resolve shortly after exposure ends. Additionally, swelling and irritation can occur if contact is made with the skin.
More serious diseases result when the exposure is long-lasting:
- Respiratory risks – repeated inhalation can lead to chronic irritation and damage in the lungs. This can result in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Cancer risks – In 2017, the WHO classified welding fumes as carcinogenic. Most of the studies they evaluated found increased risks of lung cancer in welders and workers exposed to welding fumes. They relate this to chronic inflammation and weakening of the immune system. Cancer in the kidneys may also be a consequence as substances from fumes accumulate in and damage renal cells.
- Neurological risks – There is evidence suggesting that metal fumes – in particular, from manganese – can lead to neurological symptoms such as impaired speech and balance. The UK Health and Safety Executive are monitoring research in this area and will adjust their guidance if necessary.
- Cardiovascular risks – Some researchers have concluded that welding fumes are a risk factor in cardiovascular disease, although others find that the data are limited.
- Reproductive risks – In a call for a dedicated welding occupational exposure limit (which does not yet exist; however, there are Workplace Exposure Limits for individual metal fumes), academics included effects on reproduction in a summary of key health concerns. However, other authors note that reports of reproductive effects have fallen over recent years.
In addition to the above risks, if metal work is carried out in an enclosed space, there is risk of asphyxiation. This can occur if carbon monoxide produced by the activities decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, or if gases (such as shielding gases in welding) accumulate and displace the oxygen in the worker’s breathing zone. Because of this, welding in a confined space must only be carried out when absolutely necessary.
How can Cura Terrae help you manage the risks?
If you or people you employ process, cut, weld, solder, or otherwise heat metals to high temperatures, it is vital that you address the risks posed by the fumes generated. Perhaps you work in the construction, manufacturing (including electronics manufacture), extractive, or metal production industries. Fortunately, Cura Terrae can assist you in keeping your workplace safe. We can help you with:
COSHH Risk Assessments
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), it is a legal requirement to assess and manage workers’ exposure to any substances that cause ill health. This includes metal fumes. A Cura Terrae Occupational Hygiene Consultant will help you to identify and record:
- Hazards from substances used in your workplace.
- Hazards from substances produced during your work.
- Which employees are at risk.
- The ways in which potential harm may occur.
Our Consultant will then work with you to understand how the risks can be eliminated, or sufficiently controlled with appropriate measures. We will advise you on how to monitor the performance of the selected control measures, and on when your assessment should be reviewed.
Find out more about our COSHH Risk Assessment services here.
Workplace Air Monitoring
Workplace Air Monitoring may be necessary to inform a COSHH Risk Assessment (including updating an assessment following a change in working practices or processes); to check whether controls are effective; or to check that Workplace Exposure Limits are not exceeded.
One of our experienced Occupational Hygiene Consultants will visit your site. They will investigate hazardous substances within the breathing zone of workers (personal monitoring). For example, they may provide a small device to be worn by a worker during their shift or when they perform a specific task. The results can then be compared to Workplace Exposure Limits.
Static monitoring may also be performed. Here, the sampling equipment is placed in a fixed location and can be used to determine background concentrations of contaminants; whether pollutants are migrating within the space; or the potential for bystander exposure.
These data, as well as information obtained from observation and conversations with staff, will be compiled into a report that demonstrates your level of compliance and makes recommendations for improvements.
Find out more about our Workplace Air Monitoring services here.
Health and Safety Awareness Training
Most modern-day health and safety legislation – including COSHH regulations – stipulates that employees are provided with relevant information, training, and instruction. Cura Terrae can design and deliver materials that provide this, tailored to the specific needs of your organisation.
An experienced Occupational Hygiene Consultant will work with you to understand the hazards, exposure risks, and control measures in your workplace. We will draw on any monitoring that has been carried out, either by us or other parties. This information will then be used to create resources specifically for your workplace. These will be delivered by a professional trainer in-person or online, with the option for interactivity and/or end-of-training assessment.
Find out more about our Health and Safety Awareness Training here.
Read more: Our Occupational Hygiene Director, Susan Lett, explains Workplace Exposure Limits.
