What sort of respirator is needed when welding surface-treated material?
When welding surface-treated material, a number of hazardous pollutants can be released. When welding galvanised steel, zinc oxide particles are released. These can cause zinc ague, also known as fume fever. If you weld painted material you should be especially careful, as many paints can give off very hazardous air pollutants. When welding galvanised steel or material painted with lead primer, it is recommended that you use a powered air respirator with particle filter. In combination with an odour filter it will also minimise unpleasant odours. If the material is painted with two component paint or insulated with polyurethane, you should always contact a Safety Engineer. There is a large risk that you will be exposed to isocyanates, which are very hazardous to inhale and difficult to detect. In these cases it is recommended that a compressed air respirator is used.
