I work as a welder's helper I am sick?

Question

My eyes and head hurt really bad and I puked a lot could it be the dust from rod burning?

Answer 1

Read all you can about welding safety. Go to www.osha.gov and look up welding. Go to Lincoln and Miller's websites, and look up all you can.

A huge problem that I have found while hanging out with welders, is just how many of them don't have a clue about the dangers of welding. Too many of them have the manly "don't be a baby" attitude, and ignore safety measures, or make you feel dumb for using proper equipment, like a respirator. Not all weldors are like this, but if you happen to work for one who is ignorant of these facts, it will be up to YOU to learn what safety measures to take. There is lots of info on the subject, so read all you can...and take appropriate steps.

If you are around any type of electric welding (stick, mig, tig) you MUST have a helmet with a minimum of #10 shield. A darker sheild may be necessary for higher amps. Your eyelids are not sufficient to shield you from the rays.

Welding smoke is poisonous...period. Keep your head out of the direct path of the smoke as it rises. Use a respirator if the fume ventilation in your shop is less than optimal. 3M makes a good one that is disposable, but fits under your helmet.

There are levels of smoke/fume that are beyond what a respirator can handle...so take a look at the ventilation at your work, and make sure it's open and being used.

Zinc fumes are the biggest culprit in making welders feel sick. I have heard that drinking milk will reduce the effects...but it is NOT a cure, or a substitute for proper gear/ventilation. Zinc fumes have killed people. It all depends upon the level of exposure. Some respirators simply cannot help with dense exposure to heavy metals...so do not let a respirator fool you into thinking you can breathe anything you want.

Educate yourself, and take all safety precautions you can. Also be aware of metal dusts that often haunt a metal shop. They too, deserve respirator use.

Answer 2

if ur a welders helper,than the only way i can see u gettin too much smoke inhalation from him welding is being to close to him and breathing the fumes.i know sometimes ,cause im a certified welder for 15 years,that u have to be close to him at times to help hold things for him or whatever the case may be,but if possible dont stand around him if it isnt nessasary.other than that,try wearing eye and mouth protection.the company you work for should be paying for and supplying protection for you.a simple paper mouth cover like painters use would help,and try wearing dark glasses for ur eyes.i have learned to ,while im welding,i take a deep breath just before strikin an arc,and breath outward slowly while im welding,this helps ALOT. i never have a problem since ive practice proper breathing while welding,and as one said,drinkin milk does help before and after welding galvanized steel which is the silver coated non rusting metal that steel is dipped into,it is very harmful if u breath in these fumes,and very poisonous,try these things and good luck,and be safe!

Answer 3

Drink milk...no joke.
You are being slowly poisoned...you need to drink milk right before you're around the welding.

EDIT:
Is this person even certified? They should know this!
Eye hurting with mucous is from the flash or not using protective helmet. DON'T WATCH WITHOUT A HELMET!!

EDIT:
You're exposed to galvanized metal.
You're inhaling Cadmium and/or Zinc......you will DIE if you don't drink milk.
EDIT:
Just to be safe....drink milk afterwards also.
Get an x-ray of your lungs ASAP
You need proper ventilation, especially on galvanized material.

Answer 4

This is a hazardous profession..change your job.