A welding shop operator submitted this video to show us why he equips his welders with the RPB Z4/PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) combo. A cloud of noxious fumes can be seen rising up to and surrounding this employee's head as he welds on an aluminum frame.

1. Workers are frequently exposed to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) during "hot work" such as welding on stainless steel, aluminum, and other alloys containing chromium metal.
2. Cr(VI) is a valence state of the element chromium known to cause cancer while targeting the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin, and eyes.
3. Adverse health effects associated with Cr(VI) exposure include:
1. Occupational asthma
2. Eye irritation and damage
3. Perforated eardrums
4. Respiratory irritation
5. Kidney damage
6. Liver damage
7. Pulmonary congestion and edema
8. Upper abdominal pain
9. Nose irritation and damage
10. Respiratory cancer
11. Skin irritation
12. Erosion and discoloration of the teeth
13. Allergic contact dermatitis that is long-lasting and more severe with repeated skin exposure
14. Contact with non-intact skin can lead to ulceration of the skin sometimes referred to as chrome ulcers  - crusted, painless lesions showing a pitted ulcer covered with fluid

Welders Need More Than Vision Protection

We are thankful for shop operators who are concerned enough to invest in their employees' long term health. You know it comes from the heart when they go above and beyond to send us this video to help show others the dangerous fumes that are generated.

These Supplied Air Respirators for Welding from RPB provide both respiratory and optical protection for welders, while giving them the freedom to work in compliance without time consuming fit-testing. Give us a call at (248) 545-4444 to talk about your respiratory protection needs.

Source Link

1. Learn more at OSHA.gov about the dangers, controls, and enforcement of Hexavalent Chromium exposure: Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Hexavalent Chromium