Mechanical Ventilation, Research Paper Example

According to the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) there are a number of circumstances where mechanical ventilation is required when welding is being performed. As described on the OPSHA website, mechanical ventilation “shall consist of either general mechanical ventilation systems or local exhaust systems” (osha.gov; Standard Number 1926.353). When needed, mechanical ventilation systems must be “of sufficient capacity…to produce the number of air exchanges necessary to maintain welding fumes and smoke within safe limits” (osha.gov). Subpart D of this standard provides details about how these safe limits are determined and quantified. The use of mechanical ventilation systems is generally required when welding is being performed in confined or enclosed spaces where welding would deplete the breathable air or lead to unsafe levels of smoke or fumes. In some situations where mechanical ventilation systems are not available or are impractical to deploy, air line respirators may be substituted as described in Subpart E of the same standard.

Some of the situations where unsafe levels of fumes may be produced include welding involving metals which contain lead, mercury, zinc, cadmium, or other potentially-unsafe metals. When welding is being performed in open-air situations involving these metals, filter-type respirators may be used. In other circumstances there exists the possibility of ultraviolet radiation being produced during welding; in such settings ventilation systems or respirators would also be required. In situations where possible exposure to radiation can occur, there may be a need for other types of PPE, such as shielded clothing or filtered goggles. In terms of mechanical ventilation systems, it is clear that such systems are a reasonable and necessary measure to ensure the safety and health of employees, as welding can quickly deplete breathable air in enclosed spaces and pose a significant risk even in open-air settings.

References

Osha.gov,. (2014). General requirements. – 1910.252. Retrieved 16 August 2014, from https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9853&p_table=STANDARDS

Osha.gov,. (2014). Ventilation and protection in welding, cutting and heating. – 1915.51. Retrieved 16 August 2014, from https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=10229&p_table=STANDARDS

Osha.gov,. (2014). Ventilation and protection in welding, cutting, and heating. – 1926.353. Retrieved 16 August 2014, from https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10699