After the transitional period for the General Dust Exposure Level: for health-based occupational safety
In 2014, legislators in Germany lowered the General Dust Exposure Level by more than 60 percent. Under certain conditions, factories were able to continue operating at the old limit of 3 mg/m³. This transitional period ended at the turn of the year. This has repeatedly sparked many discussions amongst those affected, but above all it has created uncertainty. This period is finally over – with a plea for health-based occupational safety in each country.
How do ultrafine welding fume particles get into the body and what effects do they have?
During welding, ultrafine particles are created which are breathed in or swallowed by welders. The smallest particles often cause the greatest damage. Yet, how exactly do these ultrafine particles affect the welder? And what kind of defense mechanism does the … >> more
Milk against welding fumes: not much more than an old wives’ tale
A daily ration of milk against welding fumes: This used to be the be-all and end-all of occupational safety. Yet, the legend about the protective effect of milk against health damage caused by welding fumes is partially still persistent today. … >> more
Hazardous substances in welding fumes: How they affect the human body
Welding fumes affect the lungs and are toxic or carcinogenic. The health consequences for the welder depend mainly on the composition of welding fumes. Science differentiates between three effects. The hazardous substances in welding fumes created during welding are formed … >> more
Thermal cutting: which hazardous substances are created
Thermal cutting generates harmful substances which are hazardous to health. A range of parameters influence the emission of harmful substances – and thus the potential for damage to health.
Welding fumes explained in brief: Why an extraction system is so important
Every metal processor should know these days that welding fumes are harmful. Yet, one question gets asked over and over again: What are welding fumes exactly? Just looking at the composition gives an indication of what hazards are behind welding … >> more
Nitrous gases in welding fumes What dangers are faced when welding
Nitrous gases are often responsible for acute poisoning when welding. They occur during gas welding and arc welding processes. Due to current occupational medicine findings, the occupational exposure limits for nitrous gases were significantly lowered in May 2016. The term … >> more
Is welding smoke carcinogenic? International cancer researchers now say a clear ‘yes’!
International cancer researchers determined that welding smoke is carcinogenic, in a recently published article. According to the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization, welding smoke has so far only been classified as possibly carcinogenic. With the new classification, the scientists adapted the estimation of the risks posed by welding smoke on the basis of new findings from several studies.
Laser welding: automated, but hazardous for employees nonetheless
Are there definitely risks from welding fumes, if a robot is doing the welding? Many welders ask this question when laser welding. The almost completely automated welding process mainly hides hazards if it is used with additives. A welding fume … >> more
40 years of KEMPER – the interview: “In former times, welding fumes were regarded as healthy to some extent”
With a gut feeling, courage and of course a set of reliable figures as a basis, in 1977 Gerd Kemper set out on a personal crusade: clean air at the workplace while welding. Something which in the early days appeared alien to his expectations actually turned out to be a vital business field. 40 years after establishing KEMPER GmbH – formed on 17th March 1977 – Gerd Kemper is now looking back on his company and its industry.