welding outside, breathing mask needed?

[Steve-O]

When welding outside is a vapour / charcoal mask needed? I have a charcoal mask but its too big for my auto darkening welding helmet to close down onto. Im using Gas wire along with Argosheild light.

Guides I have been reading say to just be in a well ventilated area and if not (eg the garden shed) then use a charcoal mask, Im guessing outside is a well ventilated area??

When I worked at a bodyshop I dont recall them wearing masks when welding / grinding, is it just mainly if you are in an enclosed space where a mask is needed?

Thanks

 

[Engineer1964]

Hi Steve i guess this is where common sense comes into play,

Generally you wouldn't need a mask for welding outside and you can't get more ventilated than by being outside with a nice cool breeze

However if your working inside and you do create fumes thane it would be advisable either to get come ventilation either natural or via extraction.

Generally i weld indoors and i never use a mask except when welding flux core, or using tip dip, which does make a bit of fume.

 

[keith19]

Personally I've never used any kind of breathing mask when welding outside, whether its with gas-wire mig, flux-cored mig, or stick welding. Usually the breeze - mostly strong wind around here - blows any fumes away before you've taken them in.

One exception I've noticed is if stick welding outside in a semi-enclosed area on a close windless day: an hour or so of this can give me headaches. The fumes rise directly up off the job, and you can get a head full all too easily.

Mig welding inside without a mask is generally okay if there's a bit of a breeze moving through, or plenty of space overhead for the fumes to rise into. I personally don't like doing stick inside unless there's plenty space and a fair breeze going through.

 

[Steve-O]

Thanks for the replys, thats ok then its always best to check with people who know what they are doing I find

Im guessing it also would have said something on the welder where it says "Eye Protection must be worn"

 

[Engineer1964]

Im guessing it also would have said something on the welder where it says "Eye Protection must be worn"

That would relate to wearing a welding shield, as opposed to goggles

Just do what you feel is right, I weld every day and like i said i never use a mask unless I do Flux core, Then i use a shield without an air supply and filter. But different people behave in different ways, if you feel the need to wear a mask to prevent breathing in fumes then by all means do so.

if you want to have a bit more info, see the PDF below from the HSE

http://www.hse.gov.uk/fod/infodocs/668_29.pdf