Exploring the risk of welders’ exposure to the gases and metal fumes in a shipbuilding industry: a case study

Introduction: Risk identification and investigation is an appropriate and practical approach for the occupational health professionals. This paper aims to determine exposure to the gases and metal fumes and to perform risk analysis in three common types of welding activities in a shipbuilding industry. Material and method: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a shipbuilding industry and three types of welding were considered including SMAW, MIG and MAG welding. Sampling of Mn and Cr fumes was carried out using NIOSH 7300 standard method, and NIOSH 6014 method NO2 sampling, and also direct reading devices for CO and O3 gases. Moreover, SQCRA risk assessment method was adopted to specify the level of exposure risk. Results: The results of risk analysis showed that among gas pollutants, O3 and NO2 in all welding processes had a very high-risk level, while among the metal pollutants; Mn metal showed a high and very high risk level in MIG and SMAW welding. Conclusion: According to the both sampling results and risk analysis, MIG process welders are more dangerous position than other types of welding.