O2: Excavation Pipeline Welding Exposure Assessment

Greater Columbus Convention Center 

Room: B 230 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

In 2017, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified all welding fumes to be confirmed human lung carcinogens, even carbon steel fumes. Inside excavations, welding fume exposure from carbon steel natural gas pipeline welding exceed OSHA PELs and ACGIH TLVs for respirable particulates and neurotoxic manganese. Manganese exposures are vastly higher than the reduced respirable TLV. Neurotoxic manganese welding fume exposure has been associated with Welders' Parkinsonism, a condition characterized by persistent mental and physiological deficits and tremors. In addition to neurotoxic manganese, these fumes contain various metal oxides that can cause chronic irritation, leading to persistent inflammation. This may result in accelerated function decline in pulmonary function beyond normal aging and increased risk of lung cancer. Excavation welding exposures are largely unrecognized in the industry due to noncompliance to OSHA requirements for exposure assessments; heightened by the absence of qualified knowledgeable industrial hygiene professionals. As a result, most welders and their employers are not aware of their exposure levels and are not protected as required per OSHA regulations with respiratory protection or other methods of exposure control such as ventilation, a challenge in such environments. Numerous exposure assessments were conducted to determine important exposure variables.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Anticipate the adverse health effects of welding fumes.
• Determine OSHA PELs and ACGIH TLVs for carbon steel SMAW fume.
• Perform OSHA-required welder air monitoring methods and assessment.
• Assess welding operations being conducted inside excavations.
• Manage the large number of variables in determining exposures.
• Evaluate exposure levels to neurotoxic manganese and respirable particulates. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Corporation/Company

Construction

Oil & Gas

Public Utilities

Also part of the Virtual Program

Available as part of AIHA CONNECT OnDemand

Construction

Hazard Recognition/Exposure Assessment

Sampling and Analysis