Welding Hazards and Precautions
Gases
Welding gases are gases used or produced during welding and cutting processes.
Welding (PPE Case Study)
There are two types of welding gases: shielding and process.
- Shielding gases protect the weld area from oxygen and water vapor. They include inert gases that do not change or create changes when in contact with other substances or temperatures. (argon, carbon dioxide, and helium) and semi-inert or reactive gases that create changes of state in the other substances and/or themselves (nitrogen and carbon dioxide). Argon is the most common shielding gas. Oxygen is also used in small quantities in some mixtures.
- Process gases are generated during the welding process (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and phosgene) and as a result of the breakdown of coatings during welding (hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, isocyanate, and phosphine).
- Fuel gases are used in welding and cutting processes. They include acetylene, propane, and butane. Oxygen is also used with fuel gases.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-7. Which type of welding gas is used to protect the weld area from water vapor and gases that can damage the weld?
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