Safety Tips for Welding Galvanized Steel
Welding galvanized steel is a critical and beneficial part of the metal fabrication process, but it has become less popular in recent years due to various hazards. Following the best safety tips for welding galvanized steel should help protect your well-being, allowing you to feel confident when handling this task.
Use the Appropriate PPE
Adopt the right protective measures to lessen your exposure to harmful chemicals during the welding process. Outside of the essentials that include helmets, darkening shields, steel-toed boots, and flame-retardant clothing, there is one other piece of PPE everyone requires: a respirator.
A respirator is a must-have item for anyone welding galvanized steel. You must wear a mask to avoid breathing the potentially lethal zinc oxide vapors. Even with a respirator, you should always weld in a well-ventilated location. Doing so allows the remnants to disperse freely instead of staying in your workspace. PPE won’t be as effective if the toxic fumes are still circulating.
Monitor Zinc Coatings
An added concern when welding galvanized steel is that zinc coatings can lead to porosity and make a clean weld unattainable. To properly fuse galvanized steel, you will need a knowledgeable welder, and the best approach is to remove the zinc coating from the welding area.
If you cannot do so, apply a filler material to the zinc-coated section where you’re welding. It is better to weld electroplated steel instead of hot-dipped or thermal-sprayed because the latter’s coating is thicker. Thus, there is more zinc you must consider while you are welding.
Be Aware of Corrosion
Corrosion resistance is another concern that arises when someone welds galvanized steel. Galvanization aims to prevent corrosion; however, removing the galvanizing zinc surrounding the welding region exposes such areas to corrosion. The solution to this problem is to re-galvanize the area following the completion of the weld. While this method is complicated and time-consuming, it is an excellent approach to maintaining corrosion-resistant integrity.
Welding galvanized steel correctly requires considerable attention, but it is possible. Always ensure that your galvanized steel welders are familiar with all relevant safety laws and regulations, particularly those pertaining to guarding oneself against harmful zinc oxide fumes. Confirm that there is a standard procedure for welding galvanized steel and that all your operators fully understand it.
If you establish concise safety tips for welding galvanized steel, you should have minimal complications when you are operating. SEC Industrial has the best pipe beveling equipment for you to work safely and effectively. We wish to show to our clients the many operations and procedures associated with our equipment products, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
