BG Rules for Occupational

Health and Safety

BG-Regel BGR 220

Welding fumes of January 2006

Expert committee „Metal and Surface Treatment“ of the BGZ

HVBG Federation of Institutions for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention

BGR 220

1

Contents Seite Foreword ......................................................................................................................

1 Scope ..................................................................................................................

2 Terms and definitions ...............................................................................................

3 Key components of individual processes and materials ................................................... 3.1 General .............................................................................................................. 3.2 Welding ............................................................................................................ 3.3 Thermal cutting ..................................................................................................... 3.4 Thermal spraying ................................................................................................. 3.5 Soldering and brazing ..........................................................................................

4 Exposure evaluation ................................................................................................ 4.1 General ............................................................................................................. 4.2 Unalloyed and low-alloy materials (parent and filler metals) .......................................... 4.3 High-alloy materials (Parent and filler metals) ............................................................. 4.4 Soldering and brazing .......................................................................................... 4.5 Exposure evaluation by biomonitoring ......................................................................

5 Hazard evaluation for welders ................................................................................... 5.1 General ............................................................................................................. 5.2 Material specific factors ........................................................................................ 5.3 Process specific factors .......................................................................................... 5.4 Workplace specific factors ....................................................................................

6 Protective measures.................................................................................................. 6.1 Selection of low emission processes and consumables ................................................ 6.2 Optimisation of the operating conditions .................................................................. 6.3 Ventilation measures ............................................................................................. 6.4 Control of the efficiency of protective measures .......................................................... 6.5 Personal protective equipment ................................................................................

7 Preventive occupational medical check-ups ..................................................................

8 Operating instructions ..............................................................................................

9 Fume data sheet......................................................................................................

Annex 1: Determination of the key component in the welding fume..............................................

Annex 2: Hazardous substances in welding and allied processes / concept of protective measures ..

Annex 3: Example for operating instructions ............................................................................

Annex 4: Example for operating instructions according to article 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance...........................................................................................................

Annex 5: Fume data sheet (Excerpt from DIN EN ISO 15011-4) ...............................................

Annex 6: Regulations and Rules ...........................................................................................

BGR 220

2

BG Rules for Occupational Health and Safety are intended to summarize and flesh out the contents of

• governmental occupational health ad safety legislation (laws, ordinances) and/or • BG regulations (accident prevention regulations) and/or • technical specifications and/or • experience gained from BG prevention work.

BG Rules primarily address the employer and are intended to give assistance in the implementation of his/her duties arising from governmental occupational health and safety legislation or accident prevention regulations and to offer solutions to avoid occupational accidents, diseases and hazards to health.

When observing the recommendation given in the BG Rules, the employer can assume that he/she reaches the protection aims required by the accident prevention regulations. Other solutions are possible, if they guarantee a comparable level of safety and health protection. Technical rules established by the relevant committees in order to flesh out governmental occupational health and safety legislation shall be given priority.

Binding contents from governmental occupational health and safety legislation or accident prevention regulations are marked by bold letters or listed in the Annex. Explanations, especially exemplary optional solutions are represented by information in italics.

BGR 220

3

1 Scope

The present BG Rule applies to work areas, where welding fumes are present in the air at the workplace.

2 Terms and definitions

For the purpose of the present BG Rule, the following terms are defined: 1. Extraction is the capture of hazardous substances at their point of origin or

egress. 2. Breathing air is the air in the breathing zone of the employee. 3. A supervisor is a person, who has to supervise the execution of work activities

and to ensure occupational safety. He or she shall have sufficient knowledge and experience for this task and has to be authorized to give instructions.

4. „Biological limit value“ is the limit value for the concentration of a substance, its metabolites or a stress indicator in the relevant biological material on the basis of toxicological and occupational medical findings, at which the health of the employee is normally not impaired

5. Confined space is a space without natural air extraction and at the same time with − an air volume of below 100 m³

or − a dimension (length, width, height, diameter) of below 2 m.

Confined spaces are e.g. cellar rooms without windows, galleries, pipework, shafts, tanks, vessels, containers, chemical apparatus, coffer dams and raised access floor cells in ships. In addition, each area with low air exchange is defined as a confined space.

6. Free ventilation is the exchange of the interior and the exterior air as a result of a pressure gradient due to differences in wind or temperature by means of ingress and egress openings in the room.

7. A high-alloy material is a material, which on the whole contains at least five % by weight of alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese.

8. An unalloyed or low-alloy material is a material with less than five % by weight (as cumulative value according to the standard) of alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese.

9. Key components are substances of a mixture which have a significant effect on the health hazard. The specification of key components will simplify the monitoring of workplaces by means of measurements and is helpful for the specification of protective measures.

10. The application of a process is considered to be stationary, if it is repeatedly executed at the same working place, which was set up for the process, e.g. welding booth, welding table, workpiece holder up to 10 m².

11. Welding fumes are particulate substances generated during welding, cutting and allied processes.

BGR 220

4

12. General dust limit value is the concentration specified for the respirable dust fraction (A dust, 3 mg/m³) and for the inhalable dust fraction (E dust, 10 mg/m³), see Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe „Arbeitsplatzwerte“ (TRGS 900, Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances „Occupational exposure values).

13. The respirable (lung penetrating) dust fraction is the fraction of the particles which is able to penetrate into the alveoli during breathing

14. The inhalable dust fraction is the fraction of the particles inhaled via mouth and nose into the body.

15. The „Occupational exposure limit value“ is the limit value for the time weighted average concentration of airborne substances at the workplace with reference to a given period of time. It determines the concentration of a substance that is not expected to induce acute or chronic detrimental effects on the general state of the worker’s health.

16. Welding activities are activities where the processes welding, thermal cutting and allied processes (such as soldering and brazing, thermal spraying, flame heating, flame straightening, flame hardening and resistance hardening) are used.

17. Forced (mechanical ventilation) is the exchange of indoor air against outside air by means of circulating units, e.g. fans or blowers.

18. Clean air recirculation is the recirculation of the air captured by the extraction and purified in separators (clean air) into the work room. Depending on the efficiency of the separator unit a certain fraction of hazardous substances is recirculated into the workroom.

19. In the present BG Rule also the person carrying out allied processes, e.g. thermal sprayer, brazer is called welder.

20. Hazardous substances are the gaseous and particulate substances generated during practical welding, cutting and allied activities, which have at least one of the properties listed in article 3a para. 1 of the law on chemicals (Chemikaliengesetz) under numbers 6 to 14. They are thus hazardous substances within the meaning of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

21. The „state of the art“ is the state of development of progressive processes, equipment and operating modes, which seems to guarantee practical adequacy of a measure for health protection and safety of workers. For the determination of the state of the art, primarily comparable processes, equipment or operating modes shall be considered, which have successfully been tested in practice. The same is true for the requirements for occupational medicine and workplace hygiene.

BGR 220

5

3 Key components for individual processes and materials 3.1 General

Inhalable dust

Fumes and dusts generated during thermal spraying

Fumes generated during thermal cutting

Fumes generated during welding

Fumes generated during soldering and brazing

Ultrafine particles (UFP)

0,01 μm 0,1 μm 1 μm 10 μm 15 μm 100 μm

Respirable Non-respirable

(According to the European Standard EN 481, D50 = 4 μm for the A fraction of the dust)

Figure 1: Classification of particulate hazardous substances in welding and allied processes according to particle size (occurrence) (Excerpt from BG-Information Sheet „Schadstoffe in der Schweißtechnik“, Hazardous Substances in Welding and Allied Processes) [BGI 593],Figure 2.2)

3.1.1 Welding fumes are mixtures of particulate substances, the chemical composition and concentration of which depends on processes and materials. According to process and material, gaseous hazardous substances may as well be released during individual welding processes

3.1.2 In all processes – except for gas welding, flame heating, flame straightening, flame scarfing, where fume generation is negligible – welding fume shall be measured. The upper limit for welding fume is a concentration in air equal to the general dust limit value (A fraction of the dust) of 3 mg/m³.

3.1.3 For high-alloy materials (parent and filler materials) the concentration of the key components shall in addition be determined (see tables1 to 3 „Key components“).

3.1.4 In the processes gas welding, flame heating, flame straightening, flame scarfing, particulate welding fumes – with the exception of contaminated or coated materials – are not important, therefore, only nitrogen dioxide has to be measured.

See as well BG Information Sheet „Nitrose Gase beim Schweißen, Schneiden und bei verwandten Verfahren“ (Nitrous Gases during welding, cutting and allied processes, BGI 743).

BGR 220

6

3.1.5 For processes, where gaseous substances are generated besides the welding fumes, their key component shall be considered as well, e.g. during MIG welding of aluminium materials: ozone.

„Key components“ see tables 1 to 6. The principle of key components is explained by an example in Annex 1. See as well BG Information Sheet „“Beurteilung der Gefährdung durch Schweißrauche“ (Evaluation of hazards caused by welding fumes, BGI 616).

3.1.6 The processes may be divided into four main groups: − welding, − thermal cutting, − thermal spraying

and − soldering and brazing.

3.2 Welding

During welding, generally more then 95 % of the welding fume is generated from the filler metal against only about 5 % from the parent metal. The majority of the individual particles is smaller than 1 μm and thus respirable. Process Welding consumable Welding fume/

key component(s)

Gas welding unalloyed, low-allow steel (alloying components < 5 %) nitrogen dioxide

unalloyed, low-allow steel (alloying components < 5 %) welding fume

chromium nickel steel (≤ 20 % Cr und ≤ 30 % Ni)

welding fume chromium(VI) compounds Manual metal arc welding

(MMA) nickel, nickel alloys (> 30 % Ni)

welding fume nickel oxide or copper oxide2)

Metal active gas welding- with carbon dioxide (MAGC)

unalloyed, low-allow steel (alloying components < 5 %)

welding fume carbon monoxide

unalloyed, low-allow steel (alloying components < 5 %) welding fume

chromium nickel steel massive wire (≤ 20 % Cr und ≤ 30 % Ni)

welding fume nickel oxide

Metal active gas welding with gas mixture (MAGM)

chromium nickel steel filler wire (≤ 20 % Cr und ≤ 30 % Ni)

welding fume chromium(VI) compounds

nickel, nickel alloys (> 30 % Ni)

welding fume nickel oxide or copper oxide2); ozone

pure aluminium, aluminium silicon alloys

ozone welding fume

Metal inert gas welding (MIG)

other aluminium alloys1) welding fume ozone

unalloyed, low-allow steel (alloying components < 5 %)

welding fume ozone

chromium nickel steel (≤ 20 % Cr und ≤ 30 % Ni)

welding fume ozone

nickel, nickel alloys (> 30 % Ni)

welding fume ozone

pure aluminium, aluminium silicon alloys

welding fume ozone

Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG)

other aluminium alloys1) welding fume ozone

1) e.g. Aluminium magnesium alloys; limit value for aluminium oxide fume 2) according to type of alloy, with/without copper, limit value for copper fume

BGR 220

7

(continued)

Process Parent metal Welding fume/ key component(s)

unalloyed, low-allow steel (alloying components < 5 %) welding fume

chromium nickel steel (≤ 20 % Cr und ≤ 30 % Ni)

welding fume nickel oxide Laser welding 1)

galvanized steel welding fume zinc oxide

Process Welding consumables Key component(s)

Laser cladding cobalt based alloys (> 60 % Co, > 20 % Cr)

welding fume 1) cobalt oxide

nickel based alloys (> 60 % Ni) welding fume nickel oxide

iron based alloys (< 40 % Cr, > 60 % Fe) welding fume

aluminium multi alloy bronzes (≈ 75 % Cu)

welding fume copper oxide

1) Here without welding consumable

Table 1: Key components during welding 3.3 Thermal cutting

During thermal cutting, „welding fumes“ are generated from the parent material. Their chemical composition depends on the chemical composition of the parent material used. The particles contained in the welding fume have diameters between 0,03 and – in agglomerated form – about 10 μm. Most of them are respirable.

Process Parent metal Key components

Oxygen cutting unalloyed, low-alloy steel (alloying components < 5 %)

welding fume nitrogen dioxide

unalloyed, low-alloy steel (alloying components < 5 %)

welding fume

chromium nickel steel (≤ 20% Cr and ≤ 30% Ni)

nickel oxide

nickel, nickel compounds (> 30% Ni)

nickel oxide

Plasma cutting1) Laser cutting

aluminium-base materials2) welding fume ozone

1) when compressed air or nitrogen is used as plasma gas, nitrogen dioxide should also be considered as key component!

2) e.g. aluminium, aluminium alloys

Table 2: Key components for thermal cutting

BGR 220

8

3.4 Thermal spraying

The fumes and gases generated during thermal spraying derive from the spraying consumable and the fuel gases and carrier gases used. The chemical composition of these fumes depends on the composition of the spraying consumable used. During thermal spraying, particles with a size of up to 100 μm are formed. They are inhalable and partly respirable.

Process Spraying material Welding fume/

Key components

unalloyed, low-alloy steel (alloying components > 5 %)

inhalable, repirable dust1) nitrogen dioxide

chromium-nickel steel (≤ 27% Cr and ≤ 22% Ni)

nickel oxide nitrogen dioxide

nickel and nickel alloys (> 60% Ni)

nickel oxide nitrogen dioxide

aluminium-base materials2) inhalable, respirable dust1) nitrogen dioxide

lead alloys lead oxide nitrogen dioxide

copper and copper alloys copper oxide2) nitrogen dioxide

Flame spraying

other non-ferrous metals and alloys

inhalable, respirable dust1) nitrogen dioxide

unalloyed, low-alloy steel (alloying components < 5 %)

inhalable, respirable dust1)

chromium-nickel steel (≤ 27% Cr and ≤ 22% Ni)

nickel oxide

nickel and nickel alloys (> 60% Ni)

nickel oxide

aluminium-base materials2) inhalable, respirable dust1)

copper and copper alloys copper oxide

Arc spraying

other non-ferrous metals and alloys inhalable, respirable dust1)

copper aluminium and copper tin alloys

copper oxide

chromium nickel steel (≤ 27 % Cr and ≤ 22 % Ni)

nickel oxide ozone

nickel and nickel alloys (> 60 % Ni)

nickel oxide Plasma spraying

cobalt base alloys (> 50% Co)

cobalt oxide

1) Limit for respirable dust and inhalable dust

2) Aluminium-base materials (pure aluminium, aluminium alloys)

Table 3: Key components for thermal spraying

BGR 220

9

3.5 Soldering and brazing

The chemical composition of the fumes generated during soldering and brazing depends on the fluxes, solders and brazing alloys used. Most of the particles generated have diameters between 0,01 und 0,15 μm. They are respirable. Various substances are used as fluxes. According to DIN EN 29454-1 „Soft soldering fluxes; classification and requirements; part 1: classification, labelling and packaging (ISO 9454-1:1990)“ soft soldering fluxes are classified into three groups.

Group Flux 1 natural resins (colophony) or modified natural resins with or without addition of organic or

halogen containing activators 2 organic acids (e.g. citric, oleic, stearic, benzoic acid), amines, diamines, urea and

organic halogen compounds 3 zinc and other metal chlorides, ammonium chloride (in aqueous solution or in organic

preparations)

Table 4: Classification of fluxes into groups

Due to the solders, brazing alloys and fluxes used during soldering and brazing a variety of hazardous substances is generated. The following hazardous substances have been found in soldering and brazing fumes, among others:

Aldehyde (especially formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrylaldehyde), antimony oxide, inorganic and organic tin compounds, lead oxide, boron oxide, boron trifluoride, cadmium oxide, chlorides/hydrogen chloride, fluorides/hydrogen fluoride, hydrazine, copper oxide, colophony, phosphor pentoxide, silver oxide, tin oxide.

In the following tables 4 and 5, the hazardous substances to be considered for hazard determination and evaluation in soldering and brazing are listed.

See as well BG/BGIA Recommendation „Weichlöten mit dem Lötkolben an elektrischen und elektronischen Baugruppen oder deren Einzelkomponenten (Kolbenlöten)“ (Soldering with soldering guns at electrical and electronic assemblies or their components (gun soldering)).

BGR 220

10

Soldering (temperature < 450° C)

Solder

Field of application

Type of solder

Fluxes (flux base)

Key components

Group 1 A dust

aldehyde1)

lead oxide

Group 2 A dust

lead oxide1)

lead-tin solders, tin-lead solders containing antimony, containing little antimony, free from antimony

Group 3 A dust

lead oxide1)

Group 1 A dust

aldehyde1)

lead oxide

Group 2 A dust

lead oxide1)

tin-lead solders with copper, silver or phosphorus additions

Group 3 A dust

lead oxide1)

Group 1 A dust

aldehyde1)

Group 2 A dust

tin solders with silver, copper, bismuth, indium, antimony and zinc additions

Group 3 A dust

Group 1 A dust

aldehyde1)

cadmium oxide

Group 2 A dust

cadmium oxide

Heavy metals

Cadmium solders with zinc, tin, silver and lead additions

Group 3 A dust

cadmium oxide

Solders on the basis of:

- tin-zinc

- zinc-cadmium

- zinc-aluminium

- lead-tin-silver

organic compounds,

e.g. amines,

organic halogen compounds

A dust

cadmium oxide

Light metals

chlorides, fluorides,

e.g. zinc chloride

A dust

cadmium oxide

chlorides

fluorides 1) Except for workplaces, where electric and electronic component groups or their individual

components are soldered or at repair workplaces in these areas

Table 5: Key components during soldering

BGR 220

11

Brazing (temperature ≥ 450°C)

Filler metals for brazing

Field of application

Type of filler metal Fluxes (flux base) Key

components

silver containing filler metals, cadmium free

A dust chlorides fluorides silver oxide

silver containing filler metals, cadmium free

A dust chlorides fluorides silver oxide cadmium oxide

phosphorous filler metals A dust chlorides fluorides

zinc and zinc containing filler metals

A dust chlorides fluorides zinc oxide

copper and copper based filler metals1)

A dust chlorides fluorides copper oxide

nickel bases filler metals1) A dust nickel oxide

palladium containing filler metals1)

A dust

Heavy metals

gold containing filler metals1)

boron compounds with additions of single and complex fluorides, phosphates and silicates

A dust

Light metals aluminium based filler metals

chlorides and fluorides A dust chlorides fluorides

1) In general, these filler metals are used in shielding gas ovens or in vacuum ovens without fluxes

Table 6: Key components during brazing

BGR 220

12

4 Exposure evaluation 4.1 General

4.1.1 For the evaluation of the exposure, the concentration of the welding fumes is determined and compared to an air concentration equalling the general dust limit value (A dust fraction). This value is considered as the upper limit for the exposure to welding fume.

Until availability of a suitable sampling system for A dust for measurements behind the welder’s face shield, sampling systems for E dust may as well be used for exposure evaluation. If, on the basis of measurements at the relevant workplace, knowledge on the ratio of A dust to E dust is available, a correction of the measuring result achieved by sampling systems for E dust may be carried out.

4.1.2 For the determination and evaluation of the exposure to hazardous substances at welding workplaces, the Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances „Ermittlung und Beurteilung der Konzentrationen gefährlicher Stoffe in der Luft in Arbeitsbereichen“ (Determination and evaluation of the concentrations of hazardous substances in the air at workplaces, TRGS 402) shall be used.

4.1.3 Measurements for the evaluation of the welder’s exposure have to be carried out in the breathing zone of the welder. If protection screens or helmets are used as protection against optic radiation, sampling is carried out behind the screen or helmet.

See European Standard EN ISO 10882 Parts 1 and 2.

4.1.4 For the assessment of welding fumes with substance specific limit values, the Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances „Bewertung von Stoffgemischen in der Luft am Arbeitsplatz“ (Assessment of airborne substance mixtures at the workplace, TRGS 403) shall be used.

4.1.5 For the reduction of the measuring effort, key components may be measured. If the limit values in the breathing air valid for the key components are complied with, the concentrations of the other hazardous substances in the welding fume mixture are also below their relevant limit values, if specified. For key components without limit values, the measuring results shall be assessed on an occupational medical and toxicological basis.

4.1.6 In welding processes with very high emission rates, not only the welder is exposed. Other workers may also be exposed in the breathing zone. In such working areas, the protective measures shall be specified on the basis of risk assessments, e.g. verification by additional measures (stationary). Without ventilation measures, the general dust limit value is principally overstepped.

4.2 Non-alloy and low-alloyed materials (parent and filler materials)

4.2.1 For the process group welding and thermal cutting, the concentration of hazardous substances in the breathing zone of the welder shall be determined and compared with the general dust limit value (A dust fraction) for evaluation of the welder’s exposure at the workplace.

4.2.2 For the process group thermal spraying the concentration of the respirable and the inhalable fraction of the dust in the breathing zone shall be determined and compared with the general dust limit value (A and E fraction of the dust) for evaluation of the welder’s exposure at the workplace.

BGR 220

13

4.3 High-alloy materials (parent and filler material)

For the evaluation of the welder’s exposure at the workplace for the processes welding, cutting and thermal spraying, process/material specific key components shall be determined besides the welding fume concentration. For thermal spraying the inhalable dust concentration (E dust) shall in addition be determined.

4.4 Soldering and brazing

For exposure evaluation at the workplace, the concentrations of the relevant key components shall be determined during soldering and brazing.

4.5 Exposure evaluation by biomonitoring

4.5.1 Certain hazardous substances or their metabolic products or metabolic compounds which get into the organism after inhalation of welding or brazing fumes may be determined in biological material (especially urine, whole blood or blood serum or in enthrocytes). Conclusions on the exposure and a possible health hazard can be drawn from the investigation results. These data may thus add to a hazard evaluation of the workplaces or of work activities.

Biomonitoring see as well Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances „Biomonitoring“ (TRGS 710).

The following substances may be detected in biological material: − Aluminium* − Barium − Lead* − Cadmium − Chromates (Chromium(V) compounds) − Cobalt − Fluorides* − Carbon monoxide* − Manganese* − Nickel and its compounds

* for these hazardous substances, biological limit values according to the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances „Biologische Arbeitsplatztstoleranzwerte – BAT-Werte“ (Biological occupational exposure limit values – BAT values, TRGS 903) exist.

4.5.2 Biomonitoring is part of the occupational medical check-up and does not replace a hazard evaluation at the workplace. The decision on the necessity of biomonitoring is taken by the company physician. Being personal data, the results are subject to confidential medical communication.

BGR 220

14

5 Evaluation of the hazard for welders 5.1 General

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Company Safety Ordinance, the Hazardous Substances Ordinance and article 3 of the Accident Prevention Regulation „Grundsätze der Prävention“ (Principles of prevention, BGV A1) an evaluation is required for the specification of health protection measures, which determines the hazards to the employees arising from their work. The hazard evaluation shall include process specific, effect specific and workplace specific factors

See BG Information Sheet − „Schadstoffe beim Schweißen und bei verwandten Verfahren“(Hazardous

Substances in Welding and Allied Processes, BGI 593) and

− „Beurteilung der Gefährdung durch Schweißrauche“ (Evaluation of hazards due to welding fumes,BGI 616).

5.2 Material specific factors

Related to the specific effects of their components on the body, welding fumes may be classified into three classes (effect classes A, B, C). A Substances stressing the respiratory

tract and the lung e.g. iron oxides

B toxic or toxic-irritant substances e.g. fluorides, manganese oxide, copper oxide

C carcinogenic substances e.g. Cr(VI) compounds, nickel oxides

For substances stressing the respiratory tract and the lung, this means that slight toxic effects may occur as chronic inflammation (chronic bronchitis) as a result of an overcharge by particles. Aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde) generated during soldering/brazing with colophony containing fluxes belong to irritant substances.

5.3 Process specific factors

5.3.1 Welding processes may be classified according to emission rates (mg/s) into four classes (emission classes 1 to 4) with respect to the particles. 1 low emission rates < 1 mg/s e.g. TIG, SAW

2 medium emission rates 1 to 2 mg/s e.g. Laser welding

3 high emission rates > 2 to 25 mg/s e.g. MMA; MAG/massive wire

4 very high emission rates > 25 mg/s e.g. MAG/filler wire

5.3.2 The extent of the hazard depends on process and material specific factors, i.e. on the height of the emission rate (see clause 5.3 and the effect (see clause 5.2). The assignment of the hazards to the different welding fume types (classes) is as follows:

BGR 220

15

Welding fume classes Hazard

A1 low hazard (n G)

A2, B1, C1 medium hazard (m G)

A3, B2, B3, C2, C3 high hazard (h G)

A4, B4, C4 very high hazard (s h G)

5.3.3 An assignment of hazards according to emission rates and effect is represented in table 7.

The assignment of the hazard in table 7 is carried out according to process and material specific factors and shall not be coupled to the protection classes of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. It is the basis for further evaluation at the workplace and selection of the relevant protection measures

Effect/effect classes

A B C

Substances stressing the respiratory

tract and the lung,

e.g iron oxides

Toxid or toxic irritant

substances, e.g. fluorides, manganese

oxide, copper oxide

Carcinogenic substances, e.g. Cr(VI)

compounds, nickel oxide

Welding process

Emission classes

Emission rates

(mg/s)

Hazard Hazard Hazard

e.g. SAW* 1 <1 n G (A1) n G (B1) n G (C1)

e.g. TIG** 1 < 1 n G (A1) m G (B1) m G (C1)

e.g. Laser welding without consumable

2

1 to 2

m G (A2)

h G (B2)

h G (C2)

e.g. MMA, MAG (massive wire), MIG, laser welding with consumable

3

2 to 25

h G (A3)

h G (B3)

h G (C3)

e.g. MAG (filler wire); flux cored self shielded arc welding

4

> 25

s h G (A4)

s h G (B4)

s h G (C4)

n G = low hazard m G = medium hazard h G = hig hazard s h G = very high hazard A1 to C4 = welding fume classes * automated ** See BG Information Sheet „Schweißtechnische Arbeiten mit chrom- und nickellegierten Zusatz- und

Grundwerkstoffen“ (Welding activities with chromium and nickel alloy filler and parent materials, BGI 855) and „BG/BGIA Recommendations for the Hazard Evaluation according to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance – Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG Welding)“ (BGI 790-012).

Table 7: Hazard evaluation according to emission rates and effects during welding

BGR 220

16

5.3.4 The emission rates are the following for − soldering and brazing: below 1 mg/s; these processes are therefore classified

into emission class 1, − thermal cutting and spraying: more than 25 mg/s, these processes are classified

into emission class 4.

5.4 Factors specific to the workplace

5.4.1 Factors specific to the workplace, as e.g. spatial conditions, ventilation situation, head and body position, welding time, have an influence on the conditions at the workplace and thus on the extent of the hazard.

5.4.2 For processes with medium and high emission rates the general state of the art is to take ventilation measures, e.g. extraction at the point of origin. Moreover, additional measures for the protection of the welder may be necessary, e.g. wearing personal protective equipment. In general, concentrations of hazardous substances are generated in the breathing zone of the welder, exceeding an air concentration of 3 mg/m³ of A dust by far, if no ventilation measures are taken.

5.4.3 For low emission rates, concentrations of hazardous substances in the breathing zone of the welder are by experience in the range of 3 mg/m³ of A dust or just below.

5.4.4 Measuring experience shows that for all other processes – except for TIG and SA welding and without local exhaust in the area of origin – a welding fume concentration of 3 mg/m³ of A dust is exceeded as a rule. This is generally also true in the open.

5.4.5 For welding activities in confined spaces, a high health hazard has to be anticipated.

See as well BG Rule „Arbeiten in Behältern, Silos und engen Räumen“ (Work activities in containers, silos and confined spaces, BGR 117-1), BG Information Sheet „Schadstoffe in der Schweißtechnik“ („Hazardous substanced in welding and allied processes, BGI 593)and clause 8 „Operating instructions“ of the present BG Rule.

6 Protective measures

In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, a prevention concept was developed for the observation of the limit values and the reduction of the exposure at the workplaces, which focuses on the following clauses.

For the selection of protective measures, see Annex 2. 6.1 Selection of low emission processes and consumables

6.1.1 The employer shall choose the welding, cutting and allied processes with the lowest possible emission of hazardous substances, taking account of the welding requirements to be met.

Processes with low emission of hazardous substances are e.g.:

BGR 220

17

− Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG welding) with non thoriated tungsten electrodes, − submerged arc welding (SA welding), − plasma cutting under water.

6.1.2 In MIG/MAG welding, the use of pulsed arc technique shall be given priority - as far as technically feasible. When using this technique, welding fume emission rates are significantly lower than during conventional MIG/MAG welding.

6.1.3 During gas shielded arc welding with high-alloy wire, the release of carcinogenic portions (chromates) in the fume is much lower than during manual metal arc welding with high-alloy covered electrodes.

6.1.4 If, however, nickel base materials or pure nickel are used as welding consumable, the release of carcinogenic portions (nickel oxide) in the welding fume is lower during manual metal arc welding than during MIG/MAG welding.

6.1.5 During TIG welding with thoriated tungsten electrodes, the welding fume contains small portions of radioactive substances. These portions are much smaller during dc welding than during ac welding.

6.2 Optimisation of the working conditions

6.2.1 The use of welding parameters as recommended by the consumable manufacturer results, among others, in a reduction of the welding fume emissions. Different oversized current and voltage values may, however, result in increased welding fume emissions.

6.2.2 The employer shall provide for working positions, in which the exposure of the employees to the generated hazardous substances is low.

6.2.3 For compulsory technical reasons, clauses 6.1 and 6.2 may be deviated from.

Compulsary technical reasons are e.g.: − requirements for the quality of the welded joint, − available welding, cutting and allied processes, − manageability of the workpiece − type of welding task, e.g. series production, repair welding.

6.3 Ventilation measures

6.3.1 If emission cannot sufficiently be avoided by the selection of low emission processes or by technical protection measures, the employer shall take appropriate ventilation measures in compliance with the Hazardous Substances Ordinance taking due account of processes, materials and conditions of use.

Ventilation measures are appropriate, if they keep the breathing air of the employees free from hazardous substances by means of: − extraction at the point of origin or point of egress − forced room ventilation, − free ventilation

or − a combination of the above measures.

BGR 220

18

The suitability of a ventilation system may be verified by concentration measurements of the hazardous substances before and after installation of the ventilation system. For welding activities, no ventilation measures are required, if the generated hazardous substances are safely kept away from the breathing air of the employees. In confined spaces, appropriate ventilation measures are e.g. realised by extraction of the hazardous substances and by supply of fresh air. In welding and allied processes, generally appropriate ventilation measures are realised by the assignment to processes and materials listed in Tables 8 and 9. See BG Rules „Arbeitsplatzlüftung – Lufttechnische Maßnahmen“ (Workplace Ventilation – Ventilation Measures, BGR 121) and „Arbeiten in Behältern, Silos und engen Räumen“ (Working in containers, silos and confined spaces, BGR 117-1).

6.3.2 In the following tables 8 and 9, quantity and composition of hazardous substances are strongly dependant from the consumable (table 8), from the parent material (table 9) or from the cover, for oxy-fuel processes also from the fuel gas used.

6.3.3 Deviating from the data given in tables 8 and 9, more intense ventilation may be required or – when verified by measurement – less intense ventilation may be sufficient (table 10).

6.3.4 For welding fumes without carcinogenic substances, air recirculation is permitted, if the extracted air is sufficiently cleaned from hazardous substances. A separation is considered as sufficient, if the concentration of the substances in the re-circulated air does not exceed 1/5 of the relevant air limit values and the maximum percentage of the re-circulated air in the supply air does not exceed 70%.

6.3.5 If the welding fumes contain carcinogenic hazardous substances – like nickel oxide or chromium(IV) compounds – the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances „Luftrückführung beim Umgang mit krebserzeugenden Gefahrstoffen“ (Air recirculation during handling of carcinogenic substances, TRGS 560) shall be observed with respect to air recirculation.

Type tested mobile welding fume extraction devices of welding fume separation class „W3“ fulfill the conditions for a clean air recirculation according to TRGS 560, if they have been tested by the Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz (BG Institute for occupational safety and health, BGIA) and are published in the BGIA Handbook under technical group „510215 – Mobile welding fume extraction devices – positive list”. For devices of separation class „W2“, the restrictions of use listed in the test certificate shall be observed.

6.3.6 For a routing of the exhaust air flow to the open, the Federal Control of Pollution Act is valid.

Emission limit values see Technical instructions to air quality control (TA Luft).

6.3.7 Extraction equipment with mobile capture elements is only effective, if the capture elements are continuously fed along with the progress of work.

BGR 220

19

Filler metal

Process unalloyed and low-alloy steel,

aluminium materials

high-alloy steel, non-ferrous

materials (except for aluminium –base materials)

Welding at

coated material

Gas welding T A A

Manual metal arc welding A A A

MIG-, MAG welding A A A

TIG welding - with non-thoriated

tungsten electrodes

T

T

T

- with thoriated tungsten electrodes

A A A

Submerged arc welding T T T

Laser cladding A A -

Thermal spraying A A -

A = extraction at the point of origin of the hazardous substances T = forced (mechanical) ventilation

Table 8 Ventilation in rooms for processes with filler metal

BGR 220

20

Parent material

Process

unalloyed and low-alloy steel,

aluminium materials

high-alloy steel, non-ferrous

materials (except for aluminium –base materials)

Coated materials

Flame heating, flame straightening

T T T

Flame hardening T - -

Flame spraying T - A

Flame cutting T* A T*

Flame grooving A - T

Scarfing A -

TIG welding - with non-thoriated

tungsten electrodes

T

T

T

- with thoriated tungsten electrodes

A A A

Laser welding A A A

Laser cutting A A A

Plasma cutting (without water cover)

A A A

Arc air gouging Arc oxygen cutting

A A A

Flash butt welding A A A

Other resistance welding processes

F T T

* Digressively, for automated flame cutting equipment A is valid A = extraction at the point of origin of the hazardous substances T = forced (mechanical) ventilation

Table 9 Ventilation in rooms for processes without filler material

More intensive ventilation may be necessary for e.g.

Less intense ventilation may be sufficient for e.g.

- especially small gas flow rates

- especially high gas flow rates - especially low current intensities

- especially high current intensities - favourable spatial conditions e.g. high halls, favourable flow conditions

- Contamination of workpiece surfaces - favourable flow conditions (e.g. for roof openings and air supply in the floor area)

- unfavourable spatial conditions, (e.g. confined spaces, unfavourable flow conditions)

- Coatings for which a neutral expertise verified that hazardous substances are only generated in low quantities

Table 10 Criteria for the selection of the ventilation

BGR 220

21

6.3.8 In many work areas, soldering and brazing fumes are extracted at the point of origin because of their irritant effects. For this purpose, hood extraction or tip extraction is used.

See as well investigation report „Lötrauchemissionen beim Weichlöten“ (Soldering fume emission) BIA-Projekt 3060, www.hvbg.de/d/bia/pro/pro1/pr3060.html.

6.4 Control of the efficiency of protective measures

The efficiency of the protective measure taken shall be verified, this may as well require measurements of, e.g. key components.

See as well article 7 para 1 No. 8 and article 8 para 2 sentence 3 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

6.5 Personal protective equipment

6.5.1 If the effect of the protective measures listed in clauses 6.1 to 6.4 is not sufficient or technically impossible, the employer shall provide suitable respiratory protective devices for the protection of the employee and the latter shall use this equipment.

6.5.2 For welding activities without sufficient ventilation and in confined spaces, the following respiratory protective devices may be used: − hose breathing apparatus, − self contained breathing apparatus, e.g. compressed air breathing apparatus,

or − filtering devices or powered filtering devices with filters of the kind (filter class

and filter type) required under the relevant circumstances for welding activities, if sufficient oxygen is present in the surrounding atmosphere (at least 17% by volume, when using CO filters at least 19% by volume).

Particle filtering devices are respiratory protective masks with particle filter class P2 or P3 or particle filtering half masks FFP 2 or FFP3. Specific filters may as well be used for gases (as combined filters).

6.5.3 Persons wearing respiratory protective devices shall be checked according to the BG Principle for occupational medical check-ups G 26 „Atemschutzgeräte“ (respiratory protective devices). This requirement is obsolete when respiratory protective devices are used weighing less than 3 kg and without breathing resistance, e.g. air vented welder’s helmets.

See as well − BG Rule „Benutzung von Atemschutzgeräten“ (Use of respiratory protective

devices, BGR 190), − BG Information Sheet „Zertifizierte Atemschutzgeräte“ (Certified respiratory

protective devices, BGI 693).

6.5.4 If filtering devices are used for work activities with open flame or for activities generating welding splashes and flying sparks, the respiratory protective filters are in danger of catching fire – at first without being noticed. In the filter, fume gases (especially CO und CO2) with lethal effects may be formed. Therefore, appropriate measures shall be taken, which prevent inflammation of the filters. Appropriate measures are e.g. small mashed metal sieves in front of the suction openings of filtering devices, preventing penetration of welding splashes and sparks

BGR 220

22

7 Preventive occupational medical check-ups

7.1 For certain work activities it is necessary to carry out preventive occupational medical check-ups in addition to the required technical prevention measures. Thus, employees have to be examined before take-up of the work and then in regular periods. This requirement especially applies to workers exposed to carcinogenic substances.

See Article 15 and Annex V No. 2 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. See „Auswahlkriterien für die spezielle arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorge nach dem Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Grundsatz für arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorgeuntersuchungen; Schweißrauche“ (Selection criteria for special occcupational medical care according to the BG Principle for occupational medical check-ups, BGI 504-39).

7.2 If a welding fume concentration of 3 mg/m³ is exceeded, preventive occupational medical check-ups according to the BG Principle for occupational medical check-ups G 39 „Welding Fumes“ shall be carried out. If this concentration is complied with, such preventive check-ups shall be offered.

See BG Principle for preventive occupational medical check-ups G 39 „Welding Fumes“.

7.3 For exposure to chromium(VI) compounds, nickel oxide and cadmium oxide preventive occupational medical check-ups according to the BG Principle for occupational medical check-ups G 15 „Chromium(VI) compounds“or G 38 „Nickel or its compounds“ shall be carried out. For cadmium, no Principle is available at present. Even after the employee does no longer carry out the above activities, relevant preventive occupational medical check-ups shall be offered.

See Article 16 para 1 and Annex V No 1 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

7.4 For exposure to other carcinogenic substances, preventive occupational medical check-ups shall be offered.

See Article 16 para 3 and Annex V No. 2.2 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

7.5 If welding fumes contain hazardous substances with substance specific limit values, additional preventive occupational medical check-ups might be necessary or should be offered.

8 Operating instructions

8.1 The employer shall prepare operating instructions for welding activities according to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. The operating instructions shall be made available to the workers in a comprehensible form and language.

8.2 When preparing operating instructions, work area related and substance related hazards shall be taken into account according to article 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

Information on the preparation see Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances „Betriebsanweisung und Unterweisung“ (Operating instructions and guidance, TRGS 555).

BGR 220

23

An example for operating instructions according to Article 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance is given in Annex 4 for „Manual metal arc welding with covered electrodes containing chromium/nickel in a container“. In Annex 3, an example for „Flame heating and straightening inside a ship tank“ is given.

9 Fume data sheet

The international standard DIN EN ISO 15011-4 „Health and safety in welding and allied processes - Laboratory method for sampling fume and gases - Part 4: Fume data sheets“ specifies requirements for the determination of the emission rate and the chemical composition of welding fume in order to enable the preparation of fume data sheets. These data may be used for an assessment of welding fume exposure as part of a hazard evaluation.

The contents of a fume data sheet conforming to the standard is given in Annex 5.

BGR 220

24

Annex 1

Determination of the key component in the welding fume

Example 1: MMA welding with covered electrodes

Source: BG Information Sheet: Welding activities with chromium and nickel alloy filler and parent materials (BGI 855)

As for the A dust fraction, a concentration of 3 mg/m3 is specified (state January 2005) which is as well the upper limit of the total welding fume concentration at the workplace, this value is integrated into the further calculation as follows:

Occupational limit values (mg/m³) Welding fume component: 4,0 % Cr (VI) -

10 % F- 2,5 49 % Fe 3 3 % Mn 0,5 0,32 % Ni -

The welding fume concentration is calculated with the formula

SRK = i

i

CGW 100⋅

With SRK welding fume concentration (mg/m³) GWi substance specific occupational limit value of the relevant welding

fume components (mg/m³) Ci percentage of the component „i“ in the welding fume

In this formula, the upper limit for SRK = 3 mg/m3. In the following, the new „GWi“ for each substance is calculated and called „concentration“.

BGR 220

25

Concentration Cr(VI) = 10043 ⋅

= 0,12 mg/m3

Concentration F = 100103 ⋅

= 0,3 mg/m3

Concentration Fe =100493 ⋅

= 1,47 mg/m3

Concentration Mn = 10033 ⋅

= 0,09 mg/m3

Concentration Ni = 10032,03 ⋅

= 0,0096 mg/m3

The results show that the concentrations of the fluorides (F), manganese and iron are much lower than their valid occupational limit values while Cr(VI) and nickel (oxide) are the only critical substances, the calculated concentration of Cr(VI) being higher than the nickel concentration. Thus, Cr(VI) is the component to be chosen as key component for this substance mixture for monitoring.

BGR 220

26

Determination of the key component in the welding fume

Example 2: MAG welding with tubular covered electrode according to DIN EN 12 535

In the test in accordance with the requirements in DIN EN ISO 15011-4 the following welding fume composition resulted for welding with tubular covered electrode:

Occupational limit values (mg/m³)

Welding fume component: 2 % F 2,5 24,5 % Fe 3 8,0- % Mn 0,5 0,17 % Cu -- 0,2 % Ni -

The welding fume concentration is calculated with the formula

SRK = i

i

CGW 100⋅

SRKF = 2,5 x 100 = 12,2 mg/m3 20,5 SRK Fe = 3 x 100 = 12,25 mg/m3

BGR 220

27

24,5 SRK Mn = 0,5 x 100 = 6,25 mg/m3 8,0 As the lowest calculated concentration is 6,2 mg/m3 for „Mn“,”Mn”is the key component in the welding fume in this example. If the welding fume concentration of 6,2 mg/m3 is not reached, all components in the welding fume are below their relevant limit values. According to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, a concentration of 3 mg/m³ is the upper limit for monitoring at the workplace.

This welding fume concentration corresponds to the following concentrations of individual components: Conc. Fe= 0,735 mg/m³; Conc. F = 0,615 mg/m³, Conc. Mn = 0,24 mg/m³; Conc. Cu = 0,005 ; Conc. Ni = 0,006 (for Cu and Ni, the previously valid values were considered).

The results show that the concentrations of fluorides, iron and manganese are much lower then their occupational limit values. Copper and nickel are as well far below the previous limit values. Thus, manganese shall be chosen as key component for monitoring.

BGR 220

28

Annex 2

BGR 220

29

Annex 3

Example for operating instructions

(COMPANY NAME)

Operating Instructions No: …..

WORKING AREA: Shipbuilding, Construction of vessels and apparatus

WORKPLACE: Confined spaces, e.g. raised access floor

ACTIVITY: Flame heating, flame straighteningHAZARDS FOR MAN AND ENVIRONMENT

1. Poisoning, even with a time delay of up to three days after exposure to nitrous gases with missing air exchange (Nausea, breathlessness, lung oedema, death); Attention: Effects may still occur up to 72 hours after exposure!

2. Inflammation of clothing by excess of oxygen (Leakage at hoses/hose connection, blowpipes)

PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND RULES OF BEHAVIOUR - Use of ventilation equipment for the exhaust of hazardous substances - Avoiding freely burning flames during work interruptions - Use of low-flammability protective suits - Visual inspection of hoses/hose connections for leakages prior to the start of activities - Removal of hoses including blowpipes/separation from the extraction point for longer work

interruptions (breaks) BEHAVIOUR IN CASE OF FAILURE

- Failure of ventilation: interrupt work at once, leave confined space - Light-backs, leakages: stop working, repair damages - First signs of adverse health effects (dizziness, nausea, breathlessness): stop working, leave

confined space BEHAVIOUR IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS; FIRST AID

In case of adverse health effects - stop working at once - see first aider or - call doctor (Dr. ….. in ….., Tel. …../…..)² First aider on site: Mr. ….., Tel. ….. Beginning fires shall be fought with suitable measures like the use of fire extinguishers

MAINTENANCE, DISPOSAL Damaged devices to be checked/repaired by competent persons

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-OBSERVANCE Damages to health: severe poisoning, severe burning Consequences under the labour law

Date: __________

Signature: Release: _______________ Shop committee: ________________

1- These instructions for use are an example and shall be adapted to the relevant case. 2- To be found out by the employer prior to start of work and to be included in the instructions for use. Instruct employees.

BGR 220

30

Annex 4

Example for operating instructions

(Company name) Operating Instructions

according to article 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinances

No. …

1. Scope Work zone/activity: Chemical apparatus construction

Workplace: Vessel construction Activity: Manual metal arc welding with covered

chromium/nickel containing rod electrodes inside the vessel

2. Designation of hazardous substances

Welding fume with carcinogenic portions of

chromium(VI) compounds and nickel oxides

3. Hazards for man and environment - Inhalation of welding fume with carcinogenic portions - Irritation of the respiratory tract (sputum, shortage of breath, bronchitis) - Irritation of mucous membranes of stomach and respiratory tract due to fluorides (basic electrodes) - damage to kidneys (chromium(VI) compounds) - allergic reactions of the skin (nickel oxide)

4. Protective measures and rules of behaviour

- effective extraction of hazardous substances at the point of origin. (correct positioning of the capture element, steady feed)

- additional forced ventilation (air supply and exhaust)³ - use of respiratory protective devices independent form the ambient air (self- contained closed-circuit devices) - dust free filter exchange for extraction equipment - thorough cleaning of extraction equipment prior to repair and testing work - do not eat, drink and smoke at the workplace ³ - clean face and hands prior to breaks and after end of shift

5. Behaviour in case of danger Emergency call: …²

- In case of failure interrupt work and inform superiors. - Take up work only after remedy of the failure.

6. First Aid Emergency call: …²

In case of … and of injuries or other accidents: - stop working immediately - see first aider or - call doctor (Dr. ….. in ….., Tel. …../…..)² First aider on site Mr.: ….., Tel. …..

7. Appropriate disposal - Dust-tight packing of filter and filter dust for disposal (hazardous/industrial waste)

Date:

Signature/release: Shop steward:

BGR 220

31

1 These operating instructions are an example and have to be adapted to the relevant case. 2 To be determined prior to start of work and to be included in the operating instructions. Instruct employees. 3 These measures are necessary, if the extraction system is insufficient or cannot be used. According to TRGS 402 they are not

necessary if compliance with the limit values is verified. 4 If the selection criteria according to BGI 504-26/BGR 190 are complied with.

BGR 220

32

Annex 5

Excerpt from DIN EN ISO 15011-4

Annex A (normative)

Welding fume data sheet Manufacturer/supplier: Address:

Date of issue or validation: Trade name of the consumable: Type of consumable:

Standards to which the consumable was manufactured:

Date of test report: Test laboratory:

Observations of the test laboratory:

Test conditions

Parameter Test conditions

Diameter of the consumable (mm)

Current intensity (A)

Voltage (V)

Polarity (dc+/ac/dc-)

Gas type

Gas flow (l/min)

Welding rate (mm/min)

Material of test piece

Current source: Type, manufacturer and model

Blowpipe: Manufacturer, model and diameter of gas curtain (mm)

Distance contact nozzle/workpiece (mm)

Wire feed rate (mm/s)

BGR 220

33

Fume emission rate and data on the chemical composition in compliance with EN ISO 15 011-4

Fume emission rate (mg/s and g/h)

Main and key components of the fume Chemical composition

(% in weight)

BGR 220

34

Annex 6

Regulations and rules

In the following, the pertinent regulations and rules, which shall particularly be observed, are listed. 1. Laws, ordinances

(Source of supply: Book selling trade or Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln)

Arbeitsschutzgesetz, Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz, Betriebssicherheitsverordnung, Gefahrstoffverordnung mit zugehörigen Technischen Regeln für Gefahrstoffe, insbesondere

TRGS 402 „Ermittlung und Beurteilung der Konzentrationen gefährlicher Stoffe in der Luft in Arbeitsbereichen“,

TRGS 403 „Bewertung von Stoffgemischen in der Luft am Arbeitsplatz“, TRGS 555 „Betriebsanweisung und Unterweisung“, TRGS 560 „Luftrückführung beim Umgang mit krebserzeugenden Gefahrstoffen“, TRGS 900 „Grenzwerte in der Luft am Arbeitsplatz; Luftgrenzwerte“, TRGS 903 „Biologische Arbeitstoleranzwerte – BAT-Werte“.

2. BG Regulations, Rules and Information Sheets for occupational health and safety

Source of supply: responsible Berufsgenossenschaft or Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln.

− Accident prevention regulations − Grundsätze der Prävention (BGV A1), − Arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorge (BGV A4), − Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsschutzkennzeichnung am Arbeitsplatz (BGV A8),

− BG-Rules − Arbeiten in Behältern, Silos und engen Räumen (BGR 117-1), − Arbeitsplatzlüftung – Lufttechnische Maßnahmen (BGR 121), − Benutzung von Atemschutzgeräten (BGR 190), − Betreiben von Arbeitsmitteln (BGR 500), insbesondere Kapitel 2.26 „Schweißen,

Schneiden und verwandte Verfahren“; online version siehe http://www.hvbg.de (Webcode: 572676)

− BG Informationen Sheets − Auswahlkriterien für die spezielle arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorge nach dem

berufsgenossenschaftlichen Grundsatz für arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorgeuntersuchungen; Schweißrauche (BGI 504-39),

− Schadstoffe in der Schweißtechnik (BGI 593), − Beurteilung der Gefährdung durch Schweißrauche (BGI 616), − Zertifizierte Atemschutzgeräte (BGI 693), − Nitrose Gase beim Schweißen, Schneiden und bei verwandten Verfahren (BGI 743),

BGR 220

35

− Umgang mit thoriumoxidhaltigen Wolframelektroden beim Wolfram-Inertgasschweißen [WIG] (BGI 746),

− Schweißtechnische Arbeiten mit chrom- oder nickellegierten Zusatz- oder Grundstoffen (BGI 855),

− BG/BGIA-Empfehlungen für die Gefährdungsbeurteilung nach der Gefahrstoffverordnung - Wolfram-Inertgas-Schweißen (WIG-Schweißen)“ (BGI 790-012).

3. Standards

Source of supply: Beuth Verlag GmbH, Burggrafenstraße 6, 10787 Berlin.

DIN EN 481 Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre; Festlegung der Teilchengrößenverteilung zur Messung luftgetragener Partikel

Workplace atmospheres; size fraction definitions for measurement of airborne particles,

DIN EN ISO 15011-4 Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz beim Schweißen und verwandten Verfahren; Laborverfahren zum Sammeln von Rauchen und Gasen; Teil 4: Schweißrauchdatenblätter

Health and safety in welding and allied processes - Laboratory method for sampling fume and gases - Part 4: Fume data sheets,

DIN EN ISO10882-1 Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz beim Schweißen und bei verwandten Verfahren; Probennahme von partikelförmigen Stoffen und Gasen im Atembereich des Schweißers; Teil 1: Probennahme von partikelförmigen Stoffen

Health and safety in welding and allied processes - Sampling of airborne particles and gases in the operator's breathing zone - Part 1: Sampling of airborne particles,

DIN EN ISO 10882-2 Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz beim Schweißen und bei verwandten Verfahren; Probennahme von partikelförmigen Stoffen und Gasen im Atembereich des Schweißers; Teil 1: Probennahme von Gasen

Health and safety in welding and allied processes - Sampling of airborne particles and gases in the operatior's breathing zone – Part 2: Sampling of gases,

DIN EN 29454-1 Flussmittel zum Weichlöten; Einteilung und Anforderungen; Teil 1: Einteilung, Kennzeichnung und Verpackung (ISO 9454-1:1990)

Soft soldering fluxes; classification and requirements; part 1: classification, labelling and packaging (ISO 9454-1:1990).

BGR 220

36

Information:

Since April 1999, all new publications of the BG Regulations and Rules are available under new names and order numbers.

The new order number can be taken from a so-called transfer list of the HVBG; see http://www.hvbg.de/d/pages/praev/vorschr/

As to older accident prevention regulations for the so-called ancient machine stock, until now listed under VBG numbers or to regulations, safety rules and information sheet, listed until now under ZH 1 numbers, which remain valid until revision, see internet versions of the HVBG

„http://www.hvbg.de/bgvr“.