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spray transfer mode, which requires using higher voltage. While that is a bene? t in most welding applications — it produces less spatter and welds faster — when welding primer-coated paint, it is a dis- advantage because it won’t help remove the zinc from the weld pool as well. Also, metal-cored wire is limited to ? at and horizontal welding, due to the ? uidity of its weld pool, unless paired with a power source that is capable of pulse welding; it can then be used out of position.

INIMIZING VEREXPOSURE

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Most importantly, primer-coated steel can expose welding operators to fumes and gases during the weld- ing process. Steel coatings and paints often contain materials that can cause harmful overexposure when breathed.

As a result, the joining of some coated steel requires special types of ventila- tion and, in some cases, for welding operators to wear a respirator for op- timal safety. Safety tips to consider – taken directly from the Safety and

Health Fact Sheet No. 34, April 2014,

American Welding Society – when welding primer-coated steel include: • Always refer to the SDS for the type of material being welded. • Be certain that there is adequate ventilation to control the weld fume and keep • any contaminants below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) set forth by • OSHA and the TLV guidelines provided by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). • Monitor air quality in areas where welding of primer-coated steel occurs. A certi? ed industrial hygienist can perform this task. • Consider the use of additional personal protective equipment such as a puri? ed air powered respirator (PAPR). • Train welding operators to keep their head out of the weld plume when welding. www.marinelink.com

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