Hi All, I have been leaking hear for sometime reading all the mail and getting a few hints and tips for my work as a metals/ technology teacher here in Tasmania Australia. I have started to recycle damaged shopping trolleys (legally donated to the school). The question is: Will the students be in any danger if we MIG weld the chrome plated steel that is found in the shopping trolleys. We have a welding bay with extractors but is there any added risk or chemicals I should know about? Would any one know of a site that deals with this sort of thing? Thanks in advance John
Dangerous fumes
Jul 20, 2006
2 Replies
Well, welding zinc plated or galvanized metal is bad for you. I understand that welding cadmium plated metal is worse. Chromium is a heavy metal. I wouldn't subject myself to much of the fumes out of fear of becoming stupid(er)
A one time deal might be harmless, but in general welding much plated metal isn't a great idea IMO. And grinding it may be just as bad.
I tried that one!
The gas given off when welding shopping trolleys is unspeakably dangerous.
I was quite ill, and for some reason, very angry after MIG welding old trolley parts. And like Polymer Man says, probably a fair bit dumber.
Fume extractors, full face masks, clean breathing air would be a start. Better yet would be simply not doing it. Join the parts with bolts, with screws, with chicken wire. But I really really wouldn't use any form of heat on them.
In short: A Bad Idea.
Zed
Polymer Man wrote:
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