The dangers of Hardox

Hi all,

I have recently been working with sheets of 4mm hardox 400 and presumed the fumes given of during welding and grinding were about as dangerous as normal mild steel.

But recently I found out the hard way that it can be dangerous to humans, Ive had burns up my arms witch I presumed were from the light given of by the welder but then went rather dazed after welding which I couldn€™t explain. Also I€™ve heard of cases were Peoples skin dries out and they get a fever.

Just thought I should post something to tell people that this wanted material is dangerous to work with, and that you should take as many precautions as possible when working with it (common sense I know but it sometimes gets forgotten) Is there a dangerous chemical in Hardox that we should be aware of? I hope this stops someone becoming ill.

Dave

Not to my knowledge.Hardox is a low alloyed kind of steel getting most of the strength by mechanical means. Not chemical compounds or especialy toxic metals.
Maybe the coating on the hardox?

Did you also welded any zinc coated steel? As zinc fumes are known to cause flu like symptomes.

My college at work gets the same sympomes. Skin rash, easely burned, even fever just by welding with a part of his skin exposed. me on the other side, I do most of the small welding whout gloves. Only ali makes me cringe and grab every protection you can imagine.

No zinc plating. Brand new plain box section

I dont have sensitive skin, I also very rarely use gloves and arm protection and I havnt been damaged by normall mig welding of mild steels before. This will mean sandblasting the coating of before use I suppose.

Has anyone else had these problems when welding hardox?...

Well i have had some interesting smells and runny noses from grinding hardox.

I am sure it is the coating on the surface that gives it its side affects.

I have cut and welded huge amounts of this material with no ill effects to me. That doesnt mean to say that others wont be affected. All hot metal work carries risks and the correct type of clothing and protection should always be used. There is no one responsible for your safety except yourself. Be warned !


Mike

http://healthychristianliving.com/more%20on%20uv.htmhttp://healthychristianliving.com/more%20on%20uv.htm

Take a look at that.

Mike

I know that you would never lead anyone astray but I hope that advice is serious and correct because their advice on other health issues borders on the ludicrous and is heavily into advertising its own health products and beliefs - it is an American christian fundamentalist website after all.

Mike, the main difference between You, Gary, Dave and me is age. It seems the more mature persons get less trouble.
Karoline, could you help me welding hardox?

Karoline, I do think that you missed the point of the link. I referenced that site because it showed a link to Ultra Violet radiation and the symptoms that others have been having. Obviously people who weld should wear substantial protective clothing when welding. Gauntlets and thick over garments as well as a full head helmet that protects the throat and neck should be worn. Ultra Violet rays pass through many types of cloths so protective clothing has to be chosen carefully.

With reference to that site. Maybe I should look a little better at what the site is before I link it. But it also shows that there are also benefits to UV rays as well.

Mike.

Prolonged exposure to UV produced by welding can
cause premature ageing of the Iris /Cornea of the eye,not only from direct arc impact but also reflected impact, this effect/danger, diminishes with distance from the arc,