Preliminary Measurement of Welding Fumes in Automotive Plants

The preliminary measurement of welding fumes was conducted by means to get firsthand experience and understanding the welding fumes issues in automotive assembly plant in Malaysia. Personal sampling pumps were provided to a human welder of highest risk in the assembly section. Series of direct reading measurement for area sampling of particulate matters 2.5µm or less in diameter size (P.M 2.5 ), toxic gases and temperature were also conducted at the same time. The welding fumes sample were then analyze by scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Questionnaires were distributed to the welders for questionnaire's pilot test purpose in order to determine welder's knowledge on welding hazards and persistent symptom experience by each welder. Results of the study show that welding fumes contains the highest element of cobalt and nickel. Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and ammonia level were well below the standard level. Results from the mean score questionnaire analysis shows the welders posses limited knowledge of welding fumes hazard and not sure of the health effects of welding fumes There are eight persistent symptoms that had been experience by at least 50% of the welder. This preliminary study had successfully identified suggestion and alteration towards the actual measurement that will be conduct on the next stage.