Official guidelines When Using Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes

The International Institute of Welding Health and Safety Commission VIII states that there are no specific hazards regarding storage, handling or welding but dust extraction equipment should be used on the grindstone and respiratory protection should be worn by the operator during grinding. This is covered by the Health and Safety Executive Guidance note HS(6) 53 The selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

In the UK the use of thoriated tungsten electrodes is subject to the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999. Exposure must be kept as low as is reasonably practicable, and the guidelines in the previous sections are designed to achieve this.

Local rules and adequate supervision are required. The employer must appoint a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS), who should be responsible for

Firs,the implementation and monitoring of all health and safety procedures for the storage, grinding, use and disposal of thoriated tungsten electrodes and all by-products.
Second, keeping records of the amount of thoriated tungsten in store, and the numbers of electrodes issued to each welder.
Third, giving instruction in the correct use and grinding procedures to the welders. These procedures should be in the form of written instructions, in addition to verbal presentations. The welders must know the name to the RPS.
Fourth, monitoring to check that the welders are carrying out the grinding procedures correctly, and that the dust extraction system is working effectively.

 

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