Gas Technology and Gas Piping
The working environment for welders must be designed in such a way that it does not harm their health or cause unnecessary accidents.
Þráinn Sigurðsson, CEO of Gastec, specializes in most things related to gas equipment, gas piping, and gas safety.
Gústaf Adólf Hjaltason, an expert in metal welding, spoke with Þráinn in the latest episode of Augnablik í iðnaði (A Moment in Industry) about the working environment for welders and developments in the industry.
Þráinn believes it is important to use so-called Mison gases in workshops, as they are healthier. Although slightly more expensive, he says it pays off in less fatigue and thus greater productivity as the day goes on. Employees have more energy throughout the day, and gas costs are relatively low in workshops, so in his opinion, managers should opt for this choice. “The cost of gas in the total cost of welding is small anyway, maybe two to three percent.”
Extraction is another factor that needs to be in good order, but there are also helmets with overpressure inside them, so the welder gets purified air compressed into the helmet. This is a complete revolution in Þráinn's opinion and greatly improves the working environment for welders. “This is essentially a relatively inexpensive way to improve a welder's working environment, to have these helmets,” says Þráinn, adding that the use of such helmets could be more widespread, and Gústaf agrees. Þráinn says the best way to arrange extraction is for it to be drawn down from the welding table itself or to be in an adjustable arm. He is not as keen on placing extraction above the welder, as is seen in some places. Protective equipment is also very important to prevent accidents and to protect the welder.
Þráinn believes there is considerable room for more automation in the metal industry than currently exists. This would create new opportunities to manufacture more products here in Iceland instead of having to turn to parties abroad. “In these manufacturing sectors, one would like to see more robotization, but there are not many companies here in the country that have reached that stage,” says Þráinn.
Gústaf and Þráinn then discuss the future and the potential for even further technological development in welding helmets to make welders' work easier. In that regard, the possibilities are endless and exciting.
