RT - Journal Article T1 - Design and Invention of Semiautomatic Weld Mask Capable to Protect Visual and Respiratory Systems Against Metal Vapour and Radiations Caused by Welding JF - sjimu YR - 2007 JO - sjimu VO - 15 IS - 2 UR - http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-29-en.html SP - 26 EP - 31 K1 - Safety K1 - Worker K1 - Mask K1 - Pollutant AB - Abstract Introduction: Safety and hygiene are of considerable importance to a healthy life. They guarantee people`s protection against disease and fatal dangers. Having knowledge about the environmental pollutants helps to realize how hazardous these harms are and can result in providing the ground to develop an economically and technically proper technology. Examples of dangerous elements at workshops are fume, smoke and vapour rising from electrical arch which expose workers to health risk factors. Therefore, for controlling such pollutants, we have to use appropriate technology materials & procedures. The semiautomatic weld mask with capability of protecting eyesight and breathing system against metal vapour and radiations during welding controls the rays from electrical arches and prevents the rising fume form being breathed in by workers. Materials & Methods: Invention of this mask has been developed academically at Ilam Medical University. The fiberglass part of this specifically shaped mask is placed on the chest and prevents the dense fume with high rate of pollutants to be breathed by workers. However, this mask has a fixable length from both sides which is higher than the vertical position of the worker`s nape. The quality of this mask considering its two-sided feature and suitable length helps workers breathe less-dense fume and by blocking the way of dense fume upward, also decreases the pollutants and facilitates the way of fresh air from behind. The density of fume is less in comparison to that moving in front of the worker`s heads. This mask is registered in the national invention registeration department with the registration number 33786. Conclusion: The invented mask was examined. Considering the investigative results, using this mask can decrease a high amount of pollutants in the air workers breathe in. Furthermore, harmful rays such as infrared and ultraviolet will not strike worker`s eyes anymore. The shortage of desired technology in our province and high expenses in other cities of Iran were, unfortunately, the significant reasons for not developing such an essential device. LA eng UL http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-29-en.html M3 ER -