Industrial manufacturing fumes, vapors, mist, and gasses are dangerous when exposed to and can directly cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Businesses undertaking welding activities should ensure that HSE guidelines are adhered to, and adequate controls are provided to pass out the fumes coming ours from the industrial processes. The Workplace Health Expert committee has endorsed the classification of steel welding fume as a carcinogen.
These fumes can be controlled by directing the welding fumes using a Fume Extraction System.
Here is a guide for fume extraction systems:
There are various varieties of fume extraction system,namely:
1. Portable Fan and Extraction Hose
The extraction hose and portable fan provide extraction of hazardous fumes in confined spaces and other areas that are hard to reach. It is supplied with an extendable extraction hose. It is lightweight, has a magnetic foot, and has a maximum hose length of 10 metres.
2. Portable Fume Extractor
The portable fume extractor is a high vacuum fume extractor that is equipped with dual motors and a start-stop switch. The fume goes through the HEPA filter cartridge and activated carbon air filter. Due to the wheels and handle it is equipped with, it is suitable for small workshops.
3. Fume Torch and PHV Extractor Package
This is a portable fume extractor along with an air-cooled fume torch. The fume extraction torch offers effective fume extraction from the source and guarantees smoke removal. The torch pulls the fume to the high-powered vacuum, which passes through the air filters.
4. Mobile Unit with a disposable filter and arm
The mobile fume extraction system with an integrated fan, aluminum spark arrester, and disposable filter cartridges allows precise fume removal. They are the largest filter surface in the market.
The different modes of extraction of fumes are:
- Ambient collection – the roof acts as a hood
- Source collection – using an extraction arm
- Hood collection – work is confined within a hood
- Downdraft collection – fume pulled from underneath the work table
Before buying a fume extraction system, it is necessary to take necessary research based on the need, size of the work area, and type of work. For this, a fume extraction system guide, as such, serves as a vital reference. The dangers of solder and welding fumes are hazardous to one’s health, so having a fume extraction system guide in the workspace proves to be a necessity.