Welding Fume Removal Solutions
✓ 3-stage Filtration
✓ Heavy-Gauge, Powder-Coated Steel
✓ Flexible Capture Arm
✓ Powder-Coated Steel Shell
✓ Flexible Capture Arm
✓ Stays in Place
✓ Hands-Free Operation
✓ Safest Collection Method
✓ Doubles as a Workstation
✓ Tough, Rotating Flanged Hood
✓ External Articulation
✓ Strong Metal Construction
✓ Powerful Motor
✓ 3-Stage Filtration
✓ HEPA Afterfilters & Hood
✓ 12ga Double Panel Construction
✓ Fire-Resistant Panels
✓ NFPA & OSHA compliant
11 Ways to Improve Welding Safety
1. Conduct hazard inspections regularly
Conducting hazard inspections regularly ensures that the work environment meets federal, state, and local regulations. Evaluate work practices to ensure employees are performing welding processes as safely and efficiently as possible.
2. Stay informed
Staying informed by reading welder and manufacturing manuals to guarantee that processes and operations are performed safely.
Employers and welders should both be knowledgeable about safety and procedural information. If a manual has been misplaced, search for it online or contact that manufacturer to request a new one.
3. Routine training
Routine training enables everyone in the workplace to remain knowledgeable about OSHA and NIOSH updates, new equipment, changes to current processes, improved safety measures, etc.
Unmistakably, machine operators will have a higher risk of becoming injured if they are unaware of the proper safety methods.
Awareness = safety in the workplace
4. Organizing the work area
By clearing out unnecessary tools, verifying that all supplies required by the welder are readily available, and labeling the areas where each piece of equipment belongs will streamline the welding process while leaving little room for clutter and tripping hazards.
5. Welding fume extractors
An easily adjustable and convenient way to remove harmful air and particulate before it reaches the breathing zone of machine operators.
• Welding fume extraction systems can range from fume arms to downdraft tables depending on the demands of your welding application.
• Welding fume extraction systems are designed to capture harmful fumes, smoke, and particulate matter at or near the source, before it can disperse into the breathing zone of the welders or other workers.
• Fume extraction arms or hoods are positioned close to the welding operation, typically within a few inches. These have a wide inlet to effectively capture the fumes and particulates as they are generated.
• For certain applications, downdraft tables are used instead of fume arms or hoods. Downdraft tables act as a workbench and extract welding fumes and smoke from below the project. The welding work is performed on a perforated surface on the table. Powerful fans create negative pressure beneath the surface, drawing the fumes and particulates downward through the holes and into the filter media.
6. 35-foot clearance around the welding area
Ensure that there is a 35-foot clearance around the welding area. If there is a fire hazard that can't be removed, the welding project must be relocated to a different area or the hazard must be covered with a non-flammable material.
7. Keep welding areas free of flammable materials and debris
Welding areas must remain completely free of any flammable materials or debris including cleaning products, cardboard boxes, paper, dust, dry leaves, wood, rags, solvents, paint, etc.
Working environments should implement designated welding areas that are designed to minimize fire risks.
8. Be aware of the work area
Be aware of everything that is happening in the work area. The more alert you are the quicker you can correct and/or prevent hazards.
Be Aware Of:
• Personal protection equipment
• Positioning of extraction equipment
• Bad posture
• Arc flashes
• Power cables
• Splashes or sparks in the ears, eyes or on the skin
• Noise and vibration exposure
• Coming into contact with electrically conductive equipment
9. Fill holes and cracks
Fill or cover holes, cracks, and other small openings where sparks and molten metal can become lodged (and travel up to 35-feet). When holes and cracks are left unnoticed, wedged sparks can go unseen for long periods before igniting.
It's important to identify trouble areas and fill or cover them with non-flammable materials, implement a welding screen, or move the welding project to a different area.
10. Keep and eye out for fumes and smoke
Be aware of fumes, smoke, and gases that may be passing your breathing zone while welding. Your work area should be properly ventilated and you must utilize appropriate protection to avoid inhaling harmful contaminants.
Combining proper ventilation and weld fume extractors is an effective way to reduce chronic and acute effects of toxic fumes.
11. Protect your skin!
When skin is exposed it quickly becomes vulnerable to damaging and powerful infrared and ultraviolet rays, as well as, a contact area for sparks.
Welders must ensure that shirt cuffs, collars, and front pockets are buttoned completely. Never weld with butane lighters or matches in your pocket in case of a fire.
The safety of your welding team depends on implementing and maintaining proper fume extraction systems and safety protocols. Whether you're upgrading your current setup or establishing new safety measures, our team of specialists can help evaluate your facility's needs and recommend the most effective solutions. Ready to enhance your workplace safety? Contact our experts today for a personalized consultation.
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