In the hierarchy of control, the most reliable control measure after elimination and substitution is isolating people from the hazard using engineer controls. When it comes to welding fumes, this includes local exhaust ventilation including portable and stationary fume extractors, extraction arms with centralised collectors and fume extraction guns that can help capture and remove fumes at their source before they reach a welders breathing zone.
Fume extractors
Welding is a safe occupation when sufficient measures are taken to protect the welder from potential hazards. A fume extractor utilises a fan to pull fumes into a filtration system to clean the air of harmful chemicals and particulates. The contaminated air is cleaned through a filter before being returned back into the room once clean.
When it comes to welding fume extraction, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are a host of variables that will impact which solution is best, including the size of the materials being welded, the material type, the consumable choice, the welding process, as well as other work practices.
Fume extraction solutions from Lincoln Electric
Portable units
Lightweight, high vacuum, low volume portable systems are ideal for light-duty extraction and filtration of welding fume. Recommended for small shops or companies with few welding stations. Lightweight and small enough to be easily carried to the welding area.
Mobile units
Lightweight, low vacuum / high volume filtration systems designed for extraction and filtration of welding fume. Ideal for facilities that require welding fume extraction in multiple locations, including maintenance departments, general fabrication and job shops, and industrial welding environments.
*Having a qualified professional conduct a systematic industrial hygiene assessment of worker exposures abd site evaluation to determine the best fume control measures is critical.
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Lincoln Electric Mobiflex 400-MS Welding Fume Extractor
- Low vacuum system for welding fume extraction and filtration
- Small size makes it ideal for light to medium duty fume extraction in variable locations
- Front casters and rear wheel for mobility
- Ideal for facilities including maintenance departments, general fabrication and job shops and industrial welding environments
- Generour 735 CFM Airflow
- Ideal for Stick, TIG, MIG and Flux-Cored processes
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Lincoln Electric Miniflex Portable Fume Extractor
- Lightweight, high vacuum, low volume portable system
- Specifically designed for the light duty extraction and filtration of welding fume
- Current sensor offers automating start / stop capability by sensing welding current
- Quiet operation
- Ideal for Stick (light duty), TIG, MIG and Flux-cored (light duty) processes
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Time to rethink your approach to welding fumes?
Follow our easy guide 'Clearing the Air on Welding Fumes' to ensure you are managing risks and worker exposure for your application. Our guide explores:
- Workplace exposure standards.
- Managing dangerous levels of exposure.
- Short-term and long-term health implications.
- Applying the hierarchy of control to welding risks.
- Suitability of fume extractors and choosing the best solution for your application.
- Suitability of personal protective equipment including disposable respirators, reusable respirators and powered air purifying respirators.