PORTABLE SOLUTIONS
PORTABLE WELDING FUME EXTRACTORS: A VERSATILE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL FABRICATION ENVIRONMENT
W
elding is essential in industries such as automotive and
construction. However, it produces hazardous fumes that contain harmful particles and gases, such as manganese and hexavalent chromium. Welding fumes pose serious
health risks, including lung cancer, neurological damage, and chronic respiratory problems. They can also cause acute conditions like metal fume fever. Workers near welding operations are at risk, and fumes can spread to affect others nearby. In 2019, the HSE clarified that no
level of welding fume exposure is safe. Employers are legally required to control exposure. Since then, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) has been mandatory where reasonably practicable for welding operations. Portable welding fume extractors
make it easy to provide effective fume extraction, regardless of operation size. These units are flexible, convenient, and compact, ensuring safety and compliance. Here are example scenarios of how they can be used:
Small Workshops and Startups With space at a premium, and modest budgets available, portable extractors allow businesses to implement compliant fume extraction without investing in a permanent
infrastructure. Portable units are easy to store, transport and quick to deploy as required, making them a cost-effective and practical solution for startups and small-scale businesses.
Medium-Sized Fabrication Units Businesses with multiple welding stations may need flexibility, which is where portable extractors come in. They can easily be moved between work areas, making it easy to provide effective, compliant extraction wherever welding tasks are performed. The adaptability is desirable for medium-sized workshops, due to frequently reorganising their layouts and introducing new projects.
Large Industrial Environments Even in larger-scale fabrication facilities that have fixed LEV systems, portable extractors play a role as a supplementary solution. Ideal for temporary welding setups, maintenance, or work in areas that are not covered by the existing LEV infrastructure. Their portability allows for compliance and worker safety no matter where fabrication is being undertaken.
The Benefits of Welding Fume Extraction Welding fume extraction is essential to reduce exposure risks. A good extractor provides the following benefits:
18 / WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 01 - JANUARY 2025
• Health and Safety Compliance: Portable welding fume extractors make it easier for businesses to adhere to UK regulations, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), by minimising exposure to hazardous fumes.
• Improved Air Quality: Fume extractors effectively remove harmful particles and gases from the air, creating a safer environment for welders and surrounding colleagues.
• Enhanced Productivity: Cleaner air leads to fewer health-related absences and a more productive workforce.
• Flexibility and Convenience: Portable units are versatile and are easily moved between workstations, making them ideal for dynamic or space-constrained environments.
• Protecting Equipment: Removing airborne contaminants also reduces the risk of equipment damage that can be caused by fume deposits.
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