As time goes on, more industries are becoming familiar with the dangers around the inhalation of welding fumes by welders and those within their vicinity. Before, these dangers were unknown and safety precautions were not taken to stop health problems from occurring.
When employees are exposed to welding fumes, the particles make their way into the employee’s lungs via the windpipe. These fumes then travel to different parts of the lungs. The length of exposure to the fumes directly correlates to the extent of the damage caused to the employee’s health. Welding fumes have been labelled carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation and identified as a cause of lung cancer. Other health effects can range from irritation of the eye, nose and throat, as well as dizziness and nausea, to cancers, metal fume fever, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, nervous system damage and in some cases even Parkinson’s disease.
It has also been discovered that it is not only the welding fumes that can cause lung damage, but also the gases from the metals that are being welded. During welding gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, phosgene, hydrogen, formalin and cyanide can be emitted into the air, and inhaled causing extensive damage to the welder’s health.
In order to protect employees from the dangers of inhaling these fumes, a fume extraction system needs to be installed on the workshop floor. A dust collector helps to extract the emitted fumes from the air and transfer them away from the employees. Nederman dust collectors, supplied by Envirox, are able to provide a safe working environment for all welders and those working within their vicinity.
Nederman mobile units
- FilterBox is perfectly suitable for welding fumes and non-combustible dust extraction. It is a versatile unit which can be used as a stationary unit, on wheels or even mounted on the wall. It includes PW 13 replacement filter which is suitable to extract hazardous fumes and gases with 99% efficiency covering 13m2.
- FilterCart range includes stationary filter cartridges and can be fitted with a HEPA filter for maximum extraction efficiency. The range includes the FilterCart W3 portable extractor, which is designed to strict W3 legislation from BGIA, and ensures reliable extraction and filtrations to an efficiency of 99%.
Nederman fixed units
- Original arm is suitable for welding fume extraction. The arm can swivel 360° and can manoeuvre in all directions. It can be mounted in combination with different brackets, extension arms, on exhaust rails or onto fixed or mobile filter equipment. The hood is also able to tilt in all directions.
- NEX HD Arms is suitable for environments with heavy smoke, vapours and non-explosive dust. It fits in with heavy engineering workshops and metal fabrication operations and is built for high-temperatures and high airflow. The arm is balanced and can manoeuvre 360° to ensure easy, responsive arm placement and is available in 2m, 3m, 4m and 5m.
Both of the mentioned Nederman fixed units are installed with ducting, dust collector and extraction fan as a complete system.
Envirox understands the needs of industries when it comes to the extraction of welding fumes. Making the workshop floor a safe and healthy place to work is Envirox’s aim when providing all dust collector solutions. Envirox is available to discuss all dust collecting solutions to help create safe working environments.
