Welding Fume Extractors

Fume extractors, also known as fume hoods or extraction filters, are devices used to remove harmful airborne contaminants, gases, vapours, or particulates from a workspace.

Watch a weld fume extractor demo on Nederman's YouTube channel here.

Using a fume extractor typically involves the following steps:

• Preparation: Before using the fume extractor, ensure that the device is properly set up and positioned near the source of fumes or contaminants. Make sure that the extractor's hood or enclosure is positioned correctly to capture the fumes effectively.
• Turn on: Start the fume extractor by switching on the power or pressing the appropriate controls. Some extractors may have adjustable settings for fan speed or airflow, so you may need to adjust these according to the level of fumes being generated.
• Positioning: Position your work area or the source of fumes directly under the extractor hood to ensure that the contaminants are captured efficiently. If working with a movable arm or hose attachment, position it close to the source of fumes for optimal suction.
• Perform job: Carry out your work activities as usual, ensuring that any potentially harmful fumes or contaminants are generated within the vicinity of the fume extractor.
• Monitor: Keep an eye on the airflow and effectiveness of the fume extractor during the process. If you notice any fumes escaping the hood or if the airflow seems inadequate, you may need to adjust the positioning of the extractor or increase the airflow settings.
• Shutdown: Once you have finished your work, turn off the fume extractor and ensure that any residual fumes or contaminants have been adequately removed from the workspace.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain the fume extractor according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the device. Things like cleaning filters, inspecting hoses and ducts for blockages, and checking for any signs of wear or damage are examples. You will also need a yearly LEV test to ensure the unit is up to standard and compliant with current HSE standards.

A fume extractor is used to remove various airborne contaminants, keeping your workspace safe. These include chemical fumes like solvents, welding and soldering fumes, and smoke and vapours from processes like cooking, printing and laser cutting. Some units are designed to extract particulate matter like dust and pollen, while others can also handle biological contaminants like bacteria, viruses and fungal spores.

Yes, using a fume extractor for welding is highly recommended to protect the health and safety of welders. Welding produces various hazardous fumes and particulates that can be harmful when inhaled. These fumes can contain a range of substances, including metal oxides, gases, and vapors, depending on the materials being welded.

Read more about requirements for fume extraction when welding on our blog.

Welding fumes are typically extracted using a combination of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems and fume extraction equipment. Here's how the extraction process generally works:

• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV): This involves positioning a hood or capture device close to the welding arc or the source of fumes. The hood captures the fumes as they are generated, containing them within a localised area. LEV systems can be stationary or portable, depending on the welding setup.
• Fume Extraction Equipment: Once captured by the hood, the welding fumes are then extracted using fume extraction equipment. This typically consists of a fan or blower that creates suction, pulling the fumes through ductwork or hoses connected to the hood.
• Filtration or Exhaust: The extracted welding fumes can be filtered using various methods to remove particulates and contaminants before being discharged. Some fume extraction systems utilise filters, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or activated carbon filters, capturing and trapping the fumes. Alternatively, the fumes may be exhausted directly outside the building through a ductwork system, provided local regulations allow for this method of disposal.

Proper ventilation and fume extraction are essential components of a comprehensive welding safety program.

The duration welding fumes remain in the air can vary depending on several factors. These include the type of welding process, the materials being welded, the ventilation system in place, and environmental conditions.

For example, stick and flux-cored welding produce more fumes when compared to TIG welding. Also materials that are coated or painted, will produce more fume due to the contaminants on the surface. The more fume produced, the longer it will stay in the air.

If someone has inhaled welding fumes and is experiencing symptoms or concerns, it's essential to take appropriate action. Here are steps to treat inhalation of welding fumes:

• Move to fresh air: If someone has inhaled welding fumes, immediately move them to an area with fresh air away from the source of the fumes. This wil lhelp to reduce further exposure.
• Assess symptoms: Assess the person's symptoms and condition. These may include coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, or headache.
• Seek medical assistance: If the person is experiencing severe symptoms or if there are concerns about their health, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Call emergency services or take the individual to the nearest healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment.
• Provide supportive care: While waiting for medical help to arrive or during transportation to a healthcare facility, provide supportive care as needed. This may include helping the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position, reassuring them, and monitoring their vital signs.
• Follow medical advice: Follow any instructions provided by healthcare professionals regarding further evaluation and treatment. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of exposure, medical treatment may include oxygen therapy, bronchodilators to relieve breathing difficulties, or other supportive measures.

An industrial fume extraction unit will vary in price, and will depend on the size and intended application.

PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) units to be used with a mask start at around £350.00, and are recommended for outdoor/site work, as well as heavy duty work alongside an LEV unit. A mobile filtration unit with a hood and self-cleaning filter will cost around £4000.00 for a brand new unit, and a large volume, fixed solution for heavy duty use can cost in the region of £20,000.00, depending on capacity and features.