The process of welding generates hazardous polluting emissions that can be inhaled by the operators, seriously endangering their health and safety. The fume particles are very small, so their ability to penetrate the lungs and bronchi is extraordinarily high. Almost all countries have recognised welding fume exposure to be carcinogenic and have consequently introduced specific regulations to protect workers during welding work.
What the regulations say?
Welding fumes are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations which state that by law, a company must protect workers by controlling the health risks from welding fumes. This applies to specialist welders as well as individuals who do minor welding work, no matter how small the amount.
For more information on the Health and Safety regulations surrounding welding fumes, we encourage you to read more via the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) government website. https://www.hse.gov.uk/welding/protect-your-workers/index.htm
How can the operator’s health be protected?
Only localised extraction systems can capture these welding fumes at the source and safely and efficiently eradicate them outside the workplace. Bullworthy work closely alongside WORKY – Specialists in workshop extraction, to design and manufacture a variety of different solutions capable of carrying out the important task of welding fume extraction to an extremely high standard whilst maintaining the strict health and safety regulations.
WORKY produce a permanent installation complete with durable extraction arms which can either be fitted to the wall or ceiling which in turn are also connected to the main extraction fan via heavy duty and long-lasting extraction piping. As well as a fixed solution, WORKY also offer a completely mobile solution consisting of extraction arms fitted to a filtering unit which can be easily maneuvered from bay to bay – Perfect for the smaller workshop.
To find out which configuration is best suited to your work environment, contact our sales department to assist you in procuring the most efficient solution to ensure the safety of your operators.
