Welding and cutting fume removal11 Feb 2022Health risks
How Plymovent’s extraction and ventilation systems make the difference.
High-quality welding can be a satisfying but also very challenging and physically demanding job. It requires craftsmanship and concentration and also calls for a safe working environment. Because welding processes often generate sparks, glares and fumes, a safe and nuisance-free workplace is of utmost importance.
Unfortunately, many welders still experience nuisances on the work floor while carrying out their physically demanding jobs. In particular, the absence of proper, high-quality extraction and ventilation systems is a common problem. This article will take a look at some of the major nuisances that welders experience. But even more important: we will also look into the solutions and explain why Plymovent’s extraction and ventilation systems are designed to change things for the better.
We understand you - and the solutions you need
Plymovent understands the nuisances that professional welders face. So let’s take a look at a couple of practical examples that we picked up in the field.
Due to the size of the work pieces, welders were unable to move the extraction arms when changing welding positions. As a result, welding fumes escaped instead of being properly extracted and cleaned. This resulted in a polluted working environment.
The nature of the work and constructions in a certain factory—often meters long or high and with many bends—hindered welders in their work. This led to a sharp decrease in efficiency. It quickly became clear that general filtration was the best possible option for these workers.
Due to the large size of the parts and the frequent position changes, source extraction by means of extraction arms was not an ideal choice. Therefore, we selected a general filtration, like a MDB-Diluter, SCS-Diluter or Push-Pull system.
Another problem that we often encounter in the field is the huge discrepancy between products (solutions) that are made for either incidental or intensive usage. Some solutions are ideal for incidental usage, while others are absolutely not since they require frequent and proactive involvement on the part of the welder.
When fume extraction system is not working at its best, polluted indoor air can have negative health effects. This can be due to several reasons, such as bad or late maintenance, replacing a filter too late, and/or using the wrong filter.
Many welders see noise nuisance from extraction equipment as a very negative aspect of their work.
No extraction
The importance of the right solution(s)
Healthy and safe working conditions are essential for the reputation and productivity of any organisation. Employers must limit health risks and should always take protective measures to comply with safety regulations and legislation.
Purchasing reliable equipment, and using the correct (original) replacement filter, is a good first step towards realizing a healthy and safe working environment. However, it is also important that employees accept possible changes in work routines that come with increased safety awareness. If the equipment is used incorrectly, or the wrong equipment is recommended by the supplier, the desired result will not be achieved. In order to make the right decision for an extraction system, it is critical that workability, user-friendliness and the right welding conditions are taken into account during the purchasing process of equipment and replacement filters.
Welding activities and working conditions can vary greatly per industry or company. That is why Plymovent offers an efficient and workable solution that meets the highest legal (safety) standards for every situation.
Products
Now that we have assessed the importance of finding and implementing the right solutions, let’s take a look at a couple of Plymovent products that can eliminate common welding nuisances.
Push-Pull system
Push-Pull systems can make a significant contribution to your facility, providing your welders with a cleaner, healthier and safer working environment. Advantages of Plymovent’s Push-Pull systems are:
A low noise level
Low cost of ownership
Reduction of fine dust
Ideally suited to factories
Energy-saving design
Since it is a modular system, if you opt for Plymovent’s Push-Pull system, you won’t have to rearrange your workplace. Installing an effective Push-Pull system that meets your needs requires a thorough investigation of the workshop layout.
Diluter system
The Plymovent Diluter system (MDB or SCS) is a general filtration system that can control welding fumes in large facilities. The system doesn’t hinder welders when they carry out their daily tasks and is the ideal option when source extraction and hoods aren’t viable options. The solution is also ideally suited to large workshops with various welding processes, varying activities, crane transport, and for places where it is difficult to install piping (ducts).
The Diluter system recirculates the cleaned air through the workshop and ensures that little heat is lost. Air flows can be controlled individually by means of specialized nozzles.
PersonalPro
The PersonalPro is a sturdy, versatile and comfortable welding and grinding helmet. The helmet is connected to a PAPR-unit (which refreshes the air on a regular basis) and is specially designed to provide all-day comfort. Plymovent also has a cutting and grinding helmet.
FlexMax
The FlexMax is an extension crane that is connected to an EconomyArm or KUA extraction arm. Combined with an extraction arm, it has a radius of about nine meters.
The FlexMax is the perfect extension to your extraction arm and allows you to cover large working areas that have a low ceiling.
The unit can be mounted on the wall or used as a mobile unit on wheels. The PHV is also fairly silent and equipped with an intricate start/stop system that allows you to save money on energy.
More information
Eliminating welding nuisances is all about finding the right combination between the ideal working conditions and the proper equipment. Plymovent knows this. Therefore, all of our products are designed with this knowledge in mind. Would you like to know more about our products? Then feel free to contact us:
Call us at +31 (0)72 7504 600 or fill out the contact form.
Welders must be protected against hazardous welding fumes. Depending on the welding environment or how and what is welded, welders can be protected by systems for source extraction and general filtration and ventilation. Also, they can be protected by respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as welding helmets with fresh air supply. Supplied air respirators are known to provide the best all-around protection for the welders themselves
Nowadays, everybody knows that welding fumes are very dangerous and that all kinds of protective measures should be taken and respected during work. In other blogs on this site, you can read more about those dangers and risks. But is everybody really aware of the importance of those protective measures such as PPE and local exhaust ventilation? The answers of welders themselves are surprising…
In buildings where welding is carried out, temperature control and problems of airborne contamination are important, and the provision of clean air increases. Although fresh air is usually supplied by general ventilation, the sole use of general ventilation for airborne pollutant control in welding is usually ineffective.
