I can ask at work as we have chaps that deal with this but won’t be until the new yearHas anyone any idea / data on the effect on the environment that welding fume has?
Also, does extraction mainly simply funnel the fume outside? Does any extraction ‘capture’ fume?
A lot of extraction units filter the air and recirculate it into the workplace - they have huge filter elements to capture the particles (very little actual gas given off by welding, the fume is mostly metal compounds)Also, does extraction mainly simply funnel the fume outside? Does any extraction ‘capture’ fume?
Thank you, that would be interesting!I can ask at work as we have chaps that deal with this but won’t be until the new year
Welding fume: protect your workers - Overview - HSE
All welding fume can cause lung cancer and can also cause asthma and other health conditions so you must put controls in place.www.hse.gov.uk
I thought this but have never seen anyone ever replacing any filters in LEVs, etc.A lot of extraction units filter the air and recirculate it into the workplace - they have huge filter elements to capture the particles (very little actual gas given off by welding, the fume is mostly metal compounds)
Indeed A lot of shops install them and forget about them. We just started maintenance on ours a year or so ago... 10 years after they were installed... not surprisingly, the filterboxes weighed a tonI thought this but have never seen anyone ever replacing any filters in LEVs, etc.
Now I am intrigued!! I don't suppose you have any pics?Indeed A lot of shops install them and forget about them. We just started maintenance on ours a year or so ago... 10 years after they were installed... not surprisingly, the filterboxes weighed a ton
They should be tested and inspected at intervals not exceeding 14 monthly. COSHH Reg 9Indeed A lot of shops install them and forget about them. We just started maintenance on ours a year or so ago... 10 years after they were installed... not surprisingly, the filterboxes weighed a ton
Now I am intrigued!! I don't suppose you have any pics?
I know it's American but was just reading this:
Filter cartridge: optimal for cleaning off dust particles
Filter cartridges not only ensure a high efficiency of separating ultrafine particles during welding but are also ideally suited for the cleaning process.safe-welding.com
We are doing some research on these types of units. It will come as no surprise that not all filters are equal. We are finding that some of the internally recirculating systems have rubbish filters. Infact it’s not even fair to call them filters
the filters sit inside these units. They're huge.
Thanks for this.Mostly it's down to the quantity, type of discharge (process) and the associated dilution rates. With regard to LEV, for localised exhaust / fume collection, in terms of welding fumes the accumulation is fairly concentrated relative to personnel in the area ( both the welder and also any colleagues) therefore the risk of exposure is fairly high. A lot of specialist equipment exists to treat fumes, and toxic discharges, and that's great for the environment, but only where it works correctly and maintained.
Once it's its been removed, treated and discharged to atmosphere, the quantity of emissions will disperse very rapidly into the air, and the subsequent dilution will rapidly further reduce the effects.
There will no doubt be studies carried out examing the overal atmospheric and environmental impacts, however, the quantities would have to be significant, before there would be any major ramifications to the environment. In real terms, for small welding shops, or fabrication shops, it's unlikely to be a major issue compared to large scale industry, albeit there are controls on where and how the discharges from LEV can be placed to avoid impact to surrounding buildings / areas etc.
an interesting subject though..
Now this has really got my interest. Please can I ask if you can share any data on this, either on here or privately? A fascinating subject that, I feel, has largely gone under the radar?We are doing some research on these types of units. It will come as no surprise that not all filters are equal. We are finding that some of the internally recirculating systems have rubbish filters. Infact it’s not even fair to call them filters
There will be a report published in due course. I’ll provide a link when it’s ready but it will be sometime next year as the project has just kicked offNow this has really got my interest. Please can I ask if you can share any data on this, either on here or privately? A fascinating subject that, I feel, has largely gone under the radar?