Welding is both a popular hobby amongst enthusiasts and a financially rewarding career option for many individuals. While the work itself is enriching and stands to earn you a pretty penny, it’s not without its hazards. Open flames and sharp objects are the most obvious dangers; however, toxic fumes also threaten the physical well-being of hobbyists and employees alike.
There are many methods for protecting welders, so staying educated on these procedures is imperative for any metal fabricator. This quick guide will answer the questions what toxic fume filters are, and why they are important.
The basics
In the welding industry, metal fabricators use fume extractors to limit the quantity of harmful particles in the air. These devices effectively suck up toxins at the source and recycle them out of the immediate, breathable air supply. Along with using negative draft, these extractors utilize a competent filtration system to trap fumes, dust, and other life-threatening toxins.
Filters come in three classes – W1, W2, and W3. Their efficacy ratings are 95%, 98%, and 99%, respectively. These different ratings determine which kinds of fumes and metal particles a filter can effectively manage. This aspect alone is something you must consider before purchasing filters for your extraction devices.
Workplace dangers
Before understanding the importance of fume filters, it’s essential that you are aware of the workplace dangers inherent in a metal fabrication environment. For starters, any welded material produces dust, which primarily endangers your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. However, the accumulation of dust is even more hazardous, as it can spontaneously combust at any moment.
Additionally, heating metal produces toxic fumes that are highly dangerous for your physical well-being. These fumes include nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hexavalent chromium, and manganese. Some of these compounds may only cause mild irritation on the skin, but most are harmful to your internal organs and can cause cancer.
The importance
It should now be pretty clear why fume filters are so important for the welding industry. While a welding enthusiast working in a garage can get away with opening the door for proper ventilation, most large-scale, professional operations require effective fume extraction systems.
Filtrating dust and toxic fumes keep a business churning without workflow issues. Most importantly, a great filter keeps employees and other individuals happy and healthy. A quick tip: replace your extractor’s filter when it visually appears dirty, as waiting too long could make the device far more inefficient and ineffective.
By answering the questions, “What are toxic fume filters and why are they important?” you can confidently protect yourself and others while working in a metal fabrication workshop. Along with proper extraction machinery, ensure that all employees and other individuals wear personal protective equipment at all times while working.
