Understanding Welding Fume Extraction Requirements
Welding is an essential process across industries such as fabrication, manufacturing, construction, marine engineering and maintenance. However, alongside the benefits of welding comes a significant health risk; welding fume.
In recent years, awareness of the dangers associated with welding fume has increased significantly, leading to stricter guidance and enforcement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). As a result, businesses carrying out welding operations must ensure adequate controls are in place to protect workers and remain compliant with UK health and safety legislation.
This guide explains what welding fume is, why it is dangerous and what businesses need to do to meet their legal obligations.
What Is Welding Fume?
Welding fume is created when metal is heated above its boiling point during welding, cutting or gouging processes. As the metal vapour cools, it condenses into extremely fine particles that become airborne.
These particles are often invisible to the naked eye but can be easily inhaled by welders and those working nearby.
What Changed in UK Legislation?
In 2019, the HSE strengthened its enforcement expectations regarding welding fume control following updated scientific evidence.
The guidance made one key point very clear:
All indoor welding activities require suitable control measures, regardless of the materials being welded.
This includes welding mild steel, which had previously been considered lower risk than stainless steel. The HSE also stated that general ventilation alone is not sufficient for indoor welding operations.
What Are Your Legal Responsibilities?
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), employers have a legal duty to prevent or adequately control worker exposure to hazardous substances.
For welding operations, this means:
Assessing the risks
Implementing suitable control measures
Maintaining equipment
Providing training
Monitoring exposure where necessary
Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines and increased liability should employees suffer health issues linked to workplace exposure.
What Is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)?
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is the primary control measure recommended for welding fume. LEV systems work by capturing airborne contaminants as close to the source as possible before they can disperse into the workplace.
A typical LEV system consists of:
A capture hood or extraction arm
Ducting
Filtration system
Fan unit
Exhaust outlet
By removing contaminants directly from the breathing zone, LEV significantly reduces worker exposure.
Portable vs Fixed Fume Extraction Systems
The most suitable extraction solution depends on the nature of your welding operations.
Portable Fume Extraction Units
Portable systems are ideal for:
Small workshops
Maintenance activities
Temporary projects
Mobile welding operations
They offer flexibility and can be positioned close to the welding activity as required.
Fixed or Multi-Arm Systems
Larger fabrication facilities often benefit from fixed extraction systems.
These systems are designed for:
Multiple welding bays
Continuous production environments
High-volume fabrication operations
Fixed installations can provide comprehensive coverage while maintaining productivity across the workshop.
Why Hire Welding Fume Extraction Equipment?
Purchasing extraction equipment can represent a significant investment, particularly for temporary projects or short-term requirements.
Hiring offers a flexible alternative. It allows businesses to access professional-grade extraction equipment without major capital expenditure.
Welding Fume Extraction Hire from RentArc
We supply high-quality welding fume extraction equipment to businesses across the UK.
Our range includes portable and workshop-based extraction systems designed to help businesses meet COSHH requirements while protecting the health of their workforce.
Need Advice on Welding Fume Compliance?
If you're unsure whether your current welding operations meet HSE requirements, speak to the team today.
We can help you understand your obligations, assess your requirements and recommend the most effective extraction solution for your project or workplace.
Call us on +44 (0)23 80 867 789 or email us at info@rentarc.com.