When establishing a work environment that is not only compliant but comfortable, weld fume management is non-negotiable. Additionally, it is a valuable component to establishing and maintaining an edge over your competition. The skilled workers that you rely on to help grow your business efficiently and accurately will value the fact that you invest in managing your welding fumes. Ultimately, that is just what welding fume management is; an investment.
It is also a strict necessity when it comes to complying with employment regulation agencies like OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration strictly enforces guidelines stipulating the amounts of exposure employees can have metal oxide, gases, and metal while working in the weld plume. Examples include hexavalent chromium which is toxic and can cause severe health issues such as cancers, chronic disorders, or even death.
There are several options you have when it comes to managing your welding fumes and advancing your company. Using the Hierarchy of Controls, OSHA recommends minimizing weld fume exposure through these steps:
1. Elimination or Substitution, such as using low-manganese filler metals or changing the shielding gas
2. Engineering Controls, such as fume extraction equipment or centralized ventilation
3. Administrative Controls, such as proper body positioning
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes respiratory protection such as half masks, powered air purifying respirators or supplied air respirators
Through out these steps there are additional efforts you can make in order to maximize efficiency, a key component to remaining competitive. Here are five ways that you can effectively manage your welding fumes:
These system operations are a key component to the upholding necessary air quality and safety standards for your employees. In order to get the best results out of these systems, follow these important tips:
Air-purifying and atmosphere-supplying are the two main types of respiration systems recognized for their level of effectiveness. Each are meant for specific types of working environments and have their own benefits. Regulatory agencies have outlined specific guidelines to measure the permissible exposure limits to help you select the respirator that is right for you. It is also necessary to conduct regular inspections of your respirator systems to detect and correct any potential malfunctions. One of the most important things you can do for your company is to invest in its efficiency and the people that keep it going. Weld fume management isn’t just important, it is crucial.