Fabrication bays rarely host a single hazard. Weld fume (ultrafine, buoyant) and grinding dust (heavier, abrasive, spark‑rich) behave differently and need complementary controls. A practical plan aligns the task layout, capture methods, air cleaning and housekeeping so one process does not undermine the other.

Map tasks and separate where possible

• Zone bays so sparks and dust from grinding do not drift across active welding. Use curtains or screens to manage draughts and line of sight.
• Sequence work: grind, clean, then weld. Keep separate cleaning tools for each area.
• Provide marked parking positions for extraction arms so they are easy to reach and not in the way.

Source capture for both hazards

• Welding: Use arms, on‑torch extraction or backdraft hoods placed off the plume. Verify capture with a smoke check.
• Grinding: Fit guards with dust ports, use downdraught tables where practical, and connect to suitable vacuums with spark pre‑control.
• Maintain airflow under load by minimising hose length and sharp bends; keep filters clean.

Sparks, filters and fire safety

• Use spark arrestors or drop-out sections ahead of fine filters on grinding lines.
• Keep metal fines out of room scrubbers with prefilters and good housekeeping.
• Empty bins routinely; hot work permits should cover extraction checks when switching from weld to grind.

Control what escapes into the room

Residual airborne particulate needs room-level control. Use high-efficiency air cleaners to reduce PM1–PM10 in circulation and to limit migration between bays. Equipment like MAXVAC Dustblockers can provide background filtration in busy fabrication spaces when positioned to avoid cross‑draughts at the hood.

Housekeeping that prevents re‑suspension

• Avoid sweeping or compressed air. Use industrial vacuums with appropriate filtration for metal dust.
• Clean at shift changes so dust isn’t re‑launched mid‑task.
• Inspect floors, benches and overhead surfaces; schedule deep cleans where dust tends to settle.

Putting it together

Design controls that work with daily practice: short duct runs, easy hood adjustment, clear storage and quick filter access. Where work varies, portable WFE units help move source capture to the job rather than moving the job to the extractor. Verify with simple observations and periodic particulate monitoring to keep both welding and grinding exposures in check.