Welding fume is classified as carcinogenic, and grinding or shot-blasting adds fine metal particulate to the mix. Effective controls protect health and quality while keeping the shop floor clear.

Capture at source first

Use on-torch extraction or flexible fume arms positioned close to the arc, and ensure adjustment becomes part of the weld setup. Keep capture hoods as near as practicable without disrupting shielding gas. For grinding and cutting, fit shrouds with extraction and reduce feed pressure to lower plume generation.

Control the background air

In busy bays, supplement LEV with air cleaners to reduce lingering PM2.5 and PM10. Choose high-efficiency filtration; H14 helps address the finest particulates. Arrange airflow from clean to dirty zones and avoid recirculating across occupied breathing zones. Always assess airflow under load, and check gauges or simple PM meters during peak production.

Housekeeping and maintenance

Ban compressed air for clean-down. Use H-Class industrial vacuums for dust and fines; shovel and wet-wipe where safe for larger debris. Empty spark arrestors and bins routinely, and keep extraction ducts, seals, and filters maintained. Track filter loading to sustain capture velocity and plan changeouts before performance drops.

PPE and training

Provide suitable RPE for high-fume tasks or when welding inside vessels and corners where capture is less effective. Ensure face-fit testing and reinforce correct placement of arms and hoods during toolbox talks.

Practical takeaways

• Prioritise on-torch extraction or fume arms; adjust position for each weld.
• Fit extraction to grinders and manage feed pressure.
• Use H14 air cleaning to cut background particulates.
• Measure airflow under load and spot-check PM levels.
• Vacuum only; service filters and seals before performance drops.

Portable extraction units, such as MAXVAC WFE, can support on-bench or mobile welding tasks where fixed LEV is impractical, maintaining control at the point of fume generation.