Thermal cutting generates hot metal fumes; grinding creates fine dust and sparks. Treat them together with layered controls so one process does not compromise the other.

Capture at the process

Use on-torch or over-table hoods for cutting, and downdraft or close-capture for grinding. Position intakes to pull across the plume or spark path, not into the operator’s face. Where mobility is needed between benches, WFE can provide focused source capture without permanent ducting.

Control the room air

Cutting can load the space quickly. Add air scrubbers with appropriate high-efficiency filtration to keep background particulate down between passes and grinds. In mixed-use bays, MAXVAC Dustblockers can help remove airborne particulate so visibility and housekeeping demands stay manageable.

Prevent re-agitation

Avoid sweeping and compressed air. Vacuum with suitable industrial units matched to the hazard class, and service them on schedule to maintain suction. Keep benches and floors clean so settled dust is not reintroduced by foot traffic or fans.

Protect people and equipment

Separate cutting and grinding airflows to limit spark carry-over into welding hoods. Use guards and spark traps, and check under-load airflow before hot work permits are signed off. Back up with appropriate RPE under COSHH where extraction is limited by access.

• Place capture across the plume and spark path.
• Add H14 room scrubbing to reduce background haze.
• Vacuum, don’t sweep—match filtration to the hazard.
• Keep cutting and grinding airflow paths separate.
• Verify performance with quick smoke or PM checks.

Plan the bay, layer the controls, and verify in use. Mixed processes can run cleanly when extraction, air scrubbing, and housekeeping work together.