Workers face the risk of exposure to potentially toxic levels of welding fume in factories and workshops across Australia. Not just the welder, but all who share the workplace.
Anyone inhaling the noxious mix of welding fume and metals is at risk, especially with prolonged exposure.
In 2024, we face tighter rules. Welding fume intake can no longer exceed 1mg per cubic metre of air, measured over an eight-hour day, five-day working week.
What this means in the workplace
Improved health and safety is a benefit for us all but how do workers and employers navigate this in the workplace?
- Which PPE is the right PPE for your workplace?
- How do you find the most efficient and cost-effective products in such a competitive market?
- How do you meet the new safety standards, with so much gear and equipment to choose from?
- Do you need a PAPR respirator, vacuum, fume extraction gun – or all three?
ESAB offers an all-round solution
ESAB offers a comprehensive and advanced fume extraction solution for every kind of welding environment.
On-Gun fume extraction combined with CarryVac 3. Automatically activates when welding starts. Removes more than 99% of welding fumes at source, minimising worker exposure.
PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator). Good for lone operators and domestic use. Portable and back-mounted, connects seamlessly to the Sentinel A60 Air Welding helmet.
Vacuum cart (hooded capture). Mobile vacuum extraction, on wheels. Welder must ensure the hood moves with them and the arm is angled correctly.
The right combination for industry best practice
A combined approach is recommended on factory floors, and in major industrial settings.
While PAPR is effective for individual use, welding fume can still be inhaled by nearby workers not wearing PPE.
The mobile vacuum cart, used alone, is the least effective fume extractor. It’s best suited to small, enclosed areas, not open workplaces.
In typical industry settings, with multiple workers, ESAB suggests On-Gun fume extraction for optimum employee protection, as well as PAPRs for the welders themselves.
Who needs fume extractors?
Welding fume extraction is critical across a range of sectors, including mining, metal fabrication, engineering and mechanics workshops, TAFE and trade schools, government services and utilities.
- Use fume extraction guns to remove fumes at source, for peak accuracy and safety in heavy-duty mining/industrial welding.
- Attach CarryVac to the fume extraction gun, removing lighter-duty welding fumes in engineering/mechanic workshops.
- Use PAPR for pipe welding, where the user’s helmet draws in clean air from the backpack.
- Apply hooded capture vacuum in TAFE/school settings, where teacher and student work in small cubicles.
For ESAB, worker safety always comes first.
The benefits of the ESAB solution
Optimum protection for worker health, wellbeing
Certified to the highest possible standards. The Sentinel A60 Air PAPR System has EN 12941 TH3 and AS/NZS 1716 certifications and comes with a P3 filter. The EPR-X1 blower unit is also EN12941 TH3 certified.
Full compliance with new welding fume standards: Confidence in meeting new regulatory requirements.
Increased productivity in the workplace: Boost long-and short-term performance, reduce downtime.
Premium and cost-effective fume protection: Quality, robust, easy-to-use fume extractors that last.
“ESAB offers a complete fume extraction solution,” says Paul Morgan, National Accounts Representative for Cigweld.
“The health of your workers is top priority, and you know your company will meet the new, stricter legislative standards.”
As Australia’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, Blackwoods has all your job requirements covered. Shop the ESAB range online.
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