When it comes to welding fume exposure, welders are not the only workers at risk. In fact, a welding fume particle that is 0.5 μm in size can take 2 days to reach the floor when released from a height of 1.5 metres. This demonstrates just
how long these particles can remain suspended in the air. It’s vital to consider this when other workers are sharing an
environment with welders, as the air could contain respiratory hazards long after welding has been completed.
A recent survey showed only 10% of Australian and New Zealand workplaces use engineering controls to remove
welding fume from the environment, while 80% of workers around welders do not wear ANY form of respiratory protection. It is an employer’s responsibility to reduce welding fume exposure to as low as reasonably practicable for all persons.
The most effective means to reach this outcome is to collect the fumes at their source and remove them from the
environment altogether. To that end, there are two primary methods of achieving this:Hooded Capture Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and On-Gun Fume Extraction.
While both solutions are proven to be highly effective in controlling welding fume, On-Gun Fume extraction was found
to be more efficient according to peer reviewed research, with a Translas fume gun extracting up to 97% of welding fume
with an average of 90% across a range of different test scenarios. Moreover, the collected results of this independent
scientific study saw the Translas on-gun fume extractor remove 33% more welding fume from the environment than its
Hooded Capture LEV counterpart.**
How have Translas extraction guns changed the game?
In the past, the consensus with on-gun technology was that the guns were too heavy, cumbersome, and prone to interfere with the shielding gas – creating porosity issues.
But not anymore.
Translas has turned this perception on its head with lightweight, maneuverable, and ergonomic extraction guns that deliver extremely high welding fume capture rates while leaving the shielding gas completely unaffected – boasting a 100% duty cycle.
No other welding fume control solution extracts fume at the source, removes it from the environment, and follows the welder as they move. This is especially valuable given 78% of welders require mobility when welding.**
As a result, Translas on-gun fume extraction has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the most effective methods of controlling welding fume on the market today.
* 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Survey, AWS
** 2023 Peter Knott, Georgia Csorba, Dustin Bennett, Ryan Kift. Welding fume; a comparison study of industry used control methods. Safety Journal.
Are you interested in Translas for your business?
Some of the largest welding businesses in Australia are already locking in Translas demonstrations to experience this new technology. If your company would be interested in trying out this industry game-changer, contact your local Blackwoods Welding Specialist today!
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