Recent research into the Effectiveness of Welding Fume Product Controls has revealed that a combination of respiratory PPE (e.g. a welding helmet with PAPR) and engineering controls (e.g. fume extraction) is recommended to reduce welding fume exposure to as low as reasonably practicable.

However, even though it’s well known that a combination of these controls will likely prove most effective, the current reality is that only 13% of operators in the welding industry are rolling out this approach.

According to a 2024 survey commissioned by Apex Welding Safety Pty Ltd (“AWS”) of over 1,350 welders across Australia, 42% of the industry reported that the cost of welding fume product controls is holding them back.

Fortunately, the tide appears to be turning on this front. One of the benefits of a constantly expanding portfolio of welding safety products is that effective protection against welding fume is becoming more attainable and financially viable. To that end, there has been an increase in budget-friendly, high-quality welding fume product controls in recent years. Some of these cost-effective options spanning PPE, engineering controls and beyond include the following:

Industry-Leading Powered Air Respiratory Protection

The 3M Speedglas G5-03 NC Pro Air Welding Helmet is a slim, lightweight respiratory welding helmet that enters the market at a lower price point than its Generation 5 counterpart, the Speedglas G5-01. The G5-03 NC Pro Air is also more than 10% lighter than the G5-01, while still including several signature Speedglas features. The helmet pairs a large 55 x 107mm True-View welding lens with peripheral SideWindows for a clear, expansive view of the workspace, which can then be further enhanced by an optional helmet-mounted task light.

For protection against welding fume, the G5-03 NC Pro Air connects to the heavy-duty Adflo Powered Air Purifying Respirator. The Adflo unit supplies a constant flow of clean air directly into the breathing zone for up to 12 hours. The direction of the airflow can be adjusted for optimal comfort using the Climate Control.

Carriable on-gun fume extraction systems

On-gun fume extraction is one of the safest and most effective methods of controlling welding fume. AWS has launched a carriable on-gun fume extraction option, combining the new Nederman Fume Eliminator 860 with the industry-leading Translas fume guns.

These plug and play on-gun fume extraction kits are designed to be carried to the working area and will automatically begin extracting welding fume the instant welding begins.

Both the 250A and 400A variants are very competitively priced. This has made on-gun fume extraction even more accessible for workplaces in need of a solution that captures welding fume at the source, removes it from the environment, and follows the welder as they move.

A compact, powerful and portable LEV unit

The Plymovent Disposable Filter Single Phase Mobile Fume Extraction System delivers portable local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at a highly attractive price point. This unit is designed to cater to light welding fume environments, and is suitable for TIG, MIG, MMA and occasional Flux Cored welding between 0.9 – 1.2mm wire.

The system is easy to manoeuvre around the workshop and features a high-quality metal extraction arm and a two-stage filter for increased longevity. There are economical welding fume control options out there for employers to consider. However, it’s important to choose a product that aligns with the application and the needs of your workers, as well as your budget.

As Australia’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, Blackwoods has all your job requirements covered. Talk to your local Blackwoods welding and abrasives technical specialist about options for welding fume control.

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