Not all fume extractors are created equal !!! All extract welding fumes and particulates from the air and they do make for a cleaner environment . But unless they have a hepa filter dont expect to get rid of Hexavalent Chromium .
Hexavalent Chromium, or Cr(VI), became a part of the welding lexicon with the implementation of OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1026. Compliance methods discussed in the standard center around the need to reduce Cr(VI) to a specified PEL, or Permissible Exposure Limit. Methods of compliance include materials substitution, employee isolation, and ventilation. All methods have their merits and limitations, and their utilization depends largely on the needs and circumstances of individual welding operations.
Where substitution and isolation methods are not practical, a welding operation seeking compliance with the OSHA standard will by necessity turn to ventilation methods. These methods include circulation fans and local exhaust, or source capture, systems. Circulation and exhaust fans, while widely used, do not by their nature clean air, but only disperse Cr(VI) particulate. As such, this method may not necessarily reduce PELs to compliance levels, and could leave workers at risk.
OSHA therefore recommends that welders utilize source capture systems, indicating that such systems provide the cleanest and healthiest workplaces. Source capture systems include filtering machines such as fume extractors and downdraft tables, and fume exhausters used with extraction arms. Filtering units provide a greater degree of protection of the two source capture methods, because the units capture and contain the harmful particulate and recirculate clean air back into the workplace. While various types of filters exist for this purpose, HEPA filters provide the absolute greatest protection.
Ace Fume Extractors offers many source capture products that can be equipped with HEPA filters are indicated on their website with the following symbol:
Hexavalent Chromium, or Cr(VI), became a part of the welding lexicon with the implementation of OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1026. Compliance methods discussed in the standard center around the need to reduce Cr(VI) to a specified PEL, or Permissible Exposure Limit. Methods of compliance include materials substitution, employee isolation, and ventilation. All methods have their merits and limitations, and their utilization depends largely on the needs and circumstances of individual welding operations.
Where substitution and isolation methods are not practical, a welding operation seeking compliance with the OSHA standard will by necessity turn to ventilation methods. These methods include circulation fans and local exhaust, or source capture, systems. Circulation and exhaust fans, while widely used, do not by their nature clean air, but only disperse Cr(VI) particulate. As such, this method may not necessarily reduce PELs to compliance levels, and could leave workers at risk.
OSHA therefore recommends that welders utilize source capture systems, indicating that such systems provide the cleanest and healthiest workplaces. Source capture systems include filtering machines such as fume extractors and downdraft tables, and fume exhausters used with extraction arms. Filtering units provide a greater degree of protection of the two source capture methods, because the units capture and contain the harmful particulate and recirculate clean air back into the workplace. While various types of filters exist for this purpose, HEPA filters provide the absolute greatest protection.
Ace Fume Extractors offers many source capture products that can be equipped with HEPA filters are indicated on their website with the following symbol:
This symbol is your assurance that you have selected a product that provides the greatest level of protection against Hexavalent Chromium.
So depending upon your level of exposure and regulations make sure you have a quality and safe extractor in place . For more info call 800-783-3073 BR Weldingsupplies.
So depending upon your level of exposure and regulations make sure you have a quality and safe extractor in place . For more info call 800-783-3073 BR Weldingsupplies.
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