Weld Fume Extraction
Ducting Express were contacted by one of their existing customers to assess the current extraction systems within their weld shop due to recent changes in legislation by the HSE. In the past we have carried out annual LEV testing at the customers’ site.
Further to the initial enquiry, our design engineer visited the customers site to meet with the customer and carry out a site survey of the existing welding shop systems. Within the site survey we highlighted a number of issues which would need addressing in order to bring them to an acceptable level, in line with COSHH regulations. We also identified that some additional extraction would be required.
Ducting Express’s solution
With all of the information collected during the site survey. We then proposed to make the following changes to two separate workshop areas:
Lower Workshop
Within this area of the workshop the current extraction system required several modifications to bring it up to specification, in-line with COSHH regulations.
The first part of the proposal within this area was to supply and fit a new welding extraction system that would consist of a Kemper 4 metre flexible arm and hood connected via ductwork to a new wall mounted extract fan. The fan outlet would discharge to high level with ducting.
The next part of this proposal within the lower workshop was to supply and fit another new welding extraction system. This new system would consist of a 6 metre flexible arm and hood connected via ductwork to a new wall mounted extract fan. The flexible arm would be fitted to the steel station in the welding bay of the framework of the existing building. At the point where the extract ductwork penetrates the wall, we would need to modify an existing wall penetration so an internal asbestos panel would not be disturbed.
The customer had existing flexible arms which we would be able to service and replace the damaged welding arm flex. This would include checking, adjusting and tightening all joints of the existing extraction arms, where appropriate.
The final part of the proposal within this area was to strip out a fan and ducting from an existing welding bay and re-installing them to a new welding bay. A further existing arm, not connected to this fan, will be reassembled and connected once more. The flexible arm will be fitted to the steel station in the welding bay of the framework of the existing building.
All of the existing extraction within this area of the workshop was being extracted via ductwork that terminated out of the sidewall of the building. To ensure that these, and the new welding extraction systems, would be in-line with COSHH regulations we proposed that all new ductwork would pass through the walls of the different welding bays and terminate at high level above the parapet of the building. In the final area a new wall penetration would be needed. In order to do this a specialist contractor would be required due to the inside panel of the building being made of asbestos.
Main Workshop
In the main workshop we proposed to supply and install new weld fume extraction.
The first part of the proposal for two new welding extraction systems which would each consist of a 6 metre flexible arm and hood connected via ductwork each to new wall mounted extract fans. The flexible arms will be fitted to the steel station in the welding bay of the framework of the existing building. As with all new extraction within the lower workshop all new ductwork would pass through the walls of the different welding bays and terminate at high level above the parapet of the building.
In this area we also proposed to supply two Kemper portable welding extraction units to control fumes produced from the welding of steel in the main workshop. Mobile units are best suited when welding takes place in multiple locations, these portable welding fume extractors are easy to move around.
Installation of the Weld Extract
Once the proposal was agreed with the customer we arranged a suitable date to start the installation.
The full installation took place over a 5 day period. Suitable access equipment was required to fit the high level duct.
During installation, all of the systems were fitted with LEV indicators as recommended in the HSE’s LEV guidance HSG 258. These allow the operators to immediately identify if there is a problem with airflow.
On completion of installation a LEV COSHH test was carried out to provide the customer with legal documentation for their systems. Our design engineer also visited the site with our LEV commissioning engineer to instruct all users of the welding extraction systems within the workshop the correct methods of use for the flexible arms when welding, in order to achieve effective control.
Looking for help with welding fume control?
Ducting Express would welcome the opportunity to work with you. We are an experienced team of dust & fume control engineers, with over 100 years of experience working with dust & fume management. We can work with you to design, manufacture & fit the perfect dust & fume control equipment to successfully control dust & fumes in your workplace.
Call us on 01455 616 444 to discuss how we can help you with dust & fume extraction today.
