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, while it is well known that a combination of product controls will likely be the most effective method, why is it that only 13% of the industry are rolling out this approach [1]?
Based on a 2024* survey of over 1,350 welders across Australia, 42% of the industry reported that the cost of welding fume product controls is what’s holding them back [1].
The good news is that, as the portfolio of welding safety products expands, effective protection against welding fume is becoming more financially viable!
In recent years, there has been an increase in budget-friendly, high quality welding fume product controls. These more economical options span across PPE, engineering controls, and beyond… so here are just some of the more cost-effective solutions available to welding businesses.
Industry-Leading Powered Air Respiratory Protection
The 3M Speedglas G5-03 NC Pro Air Welding Helmet is a slim and lightweight respiratory welding helmet that enters the market at a 30% lower price point than the Speedglas G5-01. What’s more, the G5-03 NC Pro Air is over 10% lighter than the G5-01, while still including a host of Speedglas signature features.
The helmet combines a large 55 x 107mm True-View welding lens with peripheral SideWindows for a clear, expansive overall view of the workspace, which can then be further enhanced by the addition of an optional task light specifically designed for welding.
For controlling welding fume, ozone, and other airborne hazards, the G5-03 NC Pro Air comes standard with the heavy-duty Adflo PAPR. This Adflo unit offers 12 hours of continuous respiratory protection, supplying a constant flow of clean air directly into the breathing zone. The direction of this airflow can then be adjusted for optimal comfort via Climate Control.
Check out the Speedglas G5-03NC with Heavy-Duty Adflo PAPR
Carriable On-Gun Fume Extraction Systems
AWS has also launched a carriable on-gun fume extraction option, combining the new Nederman Fume Eliminator 860 and 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 as soon as welding begins.
Notably, both the 250A and 400A variants are very competitively priced. This in turn has made game changing on-gun fume extraction technology even more accessible to 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.
View the Nederman On-Gun Fume Extraction Kits here
A Compact, Powerful, and Portable LEV Unit
Last but not least, the Plymovent Disposable Filter Single Phase Mobile Extraction System is the ideal entry point into portable Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). To that end, the unit can 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. Plymovent disposable fume extraction is also situated at a highly attractive price point, making LEV attainable for an even broader spectrum of welding businesses.
View the Plymovent Disposable Filter Fume Extractor here
Overall, there are several economical welding fume control options out there for welders and employers to consider. However, you must still ensure you are choosing a product that aligns with your application and needs in addition to your budget.
For help matching your welding fume controls with your requirements, try out our Welding Fume Product Control Selector OR talk to a Welding Fume Expert here!
* This survey was conducted with 1,367 welders from 28th March 2024 to 30th June 2024.
References
[1] 2024, AWS, A Welding Fume & Product Control Industry Review.
