How to protect welders from Hexavalent Chromium (Chrome VI) in Welding Fumes

During welding, operators are exposed to many gases and harmful particles, including Hexavalent Chromium, a substance classified as a known carcinogen. To limit risks, an extraction of welding fumes at source is currently the most effective solution. ENGMAR supports industries in implementing efficient extraction systems tailored to each workstation.

Chromium is present in many metal alloys for its corrosion resistance properties. Chromium VI (also known as hexavalent chromium) is an oxidized form of chromium that primarily forms during welding, grinding, or cutting of stainless steel, but also in the case of filler metals containing chromium. This oxidized form is particularly toxic and can cause:

These risks concern all processes, even if the emission levels vary depending on the filler metal and the technique used.

To effectively limit operators' exposure, it is recommended to follow a structured approach with actions to be implemented.

To achieve this, ENGMAR offers solutions to capture harmful gases and pollutants such as Hexavalent Chromium:

For optimal welder protection, a ventilated hood is an excellent PPE to combine with an ENGMAR extraction solution.

Each welding workshop is unique: workstation configuration, level of automation, diversity of parts to be welded, processes used… At ENGMAR, we take into account the needs and constraints of our clients to offer a tailor-made solution that effectively protects operators.

ENGMAR supports its clients at every step:

Choosing ENGMAR means benefiting from personalized support for the installation and maintenance of your welding fume extraction systems. To enhance the protection of your operators, our teams are always available to assist you. Contact us to discuss your project and find the most suitable solution.