Extraction arms with hood
- Easy to install, however, they require frequent repositioning depending on the part being welded. They are generally the least effective solution for fume capture, as extraction is concentrated over a limited area.
Welding fume Extraction: complete guide to welder protection and air quality
Welding fume extraction is no longer optional. Welding fumes are now classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC – Group 1).
For industrial companies, the question is no longer whether welding fumes should be extracted, but which welding fume extraction solution should be implemented to sustainably protect operators and remain compliant with regulations.
This guide provides a clear, concise, and practical overview of welding fume extraction solutions, with a focus on source capture, mobile welding fume extraction, and the most effective technologies on the market.
Why is welding fume extraction essential?
Each welding operation generates fumes composed of ultrafine metal particles and gases that are hazardous to health.
Depending on the processes, materials and filler metals used, welding fumes may contain:
- metal oxides,
- manganese,
- hexavalent chromium,
- nickel,
- ozone,
- nitrogen oxides,
- carbon monoxide.
Without welding fume extraction, these pollutants are released into the workshop’s ambient air and are inhaled by the workers.
Are welding fumes dangerous for health?
Yes, welding fumes consist of extremely fine particles, capable of penetrating deep into the body.
Nanoparticles: distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream.
Alveolar fraction (A): penetrates the pulmonary alveoli.
Inhalable fraction (E): inhaled through the mouth and nose.
Health Risks Associated with Welding Fumes
Short-term, acute risks: eyes and respiratory tract irritations, headaches, fatigue, metal fume fever, poisoning.
Long-terme, chronic risks: asthma, chronic lung diseases, pneumoconiosis, skin lesions and carcinogenic risks.
The closer fumes are captured to their point of emission, the more effective the protection in preventing these health risks.
Welding fume extraction regulations and compliance: requirements
The employer must implement all necessary measures to limit employees’ exposure to airborne pollutants.
The 6th revision of the CMR Directive (CMRD) has officially included welding fumes in Annex I. Welding is now recognized as an activity generating CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic).
This notably implies:
Regularly updated risk assessments.
Priority given to source capture.
Regular inspection of welding fume extraction systems.
Traceability of exposure.
Technical standards, including DIN EN ISO 21904, define the requirements for the capture and filtration of welding fumes.
Why prioritize source extraction?
Not all air treatment solutions offer the same level of effectiveness. The further the extraction point is from the source, the more pollutants are diluted within the workshop.
Source capture provides:
Maximum protection for welders
An overall reduction in ambient pollution
Less contamination of equipment
Easier compliance with regulations
Types of welding fume extraction systems
There are two main categories of welding fume extraction systems: low-vacuum and high-vacuum.
Low-vacuum welding fume extraction systems
These solutions make it possible to capture fumes near the welding workstation, although still at some distance from the emission point. This configuration therefore requires a higher extraction airflow rate.
Extractions arms with laminar slit nozzle
- More efficient and homogeneous than hoods, they ensure extraction along their entire length and away from the operator’s breathing zone. Like hooded arms, however, they still require regular adjustments depending on the workpiece configuration.
Extraction tables
- They offer good user comfort and require minimal changes to the welder’s working habits. However, they are mainly suited for small parts. They provide extraction beneath and behind the welding area.
Extraction walls
- Flexible solutions, particularly suited for large workpieces. However, unlike downdraft tables, extraction is limited to the rear of the workpiece.
Extraction masts
- Compact and suited to training environments, they are only suitable for welding small parts.
These solutions are recommended when source capture is not possible.
High-vacuum source extraction systems
High-vacuum Laminar slit nozzle
- Flexible and easy-to-install solutions, suitable for all types of workshops. They ensure effective fume capture by directing contaminants away from welders’ breathing zones, thereby improving workplace safety.
MIG/MAG and TIG fume Extraction torches
- Fumes are captured directly at the source, as close as possible to the welding arc. This technology offers a high level of performance, achieving up to 98% efficiency with ENGMAR torches.
These systems should be prioritized to ensure effective welding fume capture and optimal operator protection. It should be noted that fume extraction torches remain the most effective solution.
Extraction torches: The most effective welding fume extraction solution
The fume extraction torch is now the benchmark for welding fume extraction. It captures fumes directly at the arc, before they can disperse into the surrounding air.
How does a fume extraction torch work?
A fume extraction torch combines, within a single piece of equipment:
- welding,
- source capture of fumes,
- transport of pollutants to a filtration system (extraction unit or central extraction system).
The extraction function is integrated into the torch itself. Fumes are captured as soon as they are generated, without altering the welder’s movements. Fume extraction torches are available for MIG/MAG and TIG processes.
Why choose a fume extraction torch?
- Welding fume extraction close to the emission point
- Consistent performance, independent of positioning
- Optimal visibility of the weld
- Reduction in smoke plume
- Improved comfort and air quality
Mobile welding fume extraction systems: flexible solutions for every workshop
A mobile welding fumes extraction can move easily a welding fume extraction solution, particularly suitable in the following cases:
- Workshops with multipurpose workstations,
- Flexible/non-fixed workstations,
- On-site work.
ENGMAR offers 2 types of mobile welding fume extraction solutions:
Low-vacuum mobile welding fume extraction
- Mobile welding fume extraction units (mounted on wheels) with extraction arms: fume extraction is achieved using the extraction arm and laminar capture device.
High-vacuum mobile solution
- Mobile welding fume extraction units (mounted on trolleys) and trolley-mounted balancers: pollutants are captured using a fume an extraction torch held in position at height by the balancer/positioning system.
These mobile welding fume extraction solutions can capture fumes as close as possible to the workstation, while maintining a high level of flexibility. At ENGMAR, we recommend mobile welding fume extraction units equipped with fume extraction torches and balancers to ensure optimal fume capture and protect operators’ health.
How to choose the right welding fume extraction system?
The choice depends on several criteria:
- number of welding workstations,
- need for multi-purpose workstations (welding + related operations),
- process used (MIG, MAG, TIG, etc.),
- need for mobility,
- type of welding: manual, automated, or robotic,
- level of operator exposure. d’exposition des opérateurs.
The higher the emissions, the more essential source capture becomes.
Why choose ENGMAR for welding fume extraction?
Expert in welding fumes extraction, ENGMAR supports industries in implementing high-performance, compliant solutions.
Our experts assist you with:
- analyzing your environment and workstations,
- defining the most suitable welding fume extraction solution (in compliance with applicable regulations, including exposure limit values, ISO 21904-3, W3 certification where external exhaust is not possible, and solutions validated by CARSAT and DREAL),
- installing the equipment,
- maintaining filtration systems.
Request a personalised welding fume extraction assessment
Would you like to effectively extract welding fumes in your workshop?
ENGMAR carries out a personalized assessment to provide you with the solution best suited to your production environment.