This weld fume guide takes a look at the many ways weld fume can be collected and extracted from a facility. When not properly removed from the work area, weld fume can cause some serious health issues for welders.

1. WELDING &
FUME EXTRACTION
a guide by IMPERIAL SYSTEMS INC.

2. Weld fume can be quite dangerous for employees. When not properly
handled, the components in weld fume can cause a myriad of issues.

3. Short Term Exposure
• nausea
• dizziness
• eye, nose, and throat irritation
Long Term Exposure
• various cancers
• kidney damage
• nervous system damage
Some fumes and gases may even put welders in enclosed areas at risk for
suffocation.

4. Luckily, there are many ways that harmful weld fume can be captured and
collected, keeping your employees safe and your facility clean.

5. AMBIENT COLLECTION
Because the weld fume naturally
rises, the whole roof acts as a
hood. Ductwork near the ceiling
then pulls the fume in and takes
it to a dust collector to be filtered.

6. Pros:
Can filter and clean all the air in
the work area
Cons:
Less effective for protecting
individual spaces
Suggested Uses: closed spaces that need filtered air flow
AMBIENT COLLECTION

7. SOURCE CAPTURE
Welders manipulate an arm to
the area where they are working.
and the arm removes the fume
from the area.

8. SOURCE CAPTURE
Pros:
Removes fumes from welder
breathing areas
Cons:
Can be awkward to use or not sized
properly
Suggested Uses: welding work areas for targeted fume control

9. HOOD COLLECTION
Welders or robots work under a
hood that keeps the fume in a
confined space where the dust
collector removes and filters it.

10. HOOD COLLECTION
Pros:
Keeps fumes in an enclosed space
for removal
Cons:
Can be uncomfortable or awkward
for welders
Suggested Uses: robot or human welding stations

11. DOWNDRAFT COLLECTION
Work occurs on a grated
table that pulls fumes from
underneath and vents them to a
collector.

12. DOWNDRAFT COLLECTION
Pros:
Keeps fumes out of a welder’s
breathing area
Cons:
Large parts will not usually fit on
the table
Suggested Uses: welding of smaller items, also plasma and laser cutting

13. With a variety of solutions, there is no reason to not take control of the
weld fume in your facility. Collecting weld fume means safer employees
and a cleaner facility.

14. An Imperial Systems sales representative can meet with you, assess your
facility, and determine what type of collection is most appropriate for your
business.
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