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Ensuring Maximum Safety: Updated Study on Welding Fume and Ozone Control Measure

Date: 29-10-2024
News

AWS, our dedicated partner in welding safety equipment, recently shared a pivotal new study, published in Safety Journal, which dives deeper into the effectiveness of welding fume and ozone control methods. This 2023 study compares various safety products to reveal which methods best safeguard welders from exposure to hazardous fumes and ozone, which have been linked to severe health risks, including irreversible lung disease and cancer.

Why Control Measures for Welding Fume and Ozone Are Essential

Welding fumes and ozone pose serious health threats, with even brief exposure leading to levels that exceed the Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) for both. Research indicates that welders working with common processes, such as TIG, FCAW, and MIG, can encounter peak ozone levels above the WES limit (0.1 ppm) within just 10 minutes2. This underscores the necessity of reliable, high-performance respiratory protection.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Welding Fume Control Methods

The study evaluated three main product controls: Welding Helmets with an Integrated Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), On-Gun Fume Extraction LEV, and Hooded Capture LEV.

Here’s how they performed:

  • Welding Helmet with Integrated PAPR: This helmet remains the top choice for personal protection, effectively reducing welding fume exposure by at least 99.96%. The PAPR system provided an impressive 100% ozone protection, with recorded levels within the helmet staying at 0.00 ppm across all processes, even as ozone concentrations soared outside. This level of protection outperformed all other tested methods, including half mask respirators, which require regular fit testing and lack compatibility with facial hair.
  • On-Gun Fume Extraction LEV: While not as protective as the helmet with PAPR, On-Gun Fume Extraction LEV still proved highly effective, reducing welding fume levels by 97% and surpassing Hooded Capture LEV by 33%. This approach also offered welders flexibility, as it follows their movements, ensuring continuous fume capture throughout shifts.
  • Hooded Capture LEV: Though useful, Hooded Capture LEV systems were shown to be less effective than On-Gun Extraction and PAPR in terms of fume reduction, as they require welders to remain in a specific position.

Choosing the Right Solution for Comprehensive Protection

A Welding Helmet with Integrated PAPR is recommended for both welding fume and ozone protection. Compared to half mask respirators, this system is maintenance-friendly, eliminates the need for fit testing, and allows welders to work with facial hair—all while offering maximum protection against fumes and ozone exposure. For fume source control, On-Gun Extraction LEV is a beneficial addition, minimizing workshop fumes and reducing maintenance on consumables.

How to Prioritise Your Safety Needs

For welders and industry managers, these insights are instrumental in making informed safety choices. Adopting reliable, advanced protective equipment not only guards against long-term health risks but also ensures a safer and more efficient workplace.

For detailed information on the survey and review provided by AWS:

NEW Welding Fume White Paper

The findings emphasise that keeping welders safe can be straightforward with the right equipment. By prioritising high-quality fume extraction and respiratory protection, welding professionals can work in a safer environment, minimizing health risks associated with their trade.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a PAPR-equipped helmet or explore effective fume extraction systems, reach out to us.

Take a closer look at these cutting-edge solutions to elevate your welding safety measures:

Speedglas Helmet Range with Integrated PAPR

Let us help you make informed choices for a safer welding experience.

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2 - 2023 Protecting the welder from Ozone, A scientific study, AWS.