Choosing the appropriate fume extractor

For optimal productivity and cost/benefit ratio, workers must be able to work efficiently, comfortably and safely, protected from a wide spectrum of potential airborne hazards.

Respiratory hazards are factors that impair the ability to breathe freely and safely and are a major cause of accidents in the workplace.

In order to obtain adequate protection, in addition, of course, to equip themselves with the appropriate PPE, it is essential to use the fume extractor most suitable for the tasks to be performed. Accidental inhalation of dangerous substances even for short periods causes serious damage to the structure of the lungs and consequent respiratory irritation, fevers, bronchitis and occupational asthma.
Particles below 5 microns are easily breathable and can penetrate through the respiratory channels. A very significant and immediate test is to look at what remains in the handkerchief at the end of the day when blowing your nose.

Fine dust or atmospheric particulates

They derive from the crushing of solid materials and surface treatment processes, such as sanding, grinding, filing, etc.  They are also known as particulates and occur in the form of fine particles that then remain suspended in the air and then inhaled if not aspirated. For dust, mobile extractors or suction benches are recommended, and both must be equipped with self-cleaning cartridge filters and collection drawers. Remember that a normal fume extractor would not work, as the progressive clogging filter would clog very quickly.

Oil mist

They are small drops produced by liquid materials that have undergone atomization processes such as, for example, oily mists produced by cnc machines. For a correct filtration of mists it is possible to use systems on board the machine or centralized systems with filtration and aspirator outside the building.

Metal fumes

Fine metal particles suspended in air that condense after vaporization at elevated temperatures.  Smoke is the most common type of pollutant. Welding and grinding fumes are typical examples of fumes in the workshop. Fortunately, in recent years, technologies have improved considerably, making highly efficient filtration products (99.9%) available, such as the trolley-mounted welding fume extractor, suction benches or wall-mounted fume extractors. The advantage of these systems is that the fume extraction takes place at the source, before they are dispersed in the environment.

Gas

Often odorless and invisible, they can saturate the air freely and quickly. In this case, in addition to all the individual protections of law, the operators are equipped with mobile extractor for external air intake in the environments where they go to operate.

Equally dangerous are the exhaust gases of vehicles inside the mechanical workshops. The ideal solution in this case is the exhaust gas suction system with hose reel.

Obviously, having a fume extractor is not only recommended to protect health but is necessary for the working environment to comply with the relevant regulations. The above recommendations must be evaluated within an appropriate risk analysis and assessment, carried out in accordance with the Italian legislation in force coordinated with the various D.L./L. and D.Lgs:

– D.Lgs. 9 April 2008, n. 81, “Implementation of art. 1 of Law no. 123 of 3 August 2007 on the protection of health and safety in the workplace”.