Maintaining the quality of air in welding workshops isn’t just a functional and ethical necessity, it’s required by law. Furthermore, any business that fails to comply with air-quality regulations can receive a fine. If there is a lawsuit that stems from problems that are health-related, and it turns out that non-compliance was an issue, the repercussions will be more significant – probably considerably so.
There are various regulations and standards including those established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), as well as other environmental regulations.
With this in mind, the question is, what is the best way to filter air in a welding workshop?
Options for Filtering Air in a Welding Workshop
There are a variety of ways to filter air in a welding workshop, depending mainly on the size of the workshop and its configuration. The most critical element is filtering out the welding smoke as well as particulate matter and ensuring that clean air returns to the welders’ breathing zones.
Options include mobile filtration units, wall-mounted units, and large central extraction filtration units. The precise unit you opt for will depend on a number of factors including whether it is required for frequent or occasional use, whether you need it to be mobile so it can be used at different welding stations, whether it can be used in a number of different conditions, whether it needs to be automated, and just how much welding smoke and dust needs to be removed. The metals you are working with will also be a factor.
Kemper America has a selection of filtration units that meet variable needs. Some are mobile, some are portable, and there are wall-mounted, and a choice of big and small extraction units.
The company also offers even more powerful welding ventilation systems which provide an excellent solution when local exhaust equipment is difficult or even impossible to use. The piece de resistance is the Kemper CleanAir Tower that recirculates purified air after removing dust and other pollutants. This device works according to the principle of displacement ventilation that is recommended by various health and safety standards, including those of OSHA.
Kemper America Filtration Units
Kemper offers a choice of mobile filters, all of which feature a rotating hood that also swivels and some of which have a radius of 360 degrees. They can also be used with extension arms for versatility and increased range. They also feature self-cleaning filter cartridges for maximum protection.
Wall-mounted filters are ideal for use at fixed welding workstations where mobility is not required. However, they work similarly and may be operated using a separate control box.
Central extraction units are much bigger and better suited for cutting beds or for laser systems. Options include both low pressure and high-vacuum units, and the filter cartridges operate according to the principle of surface filtration. They also incorporate automatic filter cleaning.
Ultimately, the best way to filter air in a welding system will depend entirely on your needs. The Kemper systems are versatile and reliable. Call us to find out which is likely to work best in your welding environment.