Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), or TIG welding, is a precision welding technique to create an arc and join two metals. (TIG) is a welding process that uses electric current to melt and join pieces of metal. This type of welding process is widely used in aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industries. It’s a renowned welding process that produces high-quality of welds on numerous types of metals such as stainless steel, aluminium, and copper.
There are various advantages associated with TIG welding process, but it poses many health risks as well. Due to hazardous fume generated during the welding process, TIG welding fume extractor has become a necessary component.
Health Risks Associated with TIG welding
TIG welding process produces smoke that contains hazardous metal fumes and gaseous particles. Welding fumes are a complex mixture of metallic oxides, silicates, and fluorides. During the welding process the metal is heated above its boiling point, and vapours condense into very fine particles. Inhalation of these particles may deposit throughout the respiratory system causing chronic health effects. The severe health problems include respiratory problems, lung damage, metal fume fever, and other chronic conditions like cancer.
When specific metals such as stainless steel, are welded, it produces hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen.
What Is the Role of TIG Fume Extractors?
TIG welding fume extractor is specially designed devices that captures and blow out the hazardous and harmful particles and gases from the air during the welding process. The fume extraction system works very similar to a typical vacuum cleaner; however, systems are made specifically to suck up air rather than solid material. The fume extracting system suck up the harmful air particles through a filter that traps it, and allow the fresh and clean air blown back into the work space.
Key Advantages of TIG Welding Fume Extractors
TIG welding fume extractor is used by welding shops for decades to protect their workers from harmful welding fumes.
1. The primary benefit Is the health protection offer to the welders. During the welding process, many particulate and gaseous matter are produced, which are very harmful to human health. Fume extractors remove the fumes from the air and these reduces the risk of respiratory ailments, other chronic conditions associated with welding fumes. Therefore, the results in healthier work environment which contributes to overall well-being of workers.
2. By using fume extractors, helps companies comply with regulations, enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, creating strict exposure limit for contaminated air in the workplace. As result, it saves lots of hefty fines and legal fees.
3. More safety and healthy work environment leads to higher productivity. Welders will get lesser ill from the effects of fume exposure, more likely to stay active, focused and efficient. Decreased absenteeism and medical costs.
4. Beyond protection the welders are likely to get improved air quality in the welding shop with fume extractors.
5. The fume extractors improve the lifespan of the valuable equipment and machinery, by filtering out the fumes. Decreased maintenance costs and downtime.
To Conclude, the importance of TIG welding fume extractor in welding safety will remain a critical component of responsible welding practices. Welding industry needs to continue to prioritize health and safety of their workers.
