Solution Summary: Portable Vacuum Fume Collectors with HEPA Filtration
Risks Addressed:
Welding generates fumes that can expose workers to manganese, iron, nickel, hexavalent chromium, and other elements found in the base metal, filler rod and coatings. These metals have relatively low occupational exposure limits and exposure can lead to serious health effects including lung cancer, Parkinson-like symptoms known as “manganism,” and neurological effects.
In a study of production welders and non-welders at a large manufacturing facility, production welders were found to have eight times greater welding fume metal exposures than non-welders 474 μg/m3to 60 μg/m3 (p=0.001) (Schoonover, 2010).
Meeker et al (2007) cite several sources that indicate manganese exposures among welders in construction range from 0.01 to 2.0 mg/m3 and often exceed occupational exposure limits. Meeker et al (2010) analyzed three sets of hexavalent chromium exposure data collected during welding and found that approximately 12 percent of the 348 exposures were above the OSHA PEL (5 μg/m3).
Occupational Exposure Limits for Fumes Associated with Welding
Metal |
ACGIH TLV (mg/m3) |
NIOSH REL (mg/m3) |
OSHA PEL |
Manganese, elemental and inorganic compounds |
0.02 (respirable) |
1 |
5 (as ceiling) |
Hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI) |
0.01 (insoluble) |
0.001 |
0.005 |
Nickel |
1.5 (inhalable) |
0.015 |
1.0 |
Iron oxide |
5 (respirable) |
5 |
10 |
Employees exposed to Cr (VI) face an increased risk of significant health effects. The health effects cited by OSHA that are associated with Cr (VI) include lung cancer, asthma, nasal septum ulcerations and perforations, skin ulcerations (“chrome holes”), and allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.
NIOSH states that “Recent studies indicate neurological and neurobehavioral deficits may occur when workers are exposed to low levels of manganese (<0.2 mg/m3) in welding fumes. These effects include changes in mood and short-term memory, altered reaction time, and reduced hand-eye coordination.”
OSHA states that welding, cutting or heating performed in an enclosed space on metal coated with lead-bearing paint requires employers to provide local exhaust ventilation or protect employees with airline respirators.
How Risks are Reduced:
Portable vacuum fume extractors with HEPA filtration are used mainly for source capture of welding smoke and fumes. These units use a motor and fan to draw air and contaminants from the point of generation, through a flexible arm or duct and into the unit. The fumes and particles are then collected on a high efficiency filter, reducing the concentration in the worker's breathing zone. As long as the fumes are removed before they are inhaled, the hazard is reduced.
Availability
The Lincoln Electric Company
To obtain information, visit Miniflex Portable Fume Extractor
or contact 1-888-935-3876
Air Distribution Technologies, Inc.
To obtain information, visit Air Boss One Trion Man Portable HEPA Air Cleaner
or contact 1-919-775-2201 customerservice@trioniaq.com
Sentry Air Systems, Inc.
To obtain information, visit Portable Fume Extractors
or contact 1-800-799-4609 sales@sentryair.com
Enviroflex International, Inc.
To obtain information, visit Portable Welding Smoke Extractors
or contact 1-877-368-3539