Effective control of gas shielded arc welding fume
HSE inspectors have noted that, although Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) was often available for controlling exposure to welding fume, it frequently remained unused, due, partly to claims by welders that the LEV was responsible for removing shielding gas and thereby compromising the quality of the weld. However, there appeared to be few data to substantiate the welders’ claims. HSE commissioned this research project to establish whether efficient welding fume capture could be achieved using LEV whilst, at the same time, maintaining weld metal integrity.