Professionals working in industrial environments, such as CNC milling, machining and metalworking shops have to be careful.
These and many other industrial work environments produce hazardous substances, including oil mist, smoke, and fumes. These contaminants can seriously harm the health of workers and cause damage to machinery.
An alarming statistic reveals that up to one million workers in the United States encounter hazardous oil mist every day.
We will outline some of the risks of these dangerous airborne fumes and, most importantly, reveal the best fume extractor solutions that safely and effectively remove these toxins. By taking action, industrial companies will meet their goal of manufacturing products while protecting the health and safety of workers, machinery, and facilities.
Risks of Oil Mist, Smoke, and Fumes
Health Risks
Metalworking fluids (MWFs) include various oils and liquids employed to cool and lubricate metalwork during machining processes. Workers who are exposed to these airborne fumes can develop health issues, including skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and, in some instances, respiratory challenges such as bronchitis and asthma. It can even lead to cancer.
Extended exposure to oil mist has been linked with an elevated risk of various cancers, as studies show. Even more, health issues linked to these fumes include:
- Contact Dermatitis/ Photosensitive allergic dermatitis
- Bronchial asthma
- Lipoid pneumonia
- Rhinitis
- Bronchitis
- Lung fibrosis
- Lung Cancer
- Benign and malignant tumors of the scrotum
Symptoms associated with higher concentrations of oil mist include:
- Shortness of breath
- Eye and skin irritation
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach
Other Risks and Hazards
As mentioned above, processes that include CNC milling, machining, and metalworking present several risks:
- Slip and Fall Hazards: Oil mist can settle on floors and surfaces, creating slippery conditions. This increases the risk of slip and fall accidents in the workplace.
- Fire Hazard: Oil mist can be flammable, especially if it comes into contact with hot surfaces or sparks.
- Equipment Contamination: Oil mist can settle on machinery and equipment, leading to contamination. This could cause malfunctions and reduce overall efficiency.
- Maintenance Challenges: Accumulation of oil mist on machinery and surfaces can increase maintenance requirements.
Read this insightful Case Study to see how one Hydraulic Cylinder manufacturer solved their problem of hazardous dust and smoke.
Safely Eliminate Hazardous Contaminants with Downdraft Tables
Downdraft tables are popular fume extractors because they safely eliminate hazardous contaminants in industrial processes. The way they work is through a downward airflow pattern that captures contaminants at the source. Fume extractors move the oil mist towards the table surface. Fume extractors are equipped with effective ventilation and filtration systems that pull contaminated air through filters, trapping the harmful fumes.
Adjustable airflow rates, ease of maintenance, and work surface containment all make downdraft tables highly demanded fume extractors for industrial safety. Downdraft tables find applications in many industries, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing a controlled environment that minimizes worker exposure to contaminants. Their versatility makes them valuable safety tools for processes like grinding, sanding.
Check out our range of downdraft table fume extractors
How Oil Mist Fume Extractors Eliminate Airborne Contaminants
Oil mist fume extractors and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) collectors play a crucial role in keeping industrial work environments and workers safe. These fume extractors effectively eliminate oil mist as well as volatile organic compounds that can pose health risks.
Oil mist fume extractors use efficient extraction mechanisms to capture and remove airborne contaminants at the source. These fume extractors stop contaminants from dispersing into the workspace. The extraction process involves powerful ventilation systems that draw contaminated air through specialized filters designed to capture oil mist particles and VOCs.
This not only ensures a cleaner and healthier air quality but also mitigates the risks of prolonged exposure. The use of these welding fume extractors is instrumental in complying with occupational health and safety regulations. By creating a controlled and contaminant-free environment, oil mist fume extractors and VOC collectors contribute significantly to promoting the well-being of workers and maintaining a safe industrial workspace.
Diversitech offers a wide range of oil mist fume extractors that meet every demand.
Check out our range of oil mist extractors here
Portable Welding Fume Extractors
Overspray portable fume extractors are a vital tool in touch-up painting processes because they effectively eliminate overspray and safeguard the health of workers. Many portable fume extractors employ a powerful suction mechanism to capture and remove overspray particles generated during painting activities. Overspray fume extractors come equipped with efficient filtration systems designed to trap and contain hazardous paint particles, preventing their spread into the surrounding air. This not only ensures a cleaner and safer working environment but also protects workers from inhaling harmful paint overspray.
The portability of the welding fume extractor gives workers the opportunity to position the machine next to the painting site, whether there is one of multiple sites. By addressing overspray at the source, these fume extractors contribute to maintaining air quality standards and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. Overall, portable fume extractors serve as a proactive solution. They also create a controlled environment for worker health and the protection of equipment and facilities.
Check out our range of portable fume extractors, including Fred Overspray Master Portable Fume Extractor
Takeaways
If you work in industries that include welding, soldering, painting and more, fume extractors have been proven to effectively and safely remove oil mist, smoke, and fumes from the environment.
We have discussed several fume extractor options and how they work to eliminate dangerous contaminants from the environment. Oil mist collectors and VOC collectors enhance worker safety by efficiently removing airborne contaminants through powerful ventilation and filtration. Portable fume extractors, like the Overspray Master, are vital for touch-up painting, addressing overspray at the source and maintaining air quality standards.
Shop Diversitech’s range of welding fume extractors to meet the goal of efficient product manufacturing while prioritizing worker health and safety. Better still, contact us to schedule a discovery call and to find the best solution for you.