Controlling Gas Shielded Arc Welding Fumes using an On-Gun Extraction System

If inhaled, welding fumes can be harmful to health, thus exposure must be controlled. A commonly used method of control is local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in the form of moveable capturing hoods but, to achieve efficient capture, this type of ventilation must be positioned close to the fume source and moved as welding progresses, although in practice re-location may not always occur. Alternatively, control may be exercised using a low volume high velocity system (LVHV), fitted either to an existing welding torch or manufactured as an integral part of a torch.