RR1010 - Standardisation of the measurement of capture efficiency of on-gun extraction for welding
The inhalation of welding fume is recognised as being a real threat to workers' health due to the development of occupational illnesses such as welding fume fever and asthma. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is an effective method to control worker exposure to welding fume and previous work has indicated the merit of the use of on-gun extraction systems.
The aim of the present study was to improve and refine the existing on-gun extraction methodology and has resulted in the development of two alternative methods for measuring the efficiency of on-gun fume extraction systems. There are distinct advantages and drawbacks to both methods of measuring on-gun capture efficiency, but a preferred method has been identified.
At the time of drafting this report, working group 4 of Standards committee CEN/TC 121/SC 9 has adopted this preferred method and is currently drafting a new standard for measuring the capture efficiency of on-gun fume extraction systems.
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