Fume Extraction for Hot Works

All hot works — welding, cutting, brazing, grinding — produce fumes that are harmful when inhaled.
Since 2019, the HSE classifies all welding fume as a carcinogen requiring control at source.
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at the fume generation point is the required engineering control.
General workshop ventilation is not sufficient — fume must be captured before it enters the breathing zone.
Outdoor hot works still require RPE when LEV is not reasonably practicable due to wind variability.
COSHH 2002 requires employers to prevent or adequately control exposure to hot works fume.
Portable extraction units with flexible arms are suitable for site welding and cutting operations.
On-torch extraction systems capture fume at the arc itself — the most effective method available.
LEV systems must be maintained, inspected, and have a thorough examination every 14 months.
RPE is an additional control — it must not be used as the sole means of fume protection indoors.

Cancer prevention	Welding and cutting fumes are classified carcinogens — no exposure is safe.
Respiratory disease	Hot works fumes cause asthma, metal fume fever, and chronic lung conditions.
Legal requirement	COSHH mandates LEV at source for indoor hot works — general ventilation is not enough.
Health surveillance	Workers exposed to hot works fumes require lung function monitoring.

Do

Don't

Position LEV extraction within 200mm of the fume source during all indoor hot works.
Check that the extraction system is operating before starting any hot works task.
Wear RPE as additional protection even when LEV is in use.
Use on-torch extraction where available for maximum fume capture at the arc.
Maintain and inspect LEV equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule.
Arrange a thorough examination of LEV systems every 14 months as required.
Use portable extraction units for site-based welding and cutting operations.
Attend health surveillance including lung function testing as scheduled.
Report any respiratory symptoms — cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath.
Select RPE with a minimum APF of 20 for outdoor hot works without LEV.

DON'T carry out indoor hot works without local exhaust ventilation at source.
DON'T rely on open doors and windows as the only fume control measure.
DON'T position the extraction nozzle too far from the fume source — it must be close.
DON'T use RPE as the sole fume control for indoor hot works operations.
DON'T skip the 14-month LEV thorough examination — it is a legal requirement.
DON'T use damaged or blocked extraction equipment — report it for repair.
DON'T assume outdoor hot works are safe without RPE — wind spreads fume unpredictably.
DON'T eat or drink in the hot works area — fume particles settle on all surfaces.
DON'T refuse health surveillance — it detects damage before symptoms develop.
DON'T ignore flu-like symptoms after hot works — they may indicate metal fume fever.

See also: Welding Fume Extraction and LEV | Hot Works Permit Requirements

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