If you operate or are familiar with metal fabrication shops, you know that the metalworking process and machines can look intense. The welding, grinding, and blasting operations can also lead to some intense conditions in the workshop, and employers should take proper safety precautions to avoid accidents. One such safety precaution is monitoring air quality. Read on for the best ways to improve air quality in metal fabrication shops that you can implement in your own workshop.
Control Air Pollution at the Source
Air filters situated at the source are the first line of defense against air pollution in your workshop. Monitoring air pollution from sources such as welding or soldering is so important because of the proximity to your employees. Metal fabrication employees often work within breathing vicinity of these processes, so controlling the air in these spaces is integral to employee health and the air quality of your workshop as a whole. Look into what type of source ventilation integrates best into your workstations, such as portable ventilation systems. Modifying your metalworking processes, perhaps by shortening the duration of welding, may also help reduce source pollution.
Install a Dust Collector System
A commercial dust collection system is also a great way to improve workshop air quality. Dust collector systems work by drawing in polluted air and filtering out the dust and metal particulates. Always choose an air purifying system specifically designed for metal fabrication shops. Also, remember to clean or replace your air filters often if your dust collector system calls for it.
Promote Better Airflow
One of the best and simplest ways to improve air quality in metal fabrication shops is to promote airflow with increased ventilation. This can be as simple as opening doors and windows in your shop, but this method by itself is often not enough to ensure optimal airflow. The next step may require installing a series of vents and fans into your workshop. This ensures that the fumes and particulates resulting from daily metalworking practices are allowed to escape. Welding and other metal fabrication processes also give off excess heat, and your workshop can easily trap this heat inside without a ventilation system. Because a proper ventilation system is circulating and moving air, it can also keep your employees cooler while on the shop floor.
In order to keep yourself and your employees safe in your metal fabrication shop, you must monitor the air quality. If you aren’t following them already, implement these practices for better, cleaner air in your shop today.
