Why do you need fume extraction ?
Many individuals are exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace and occupational ashtma is a growing problem within industry. The UK Health and Safety Executive estimates that each year 7000 people develop work related asthma.
Every UK company has to carry out a risk assesment and comply to the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2002, which highlights the steps needed to evaluate any potential hazards.
Hazardous substances can be catagorised as either:
• chemicals
• products containing chemicals
• fumes
• dusts
• vapours
• mists
• nanotechnology
• gases and asphyxiating gases and
• biological agents (germs)
These substances are listed as: Toxic, Very Toxic, Harful, Irritant, Highly Flammable, Explosive or Corrosive.
They can endanger health by: Inhalation, Adsorption, Swallowing or contact with the eyes.
Typical Symptoms can include Lung Damage, Runny Nose, Eyes, Sore Throat, Nose Bleeds, Dermatitis and Acne.
More serious illnesses can lead to occupational asthma or even cancers. Some of these symptoms can occur at home or at the weekend and not associated with work – this is called a ‘late asthmatic reaction’ and could be as a result of exposure to fumes in the workplace.
Installing the correct type of extraction can remove these symptoms completely and there are many different forms available. Vodex has over 25 years experience in fume extraction and we are always happy to discuss your requirements in more detail free of charge and can recommend the right products for every application.
HSG258 is a document that should be referred to as this highlights the different forms of extraction and helps with the deisgn and choice of system. Typical fume extraction systems can take the form of high pressure tip extraction (as used in the electronics industry for solder fume extraction), or higher volumes systems that can be connected to a range of flexible arms and capture hoods. For larger applications fume cupboards or fume cabinets may be the best solution.
Vodex supplies the electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical, education, jewellery manufacturers and beauty industries with product specific solutions. Vodex also offers custom bespoke solutions and can design and supply special capture hoods if required.
Fumes that contain particles (such as solder fumes and smoke from resin fluxes) need to be filtered properly. Small low cost bench fans do little to filter these fumes and are no more than fume diffusers – blowing the fumes back into the workplace.
A more professional filtration system will usually consist of a brushless fan or pump unit and a multi stage filter – typically a pre filter for capturing large particles, a HEPA filter for removing particles down to 0.3 microns and a carbon or chemical filter for removing vapours and smells. It should be noted that for vapours only the HEPA filter can be removed and replaced with a much deeper bed carbon filter (of the right type for the substance being removed). HEPA or particle filters will do nothing to remove smells.
As an example, many nail salons use poor quality low pressure fans that capture some of the large dusts created from manicures, however the smells from the acetones and other ketones are not captured – this explains the strong smells associated with high street salons. Our FileOWay product will remove the dust and vapours as these pass through a very high efficiency acid washed filter unit.
For more advice or help please call our friendly team on 01489 899070today or email sales@vodex.co.uk
