The jewellery industry has, for centuries, been renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and precision. Yet, in the modern world, this excellence is as much about safeguarding artisans’ health as it is about the quality of the product. Air pollution from dust, fumes and other airborne particles generated during manufacturing can have a devastating impact on individuals’ well-being.
Therefore, jewellery production must incorporate an effective fume and dust extraction system to ensure their employees are provided with safe working conditions. In a previous article, we conducted a case study on Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, in which we explained how VODEX could offer holistic solutions to their fume and dust extraction problems. In this piece, we decided to dig deeper into why fume and dust extraction units are so important for the jewellery industry, with a specific focus on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, as well as the impact that improper extraction can have on staffs’ physical health.
What are the HSE Guidelines?
The HSE has clear guidelines regarding the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) across all industries. However, when it comes to the specific industry of jewellery, most of the dangerous substances in question are as a result of soldering fumes that can present significant risks to employees’ health. We’ll go into more detail on this topic shortly, but for now, let’s break down exactly what the HSE requirements are.
For any employees working closely with welding or soldier fumes, an up-to-date jewellery fume extractor is recommended among the HSE’s suggestions. In tandem with this, it’s advised that alternative cold-joining techniques are used to minimise fumes or smoke and to ensure the proper use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE) too. It’s important to note that these measures are recommended to be used alongside each other, along with education and more general control measures, to minimise health risks.
What are the Health Risks of Improper Extraction for Jewellers?
The HSE guidelines highlight the importance of utilising effective fume extraction for a jewellery manufacturer, but it’s essential to understand what the risks are and how they manifest.
How Do the Risks Occur?
The process of manufacturing jewellery can produce numerous dangerous airborne substances. For example, gold and silver soldering can result in fumes heavy in cadmium, while other harmful toxins can include antimony and fluoride. When manufacturers are working in close proximity and without proper solder fume extraction units, the likelihood of these substances being inhaled is high, potentially resulting in severe health implications.
The Health Impact
In order to fully understand the impact of cadmium poisoning on people, research was conducted into the topic. It found that acute inhalation of cadmium can initially cause respiratory tract irritation, although symptoms may not occur until four to eight hours following exposure. Dyspnoea (shortness of breath), chest pain and muscle weakness are also common side effects and can represent precursors to more severe health conditions.
The study advises that failing to minimise the inhalation of cadmium can cause pulmonary oedema, bronchitis, chemical pneumonitis, lung cancer and respiratory failure. Furthermore, the research warns that these conditions are severe, difficult to treat and, in the most extreme circumstances, can be life-threatening.
Pulmonary oedema can also be a side effect of acute fluoride inhalation, while the more common, low-level symptoms can involve irritation to the eyes and nose. Meanwhile, a 2010 study found that consistent inhalation of antimony or antimony compounds in either the short or long term, can result in severe health repercussions. These included, but weren’t limited to, irritation to the skin and eyes, as well as respiratory effects such as lung inflammation, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The research is conclusive, then, that the continued or even brief inhalation of soldering fumes can present a high level of danger to jewellers. That’s why it’s imperative that jewellery manufacturers understand their responsibilities under the HSE guidelines and ensure that their staff are being provided with the appropriate solder fume extraction units to keep them safe and healthy. Not only is this crucial from an ethical and legal standpoint but from a business one, too.
Protect your Staff with VODEX Fume and Dust Extraction
At VODEX, we stock a range of products that can meet the needs of your jewellery manufacturing business. For example, our VXJ range, consisting of the VXJ-1 and VXJ-2 models, are a compact, stand-alone multipurpose fume and light dust extractor. It’s perfect for a range of low-volume fume and dust requirements like the ones present in the jewellery industry. Provided with a pre-filter, HEPA filter and a specially blended acid carbon gas filter, the VXJ series offers a feature-rich, cost-effective solution.
Our other jewellery products include mobile extraction systems, fume cupboards and universal extraction systems, making us capable of catering to every eventuality. For more detailed questions about our products and services, get in touch with us here.Our other jewellery products include mobile extraction systems, fume cupboards and universal extraction systems, making us capable of catering to every eventuality. For more detailed questions about our products and services, get in touch with us here.
