Are the industrial exhaust systems in your metal fabrication facility performing the way they should? If they aren’t, it can seriously expose your employees to hazardous materials that are generated from machinery during operation.
Metal fabricators also need to ensure that their workspaces comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations on exhaust requirements. These regulations mandate the installation of an industrial exhaust system to remove harmful toxins and maintain a safe working environment.
Without proper exhaust methods in place, dust particles containing heavy metals may circulate in the air, leading to significant health risks for everyone in the building. This could include lead oxide, iron oxide, nickel, manganese, copper, chromium, cadmium, or zinc oxide. This is why industrial exhaust systems are essential for controlling the air quality in a fabrication workspace.
Read on to learn more about why an effective exhaust system is critical for your shop. We can evaluate your system to help you determine the best way to optimize its performance—schedule an appointment with our technical experts today.
Essential Safety Precautions in a Metal Fabrication Shop
Metal fabrication shops can be inherently dangerous workplaces. There are many important safety measures required on a day-to-day basis to help avoid serious accidents and injuries. By taking these precautions seriously, metal fabrication shops can provide a safe working environment for their employees and minimize the risk of accidents.
One of the most essential precautions is proper personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, hearing protection, and eye protection. In addition, all equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained for any potential hazards. It is also crucial to ensure that all employees receive comprehensive training on safety protocols and proper machinery operation.
Proper ventilation is another key to safety in a fabrication shop. Functional industrial exhaust systems are needed to reduce exposure to harmful fumes, particles, and dust. They work by extracting polluted air and then circulating fresh air back into the workspace. Installing and maintaining an efficient system in your shop is an investment that provides immediate and long-term benefits for workers’ health and overall productivity.
Health Risks Linked to Poor Air Quality in Metal Fabrication Shops
Metal fabrication shops are essential for creating everything from infrastructure to industrial equipment. However, the production of these goods generate harmful fumes and dust that can be detrimental to workers’ health. Working in such an environment comes with its risks, especially from toxic fumes produced by welding and cutting processes. Some welding processes can produce gases like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone.
Poor air quality in these environments has been linked to several common diseases. Respiratory illnesses are at the top of the list, with many people working in metal fabrication shops suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis and even lung cancer. Inhaling metal dust and fumes cause these illnesses, leading to severe long-term health problems. Other diseases associated with poor air quality in metal fabrication shops include heart disease, neurological problems and skin irritations.
As a business owner, taking the necessary precautions to protect your employees’ health is crucial. When air quality standards are met, they can continue to perform their jobs safely.
Dependable Industrial Exhaust Systems from Eldridge
Reliable industrial exhaust systems in metal fabrication shops provide significant benefits for your employees. Proper ventilation helps improve air quality to protect everyone inside the shop.
To make sure your exhaust system is operating at peak efficiency and to ensure your facility is meeting necessary safety regulations, contact our team at Eldridge for an evaluation.