Maintaining proper fume and gas control in construction is critical for the health and safety of workers. From hazardous fumes produced by welding and painting to volatile gases released during construction processes, minimising exposure is a priority for commercial and industrial businesses in Australia. Here’s an in-depth look at managing these risks and how Fanquip provides effective solutions.
What Are the Hazardous Fumes & Gases in Construction?
Various construction processes generate hazardous substances that threaten worker health if not properly managed. Key sources include:
- Welding Processes: Arc welding, MIG welding, and other techniques produce toxic welding fumes, including harmful gases and particulate matter. The shielding gas used in welding can also contribute to exposure risks.
- Concrete Cutting and Grinding: Cutting, grinding, and polishing concrete or bricks release fine dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which can lead to silicosis, a severe lung disease.
- Painting and Finishing: Many paints, varnishes, and glues contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their vapours can cause dizziness, nausea, and long-term health problems.
- Machinery Exhaust: Diesel-powered equipment emits gases and particulate matter that can be hazardous in enclosed spaces.
Read more in our blog: Construction Worker Safety Tips
Fume Control in Construction
Fume control is essential to safeguard construction workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Strategies include:
- Limiting Access: Restricting worker access to areas where harmful fumes are prevalent minimises direct exposure.
- Ventilation and Air Movement: Installing exhaust systems and using portable fans ensure fresh air circulation and reduce the concentration of fumes.
- Fume Extraction Systems: Local exhaust systems capture and filter fumes at the source to minimise their spread.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respiratory protective equipment must be worn, particularly in areas with high fume concentrations.
- Administrative Controls: Worker training, job rotation, and exposure monitoring are crucial to detect and manage risks promptly.
Gas Control in Construction
Gas control measures ensure that construction workers are safe from hazardous gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and VOCs. Effective methods include:
- Gas Detection Systems: Early detection of hazardous gases allows for immediate corrective measures.
- Ventilation Systems: Proper ventilation ensures that harmful gases are diluted or extracted, reducing their concentration.
- Air Quality Monitoring: Continuous monitoring identifies emerging issues, enabling timely responses.
Fanquip Solutions for Fume & Gas Control in Construction
Fanquip provides cutting-edge equipment designed for industrial ventilation needs in construction:
Fume Extractors
Fanquip’s Fume Extractors are designed to optimise removal through an air mover engineered with the Venturi principle, which increases pressure differential for improved extraction efficiency. These industrial fume extractors effectively capture notorious airborne particles, including welding fumes, grinding dust, dry dust, and soldering fumes.
- Mobile Fume Extractor: Our mobile fume extractors capture welding fumes and gases at the source, minimising worker exposure.
- Portable Blower Extractor: Our versatile blowers offer both air supply / fresh air supply and fume extraction, ideal for construction sites where mobility is crucial.
Mancoolers with Ducting
Mancoolers deliver powerful airflow, pushing fresh air through ducting to confined spaces and helping with fume extraction.
- Connect our Mobile Mancooler with Flexible ducting for versatile and efficient air distribution, allowing fresh air to reach confined spaces maintaining a safer, well-ventilated working environment.
Get Expert Advice for Industrial Ventilation Solutions
At Fanquip, our goal is to provide comprehensive industrial ventilation solutions that prioritise the safety and health of construction workers. From fume extractors to portable blower systems, our range of products is tailored to meet the unique needs of commercial and industrial clients across Australia. Contact us today to learn how we can help manage hazardous fumes and gases on your construction site, ensuring a safer working environment for your team.
Find out more about Fanquip’s Industrial Ventilation Solutions for Building & Construction.
