Abstract

The concentration of welding fumes generated by industrial welding operations frequently exceeds current Québec exposure standards. This problem is exacerbated when welding is performed in confined spaces. This project evaluated the capture efficiency of welding guns equipped with fume capture systems, both in the laboratory and the field.

Capture efficiency was high under standardized laboratory conditions, but was 12-46% lower in industrial settings. This reduction in efficiency was observed in two different industrial settings with two different welders. Biomechanical evaluation of the welding guns did not reveal any contraindication for their use.