The Benefits of Fume Extraction Systems

When it comes to health and safety, fume extraction systems are crucial for many working environments. From soldering to welding or even when using certain chemicals, making sure your team members are safe while they work is a legal requirement. 

We explain the many benefits of fume extraction systems, from reducing employee absences to complying with health and safety regulations and more. 

Healthy working environment

A healthy, clean and safe working environment has recently become a priority for many businesses, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, indoor air quality is now a hot topic as it plays a key role in preventing the spread of disease. 

Although, it’s not just because of coronavirus that indoor air quality is important. Removing contaminated particles from the air can protect employees and allow them to work without worrying about inhaling harmful toxins. 

In workplaces that are exposed to harmful chemicals, fumes or gases, making sure that the air is clean before employees come into contact with it is essential. For example, fume extraction while soldering or 3D printing will contribute to effective indoor air circulation. 

Fewer employee absences

According to the Health and Safety Executive, 32.5 million working days were lost in 2019/20 due to work-related ill health. Fume extractors remove harmful fumes, meaning you can prevent your team members from suffering from the following common illnesses:

• Eye, nose or throat irritation
• Nausea
• Dizziness

In some cases, heavy exposure to highly toxic fumes and contaminants could lead to more serious illnesses, such as:

• Nervous system damage
• Kidney damage
• Lung cancer

Exposure to any extremely harmful fumes should be included as part of a risk assessment and addressed accordingly. By equipping your staff with protective equipment and using powerful fume extraction systems, you can protect your workforce and increase productivity. 

More energetic workforce

Employees are more likely to work at maximum efficiency when they feel comfortable in their environment. The heavy clouds of smoke and unpleasant smells that are a byproduct of certain soldering and mechanical engineering processes can slow your staff down and reduce their work rate.

Studies have shown that high levels of ventilation in closed environments can increase productivity by up to 8% compared to employees who didn’t benefit from such conditions. By providing your team with a clean and well-circulated airflow, you will promote a motivating and energetic working environment. 

Comply with health and safety regulations

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health are regulations that require employees to control and limit exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Employers are legally required to run thorough risk assessments and make sure employees are protected from all harmful substances in their place of work.

Harmful substances can include:

• Chemicals
• Products containing chemicals
• Fumes and dust
• Vapours and mists
• Nanotechnology
• Gases, asphyxiating gases, biological agents (germs)

If your workplace requires employees to regularly come into contact with harmful substances, then you must make sure that they are protected. Fume extraction units can help your business to comply with the regulations outlined by the Health and Safety Executive by removing the fumes, gases and pollutants released in the workplace.

Reduce contamination 

While the safety of your employees is the priority, keeping harmful fumes and chemicals to a minimum will also reduce the chance of contaminating surfaces and machinery. If left unchecked, contaminated machines can become clogged up and affect your production line.

Choose the right fume extractor for your workplace

Here at V Tech SMT, we are specialist suppliers of electronics equipment. With a team of expert engineers, we are perfectly positioned to help you choose the perfect fume extraction system for your working environment. Also, we offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that the customer is always looked after.

In our experience, BOFA international offers the best and most comprehensive range of fume extraction units on the market. BOFA provides a range of units that have been specifically designed for many uses, from electronics to mechanical engineering and 3D printing.

With a BOFA fume extraction unit, you can rest assured that your employees will be working in a safe, controlled environment. To find out more about our products or to learn about which fume extractor would be the best for your workplace, feel free to get in touch with us today.