Fume Extractors

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What brand and type of fume extractors are you guys using. Large air exchangers, mobile, ???. How big of a pain are the mobile ones? Does anyone know the legal definitions of when one is required?Thanks. Looks like the company I work for is headed this way.Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:Originally Posted by RaptorDunerWhat brand and type of fume extractors are you guys using. Large air exchangers, mobile, ???. How big of a pain are the mobile ones? Does anyone know the legal definitions of when one is required?Thanks. Looks like the company I work for is headed this way.
Reply:Finally one I can answer.  This is a really "brief"  description of the legal requirement, including some of the actual rule language.  Don't rely on it, because there's some trips and traps in the rule which is a lot longer than this description, and there's a lot more requirements in the rule.  And if you guess wrong you could be spending money you don't need to, or get in trouble with EPA.First, there is no absolute mandate to use fume extraction.  It's one of several options to meet EPA's rule, but my guess is a lot of shops are going to it because it's the simplest fool proof way to comply, doesn't require a lot of thought, and may help with OSHA requirements.If your shop is subject to the rule (a complicated definition), then the shop has to implement management practices to "minimize... as practicable, while maintaining the required welding quality through the application of sound engineering judgment one or more of the following:(i) Use welding processes with reduced fume generation capabilities (e.g., gas metal arc welding (GMAW)— also called metal inert gas welding (MIG));(ii) Use welding process variations (e.g., pulsed current GMAW), which can reduce fume generation rates;(iii) Use welding filler metals, shielding gases, carrier gases, or other process materials which are capable of reduced welding fume generation;(iv) Optimize welding process variables (e.g., electrode diameter, voltage, amperage, welding angle, shield gas flow rate, travel speed) to reduce the amount of welding fume generated; and(v) Use a welding fume capture and control system, operated according tothe manufacturer’s specifications.PS, If you ask me "why" this rule exists, I may have to shoot you.  It's like asking why is the sky blue.  It just is.