What Is a Smoke Absorber and What are the Advantages of Using One?
Inhaling smoke while soldering can lead to dangerous health repercussions because of the toxic metal particles in the fumes. Unfortunately, few people are aware of the risk, as most believe that opening the windows or turning on a fan will solve the problem. Unfortunately, fans will only circulate the smoke to other areas, thereby increasing the risk of exposure to harmful toxins.
Even opening the windows does little good because the external air pressure is greater than the air pressure created by the fan. Consequently, some smoke will come back into the room. Fortunately, new inventions in workplace safety make it easy to absorb smoke to improve indoor air quality. Smoke absorbers are a brilliant example of an effective solution with a carbon filter and fume extraction fan.
So, what is a smoke absorber? As the name implies, it absorbs smoke and extracts fumes from the environment. Of course, it offers other advantages as well, but first, here’s how it works.
What is a Smoke Absorber?
It’s a device that filters the air indoors to remove fumes and airborne particles produced while soldering metals. This helps maintain better air quality indoors. It removes solder fumes, heat, harmful odors, and other airborne particles that could have adverse effects on health.
It comes with a mechanical fan that extracts all the toxic fumes, bacteria, gases, and particles through a carbon filter. The smoke absorber plays a critical role in removing fumes and harmful gases.
Having a smoke absorber with a built-in fume extractor is important because of the hazards & health effects of solder fumes. It is necessary to have one in areas reserved for industrial/mechanical tasks that create hazardous fumes and smoke.
Advantages of Using a Smoke Absorber
The smoke absorber with a built-in fume extractor helps you keep workers safe. It creates a comfortable and safe work environment by removing fumes and particles in the air. Here are some advantages of a smoke absorber.
1. Removes All the Harmful Fumes
The biggest advantage of using a smoke absorber is that it removes dangerous fumes from your workplace environment. Workers using equipment that creates dangerous fumes can develop serious respiratory problems. It can lead to health concerns, such as lung cancer, in the long run.
This is where a fume extractor comes in. It will redirect fumes away from your face and ensure you don’t breathe them in. Consequently, it reduces the risk of developing respiratory concerns.
2. Provides Ventilation
Adequate ventilation in the work area allows better air circulation to remove harmful particles. Every factory/workshop needs a proper ventilation system, especially in smaller spaces with few windows. Such areas are ideal candidates for a smoke absorber and fume extractor.
But for it to offer optimal performance, you have to install it in the right place. You can choose from different fume extractors with built-in ventilation systems. These devices can keep the air quality high in small work areas while removing toxic fumes.
3. Removes Toxic Contagions in the Environment
Besides removing toxic fumes in the air, a smoke absorber also captures toxic particles released during the soldering or brazing process. Removing or trapping harmful contagions in the air improves air quality.
It ensures that your workers don’t inhale any harmful particles that can lead to serious health conditions.
4. Opens You to Multiple Filtration Options
Another advantage of using a smoke absorber is that you can get different types of filtration options. Extraction devices come with an active carbon filter, HEPA filter, or others. You can choose one according to your needs and the kind of fumes produced.
Active carbon filters are the most efficient filters on the market. The active carbon filter captures the particles in their form, making them different from others on the market. Using this filter offers the safest fume extraction system since it removes odor and dangerous smoke.
5. Compliance with the Regulatory Laws Set By Federal and State Governments
All factories are required to follow guidelines by Federal and State agencies to ensure a safe working environment for workers, reducing their risk of suffering from work-related health conditions.
Using a smoke absorber with a built-in fume extractor, you can comply with regulations set by the following authorities:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Office of Labor-Management and Standards (OLMS)
Why You Should Use Smoke Absorbers with Mechanical/Industrial Procedures?
Smoke absorbers help create a better working environment for your employees, which can reduce the likelihood of sick-related absences. Moreover, there are advantages of a smoke absorber machine, such as increased efficiency and maximized productivity due to a comfortable environment.
People in the welding industry are often exposed to harmful gases and fumes that cause severe health problems down the line. With the help of a smoke absorber, they can ensure an optimal working environment that complies with regulatory laws. As soldering is an integral part of various industrial procedures, smoke absorbers are more than necessary.
Final Word
Professionals working with equipment that can create harmful fumes or dangerous smoke should keep a smoke absorber near their workstations. It ensures that they don’t inhale any harmful smoke or particles in the air that could possibly lead to respiratory issues.
A smoke absorber with a built-in fume extractor can help maintain optimal air quality indoors, thereby maintaining productivity. If you’re looking for a reliable solder smoke extractor, you should look for one from a reputable brand.
IP Systems offers some of the best smoke absorbers on the market. Contact us today!
