In an era of technological advancements and robotics, welding may seem like trade belonging to the past, but it remains a crucial part of the fabrication industry with shortages of skilled resources globally. Recognising the risks of harmful fumes of the welding trade, one regional educational facility invested in our custom fume extraction solution to protect the future of the industry and the next generation of welders trained there.
In a country struggling with a welding workforce crisis, where the fabrication industry has shrunk by about 20% over the past 20 years, and the number of welders has fallen from 90,000 to just under 60,000, it is important for education facilities to understand the importance of supporting the future generation of skilled workers in a healthy learning environment.
Most welding classrooms across Australia are fairly similar. Students stroll in, casually chatting as they settle in for the day. Steel-capped boots are dragged along the floor, and the scent of metal and the hum of machinery fill the air.
But at one regional NSW facility, you’ll find the air in their classroom feels cleaner, fresher, and almost crisp. Aware of the industry's struggles and the need for long-term solutions, this facility made a thoughtful investment in advanced fume extraction technology, creating a safer and more conducive learning space for their welding students.
Welding, though facing a decline in Australia, remains a fundamental trade, but it comes with significant challenges, one of the biggest being exposure to hazardous fumes. Welding produces fumes and metal dust from materials like steel and galvanised metals.
These fumes can contain harmful substances like lead, manganese and zinc, which, if inhaled, can cause respiratory issues, lung damage, and even long-term illnesses like cancer. Without proper extraction in an educational setting airborne contaminants can also cause fatigue and reduce concentration levels.
A well-designed fume extraction system ensures that welding fumes are captured at the source before they spread, helping to maintain a safer, more comfortable learning environment.
As Nederman, we are considered globally as a leading supplier of fume and dust extraction solutions in industrial and vocational sites. Recognising our expertise, one of our clients asked Nederman Australia to design and installed a fume extraction system that balances performance, ease of use, and energy efficiency.
The system included four 3m original fume extraction arms, each equipped with a hood-mounted on/off switch. This allows students to activate extraction right at their workstation, ensuring fumes are removed at the source before they disperse into the wider workshop.
To support this setup, we installed an NCF 30/15 fume extraction fan with DP flow control. This gives steady and efficient airflow throughout the space, regulating extraction to maintain optimal performance without excessive energy consumption.
The custom ducting was designed to integrate into the already existing workshop layout. This allowed for smooth installation and maximum efficiency without disrupting the learning environment.
With the system installed, students and staff will benefit from improved air quality, reduced exposure to welding fumes and a healthier, safer environment. This will allow students to focus more on their work without the distraction of lingering fumes.
There has been immediate positive feedback by students about the system’s ease of use and its simple and intuitive operation. This helps reinforce good workplace habits and prepares them for real-world industry practices. Teachers will also benefit from knowing their workplace is supporting their long-term health and wellbeing.
The facility is thrilled that the system custom system installed with DP flow control will optimise energy use, ensuring efficient operation while keeping operational costs manageable.
By investing in a high-performance fume extraction system, this Australian educational facility has proven their commitment to student safety and the future of the welding industry.
They have positioned themselves as leaders in welding education. With clean air and a well-ventilated workspace, the next generation of welders can learn in an environment that reflects industry best practices, setting them up for success in their future careers.
If you're looking to create a safer, more productive learning environment for welding students, explore how our advanced fume extraction solutions can support your educational facility. And if you’re interested, learn more about how we can improve air quality in Australia schools and TAFEs.
We have extensive experience of various challenges in the different industries and our experts are very skilled, helpful and professional. With us, you can feel secure that we take care of you and your needs. You are always welcome to contact us regardless if you have a short question or a more complex and complicated one. A warm welcome to Nederman.
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