Parker Plant: On MIG Torch extraction

Parker’s Health and Safety lead, Jason Steadley, had previously worked with our Technical Sales Manager, Steve Irwin, on reducing welding fume levels in the workplace. Jason knew the importance in reducing fume levels to protect welders & operatives, in order adhere to increased HSE legislation & enforcement measures, introduced in 2019. HSE recognised welding fume as a carcinogen, sparking a surge in welding fume control measures UK wide. Parker were keen for us to provide a welding fume reduction solution, having seen previous projects that Foster had worked on.

After assessing the MIG welding set up, surveying processes & the shop floor environment, our very own Steve Irwin recommended Parker an on-torch MIG extraction solution, due to its localised, high suction fume removal rate. This would aid the most effective at source extraction of fume, minimising exposure to hazardous fumes for all operatives, not just the welders

We demonstrated our Foster Works X-300A On-Torch Fume extractor, to illustrate the benefits, in a factory setting. The Foster Works heavy duty on-torch extractor has an un-rivalled two-stage filtration system for particulate & ozone gas removal for maximum protection, offering the largest filter surface area in its category. Crucially, this heavy-duty filter set up, leads to low maintenance costs going forward. We paired this ‘on torch’ extraction powerhouse with the highly efficient Binzel xFUME Pro 36 torch, a lightweight and ergonomically designed gun that replicated the Parker’s current MIG torch of choice. This xFUME variant has a slim front end, ensuring a good view of the welding process and unique balance of torch neck to cable assembly.

After seeing the X-300a & xFUME combination in action and the visible reduction in fume, Parker invested in four On-Torch extraction systems. The extraction set up was also LEV tested in accordance with by HSE safety guidelines HSG258, adhering to 2019 welding fume legislation. Parker Plant have created a safer environment for their operatives & have the certification to back it up.

Foster Industrial has good welding industry knowledge & technical know-how. We have a team of field sales & service engineers, who can advise on welding process & welding fume extraction solutions.

We offer a free Welding Fume Extraction Survey for all clients and can test fume levels & recommend, supply & install the necessary kit.

Coupled to this, we can also conduct free Welding Efficiency Process Surveys looking at each welding process in turn, we'll discuss, recommend & demonstrate welding consumables, equipment or abrasives with a view to increasing productivity. We assess your current kit, in terms of suitability, safety & effectiveness, with a view to improving the welding process end to end.

We are proud to have a team of knowledgeable experts and a range of premium equipment to fulfil our clients requests regardless of the complexity. With over 136 years in business, we are confident we can always supply the best solution for you.