Dust and Fume Extraction for Aviation & Aerospace

A facility producing airplanes or their parts includes many processes that might produce air quality challenges.
Metal-cutting tables, welding stations and robotic welding cells create serious amounts of dust and fumes that can be an
acute problem for worker health.

Dust coming off a cutting table creates an inhalation hazard for workers, as well as an ignition risk if the dust is
allowed to build up. As dangerous as this dust is, it is perhaps surpassed by weld fumes. These fumes contain
particulates that measure less than a micrometer across. The small size of these particles makes it easier for them to
travel deeply into the lungs if inhaled.

Metallic dust and weld fumes often contain toxic metals, many of which have extremely serious health
consequences for workers. For example, hexavalent chromium is produced by many welding processes. This
substance is a known carcinogen and a cause of other serious health problems, as well. The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a specific regulation for this substance, as well as for many
other specific toxic metals. Manufacturing facilities need a comprehensive dust and weld fume control system
to deal with these issues.

Besides toxicity, fire hazard is another danger that comes from dust. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
estimates that about 3% of workplace fatalities result from fires and explosions. A high-quality dust
collection system is needed to prevent a buildup of dust. The best collectors also include spark arrestance
systems to stop fires before they start.

With aircraft and parts production lines moving as fast as they are, it is important for manufacturers to
attract and retain the best workers. The American Welding Society estimates that manufacturing will see a
shortfall of 290,000 skilled welders by 2020. Maintaining a clean, attractive and safe workplace—one free
from airborne dust and haze—is essential in keeping a factory staffed with the best workers.

High-quality air filtration is necessary for complying with air quality regulations, as well. OSHA sets
standards related to air quality. Permissible exposure limits (PELs) dictate how much of a substance can
exist in a worker’s breathing zone over an eight-hour time-weighted average (TAV). Highly toxic substances
such as hexavalent chromium and manganese have their own limits.