Welding booths offer great privacy and safety, making them perfect for welding schools, production plants, and environments where workers and those nearby may be exposed to weld fume. They are the perfect solution for those who want a neat workspace.
If you're wondering whether you should invest in a welding booth, you have come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss what a welding booth is, what it's used for, and whether you need to get one
Welding Booths Explained
A welding booth is a cordoned-off area with a fume extraction system to remove hazardous weld fume. They are fire-resistant and designed with welder safety in mind. Because they are closed off, weld booths offer privacy and protect others from exposure to welding fumes.
These systems also create a designated space for welding operations large enough to fit fume extraction equipment while allowing ample room for welding tables. They are the perfect solution for technical colleges and pollution control at production plants where there is a risk of exposure to fine particles and hazardous gases.
Why Are Welding Booths Important in the Workplace?
Welding booths create a private space for welding. They are particularly essential in production areas where there are many other employees. These workstations can help to limit exposure to the risks associated with welding.
By simply restricting the workspace, it protects both the welder and those around him or her. Also, these welding stations have enough room for the student, the instructor, their projects, and the equipment they use in welding schools and technical colleges, making them the perfect solution for safety and functionality.
Why Welding Stations Need Fume Extraction Systems
During the welding process, dust and smoke are produced. These airborne carcinogens can be inhaled and wreak havoc on the body, especially after repeated exposure.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), weld fume is a carcinogen and can have devastating effects on the human body. Asthma, cancer, Parkinson's disease, emphysema, and lead poisoning are just a few of the health complications that prolonged exposure to fine particles and toxic fumes can produce.
A welding booth will come with its own hanging fume extraction arms to remove welding fumes from the source. The best part is that weld booths can be custom designed to suit your needs. You can get custom sizes that blend in seamlessly.
Fixed Vs. Portable Welding Booths
You have two options for your welding booth. While most people choose fixed weld booths, others prefer portable options. Let's take a closer look at these two welding booth types.
Fixed Weld Booths
If your company has a designated area for welding, then a fixed welding booth would make the most sense. With a fixed extraction system and fume extraction arms, a permanent welding booth can improve workplace safety.
Portable Welding Booths
Portable welding booths are available for traveling welders who prefer their workspace to be private, serving a vital purpose. These include specialized, industry-standard air filtration systems and fume extractors, which aid the welder in maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Several add-ons and a more powerful fume extractor are also available for better extraction. Like fixed weld booths, they have fume extraction arms to eliminate dust and toxic gases produced during welding.
Welding Booth Curtains
In addition to welding booths, welding curtains are employed to protect passersby from the dangerous arc flash produced during welding. Welding curtains work incredibly well and serve as sunlight or outdoor light screens.
You can utilize welding booth curtains in a variety of ways with your work. If money is tight, you can only use the curtains. Alternatively, a welding booth with curtains can create a well-ventilated, safe workspace.
Tips for Choosing a Welding Booth
If you have never purchased or used a welding booth before, you might be wondering what to look for. You'll likely find a number of options at your one-stop shop for welding booths, so it's important to know what to look for. Here are a few things to consider when taking your pick:
- Make sure it's OSHA-compliant
- It should be an appropriate size for the application.
- Check that the booth is fully fire-resistant.
- Ensure that there's adequate lighting.
- Look at the quality of the extraction system.
Final Thoughts - Should You Invest in a Welding Booth?
We highly recommend investing in a welding booth if privacy and safety are important to you. These workstations have extraction systems to keep you or your workers safe during welding operations and can further limit exposure to toxic fumes.
Resources: