Improving welding environment

It all depends on what you are trying to weld. I have worked for companies where most of the fabrication and welding was performed on large plattens and others where almost everything was on positioners. Then there are those where almost everything is small, and the welders and fabricators make up jigs for each job as it comes through.

Almost everyplace I have seen lately has some sort of air purification system in place as either a closed loop system for controlled atmosphere environments or general exhaust systems with large, flexible "vacuum" lines for spot fume removal. The closed systems use filters and / or electrostatics to remove vapors and particulates, and some even neutralize gases produced.

Flame retardant clothing is a must, and quick-change helmets, especially the variable shade ones, are very desirable.

OSHA also has a section on hexavalent chrome restrictions when welding on stainless steel. These usually are more for welding S/S in confined spaces and most times in open areas the smoke disperses to quick to be a threat. In order to comply in our s/s overlay-ed digester vessels we had to provide welding shield that were air tight and had a filtered cool air source providing breathing air to each shield. Most of the time to remedy the welding smoke and fumes problems in a shop would be a ventilation system with openings at each station. I have built these in smaller areas with 5-8 welding station vents and they work good. I would suggest that you do a search for welding ventilation system in the internet and you will find allot of helpful information The problems for a good vent system is for areas that are in the open and do not have walls or air blocks around them. Also you have to remember the eyes and welding blinds will be required in order to block people from getting arc flashes and going home with a case of "burnt eyes" I would recommend you save the left over electrode ends and sell them as scrap metal.