// MONITORING FUME EXTRACTION
COSHH states that companies must do everything within their power to monitor the exposure of hazardous substances in the workplace.
In terms of laser fume extraction this has been highlighted as vital due to the toxic nature of laser fume. However many laser fume extraction units in the market have limited monitoring systems, which consist of a filter monitor or basic airflow rate sensors. In fact it is known that may laser fume purification units rely on the operator's olfactory senses to tell if there is a leak or the filters are not functioning! Exhaust sensors are vital to alert workers of gas or particulate that is being re circulated into the workplace.
// More enhanced units on higher cost laser fume units have a digital display with sensors measuring a variety of factors
The nature of most units is for fast changing of filters. If one is not fitted correctly it is vital that the machine can communicate this before gas reaches the working environment. Laser fume extraction systems that are fully certified by COSHH when installed can become next to useless without accurate monitoring.
Most budget units should have an analog display consisting of airflow control, filter performance, interfacing options (such as auto stop start with the laser) and in some cases a closed loop control.
More enhanced units on higher cost laser fume units are likely and should have a digital display with sensors measuring:
• Exhaust gas/particulate sensors for leaked laser fume
• Airflow monitor and control
• Closed Loop System sensors
• Filter status for each filter
• Temperature of machine
• Interfacing controls
• Motor running sensor
