Welding fume extraction

International consensus laid down in standards exist on the order of preference in which welding fume must be captured. This order is listed below, the next solution is chosen only when the previous one cannot be applied or is only a partial solution. In practice the total solution for a workshop is often a mixture of methods.

1. Can the production of welding fumes be avoided or reduced?
2. Can the fumes be captured using at source extraction?
3. Can source and human be separated by automation and e.g. an extraction hood?
4. General ventilation and personal protection.