The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has started strict inspections on welding fumes
The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has started strict inspections on welding fumes
Welding and cutting fume removal18 Jun 2025Working safelyHealth risks
How Plymovent supports companies with clean air and compliance
Welding fume inspection in metalworking facility
The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has started targeted inspections in the metalworking sector, focusing on welding fume exposure. Companies in this industry are under increased pressure to protect their workers and comply with health and safety regulations. For over 50 years, Plymovent has helped organizations do just that – with smart solutions and expert advice for cleaner air at work.
Why are these inspections happening?
Welding fumes contain harmful substances like manganese, nickel, and chromium. Inhaling them can lead to serious health problems – including respiratory issues, lung disease, and even cancer. That’s why strict exposure limits and control measures are required by law.
It’s not just a Dutch issue
While these inspections are currently happening in the Netherlands, the issue is just as relevant in the United States and Canada.
In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces strict exposure limits and ventilation requirements under CFR 1910 Subpart Z – particularly for hexavalent chromium and manganese.
In Canada, both federal and provincial regulators use the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR), which include ventilation rules and exposure limits for welding fumes.
If your facility operates in North America, it’s a smart time to review whether your current setup still meets all requirements – and Plymovent can help.
What does this mean for your company?
Welding without source extraction
In the Netherlands, inspectors are checking whether companies:
Have proper source extraction, ventilation, and respiratory protection
Include welding fume risks in their workplace safety assessments
Provide occupational health services for exposed employees
Meet legal health and safety requirements
If these conditions aren't met, companies may face warnings, fines, or even forced shutdowns.
The value of source extraction
Source extraction is the most effective way to capture welding fumes before they spread. Plymovent systems are designed to safely remove dangerous particles right at the source – helping your team stay protected and your business stay compliant.
Plymovent extraction with arms and general filtration
Plymovent: your clean air and compliance partner
With five decades of experience, we offer a complete range of solutions:
Mobile and stationary fume extractors – flexible setups for every workspace
Central extraction systems – ideal for large production environments
Air monitoring tools – to track air quality and system performance in real time
Expert guidance – from initial assessment to installation and ongoing service
Our goal is simple: a safe, healthy, and future-ready workplace for everyone.
Need advice? Plymovent is here to help
These inspections serve as a wake-up call to review your current approach. Have questions about local requirements, source extraction, or air quality monitoring? Get in touch – we’ll help you evaluate your setup and recommend the best next step.
Plymovent is proud to announce an upcoming webinar titled “Clearing the Air: Understanding the Dangers of Diesel Exhaust in the Fire Service”, designed to educate and raise awareness about the significant health risks posed by diesel exhaust exposure in fire stations. This free webinar will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 12pm EST.
Plymovent doesn't think so! - “Complying with welding fume regulations doesn’t guarantee a safe working environment,” says Michel Ligthart, Product and International Sales Manager at Plymovent. He identifies three trends to raise awareness about the dangers of welding fumes among welders. “The current legislation is far from perfect.”
There are many health risks associated with the exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions. Every time a vehicle is operating the engine emits tiny fragments of particulate matter and invisible gasses such as carbon monoxide. Often when maintaining or repairing automobiles a mechanic will be required to operate them indoors. When operating a vehicle indoors the exhaust emissions should be removed to prevent exposure of both employees and customers to these tiny fragments and gasses. As an example, extremely high concentrations of carbon monoxide produced by a vehicle’s engine can reach toxic levels within a matter of minutes inside a closed building.
