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.
Welders must be protected against hazardous welding fumes. Depending on the welding environment or how and what is welded, welders can be protected by systems for source extraction and general filtration and ventilation. Also, they can be protected by respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as welding helmets with fresh air supply. Supplied air respirators are known to provide the best all-around protection for the welders themselves
Nowadays, everybody knows that welding fumes are very dangerous and that all kinds of protective measures should be taken and respected during work. In other blogs on this site, you can read more about those dangers and risks. But is everybody really aware of the importance of those protective measures such as PPE and local exhaust ventilation? The answers of welders themselves are surprising…
In buildings where welding is carried out, temperature control and problems of airborne contamination are important, and the provision of clean air increases. Although fresh air is usually supplied by general ventilation, the sole use of general ventilation for airborne pollutant control in welding is usually ineffective.
