Blog Worky Automotive

Exhaust fumes extraction systems: the benefits for workers

Written by Lino Di Betta | September 07 2022

Anyone who works in a workshop or body shop knows that an exhaust fumes extraction system is necessary for a healthy, clean working environment and to carry out every activity optimally without health risks.

And that's not all: a modern, high-tech system makes the workshop and body shop more productive, as well as giving the company an innovative image.

We go into this topic in more detail in today's article.

Why install exhaust fumes extraction systems in the workshop?

In garages and body shops, technicians and operators work closely with cars, motorbikes, as well as commercial vehicles and trucks to carry out maintenance and repair work.

These jobs cause the emission of toxic substances that can endanger people's health.

Exhaust gases contains three types of hazardous substances:

  • carbon monoxide
  • unburned hydrocarbons
  • nitrogen monoxide

These substances are so impalpable that they escape all attempts at filtration. It is therefore essential to take the gases from the vehicle exhaust and expel them immediately outside the workshop, so that they do not escape into the interior environment.

This operation provides several benefits to workers: let us see them below.

Health: as discussed earlier, exhaust gases contain substances that can adversely affect workers' health, especially by increasing the risk of cancer. Each component also has a specific chemical risk profile, e.g:

  • damage to the respiratory system and the membranes of the eyes and mouth
  • risks to the skin in the case of corrosive substances
  • damage to the nervous system

Safety: in addition to being toxic, some gases are flammable or explosive and therefore are also a safety hazard at work if not removed effectively. Each country has specific regulations on safety in the workplace, which oblige them to equip themselves with the necessary tools to prevent or reduce risk factors.

Cleanliness: Exhaust gases contain very small solid particles, which can settle on workshop walls or floors, due to their high volatility. If these are not removed, they accumulate over time, making the working environment unhealthy.

Order: it is important that workers can move around the workshop or body shop unhindered, without machines getting in the way. Designing work spaces and the layout of exhaust systems optimally allows technicians to carry out their work without hindrance and to have the necessary tools where they need them, having everything at hand. This saves them from wasting time searching for the equipment they need and prevents possible misunderstandings.

Productivity: efficiency and productivity are direct consequences of the above-mentioned points. A healthy, clean and tidy working environment improves all processes, allowing technicians to perform more tasks in less time. This translates into better performance, quality end results and higher earnings for the company. Not only that, by having the opportunity to work with cutting-edge machinery, workers will be more motivated and proud to be part of a modern company. This will have a major impact on their satisfaction, which is very important for efficiency and motivation.

Installing quality exhaust fumes extraction systems can meet all these needs, provided that it integrates properly with the design and structure of the workplace.

It is essential to rely on a competent and reliable supplier who not only guarantees the effectiveness of the systems, but also knows how to design the layout taking into account every factor, e.g:

  • the available space
  • the frequency of use
  • the number of workstations
  • the type of work

An extraction system must in fact be chosen according to the specific needs of the workshop or body shop.

For example:

  1. if the workshop is small and work is carried out in a confined area, it may be advisable to opt for fixed systems
  2. If, on the other hand, the workshop and body shop are very large and the areas dedicated to vehicle maintenance are different and far apart, it is better to choose a sliding system that can be easily moved around the different areas.

The types of vehicles to be serviced should also be considered. If the company also deals with large vehicles, it will be necessary to have an exhaust gas extraction system for trucks, with different characteristics to the traditional one in terms of size of diameter of the nozzles.

Heavy vehicles such as trucks and vans produce a larger volume of gas than ordinary cars. The suction system must be of the right size and designed to intercept and convey this volume of exhaust gas to the outside.

As we have seen in this article, the installation of modern fumes and dust extraction systems can really make a difference in the workshop and body shop.

WORKY is an Italian company that, in addition to producing systems for workshops and body shops, specialises in the design of customised solutions that meet the needs and requirements of each reality.

If you are looking for a reliable partner or need advice, book a free, no-obligation consultation!