What does the term ‘fume extraction system’ refer to?

The term ‘fume extraction system’ specifically refers to equipment designed to capture and remove harmful fumes from the workplace. In welding environments, these systems are crucial for maintaining air quality and ensuring the safety and health of workers. They work by sucking in the hazardous fumes generated during the welding process and filtering or ventilating them out, reducing the risk of exposure to toxic substances that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

A fume extraction system is particularly important in welding because the process often produces harmful byproducts like metal oxides, gases, and particulate matter that can be detrimental if inhaled over time. This system not only helps in protecting the workers but also plays a significant role in complying with health and safety regulations that aim to minimize exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace.

Other options listed do not accurately represent what a fume extraction system is designed to do, focusing instead on different aspects of industrial safety and material management which are not directly related to the primary purpose of capturing and removing fumes.