Welders are exposed to dangerous fumes and gasses while they are on the job. There are several products on the market meant to protect workers from injury and illness. These products include fume extractors and source capturing equipment. Common designs of equipment include source-capture arms, portable source-capture air cleaners, downdraft or sidedraft tables, and smoke extraction systems.

The Downside of Fume Extractors and Source Capturing Equipment:

• This equipment is large, taking up space in the welder’s work area.
• It is expensive and requires a significant investment by the manufacturing company.
• It is time consuming to stop and start the welding process while equipment is moved into place.

The Cool Head^® Air Flow Assembly Unit has a footprint of a credit card and easily clips to any helmet, directing fresh air from the back of the helmet down the front so the welder always has a supply of clean air.

Welding inspector Eric Emery knows all too well these hazards and was determined to create a product to protect workers. Drawing from his welding experience and educational background in electronics, Eric designed and patented Cool Head®, an innovative device that fits in a helmet to circulate fresh, cool air to the user’s facial area.

Read how Eric got started and how the Illinois SBDC at Harper College aided in this success story.