In industrial and commercial environments where dust, fumes, vapours, or airborne contaminants are a concern, maintaining air quality isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, compliance, and productivity. One of the most effective tools for tackling air pollution at the source is the extraction fan.
But what exactly is an extraction fan, how does it work, and when should you use one? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Extraction Fans
An extraction fan is a ventilation device designed to remove contaminated air from an enclosed space and replace it with clean, fresh air. Unlike general exhaust fans, which are often used for temperature or odour control, extraction fans are specifically used to target and remove hazardous or process-specific airborne substances.
These might include:
- Dust from grinding or sanding
- Fumes from welding or painting
- Grease and smoke from cooking
- Vapours from chemicals or solvents
- Moisture in high-humidity or washdown areas
How Do Extraction Fans Work?
Extraction fans create a negative pressure zone by pulling air from the room and expelling it outside or through ducting and filtration systems. This airflow helps prevent the build-up of airborne pollutants and encourages fresh air to flow in.
In more advanced systems, extraction fans are paired with:
- Ducting to direct air away from work zones
- Filtration units to capture particles or chemicals before release
- Explosion-proof motors in hazardous or flammable areas
- Weatherproof or hose-down rated designs for washdown environments
Where Are Extraction Fans Used?
These fans are essential in industries where air pollution or exposure to airborne contaminants is common. Typical settings include:
- Food and meat processing facilities
- Welding bays and spray booths
- Chemical manufacturing and storage
- Commercial kitchens
- Laboratories and pharmaceutical plants
- Abattoirs and washdown zones
In many of these environments, extraction fans aren’t just helpful—they’re required under workplace health and safety regulations to maintain air standards and protect worker wellbeing.
Benefits of Using an Extraction Fan
Installing the right extraction fan in your facility offers several benefits:
1. Improved Air Quality
By actively removing harmful particles, extraction fans help reduce exposure to respiratory irritants, allergens, and volatile compounds.
2. Enhanced Worker Safety
Cleaner air supports healthier working conditions, helping reduce the risk of illness, fatigue, and long-term respiratory issues.
3. Regulatory Compliance
Australian standards often mandate adequate ventilation in industrial and food-handling environments. Extraction fans play a key role in meeting those requirements.
4. Odour and Moisture Control
In facilities dealing with strong odours or high humidity, extraction fans help prevent unpleasant smells and condensation-related damage like mould or corrosion.
5. Protection of Equipment and Product Integrity
Removing dust and chemical vapours helps extend the life of sensitive machinery and prevents cross-contamination in production.
Choosing the Right Extraction Fan
Not all extraction fans are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on factors such as:
- The type of contaminants being removed
- Airflow volume requirements (m³/h or L/s)
- Room size and layout
- Temperature and humidity levels
- Compliance requirements (e.g. food-grade, explosion-proof, IP-rated)
At Fanquip, we manufacture a wide range of high-quality, industrial-grade extraction fans designed for harsh Australian conditions. Whether you need wall-mounted, roof-mounted, hose-proof, or stainless steel models, we can provide a solution tailored to your environment.
Bottom Line
An extraction fan is an essential part of any industrial ventilation system where hazardous airborne contaminants are present. It improves air quality, protects your people and equipment, and supports your business’s compliance obligations.
Looking for a reliable solution? Fanquip’s Australian-made extraction fans are built for performance and durability—no matter how tough the environment.
