Why do you need it?
Changes to the workplace exposure standard for Welding Fume from 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3 mean businesses will need to review their current practices and exposures to ensure regulatory alignment. Welding Fumes are a complex mixture of hazardous chemicals produced during welding activities and the composition can vary depending on various factors including:
- the welding process
- metals being welded
- shielding gases of flux used
- composition of the welding rods and
- any contaminants of coatings present on the surfaces.
Welding Fume are generated during activities such as:
- welding, cutting and hard facing of stainless steel
- manual metal arc welding of high Welding Fume steels
- oxy-fuel and plasma cutting
The primary route of Welding Fume exposure is via inhalation although secondary exposure can occur via absorption through the skin or through accidental ingestion as a biproduct of the welding activity.
Managing Welding Fume requires effective use of personal protective equipment and frequent monitoring of workers involved in the process and those that work in close proximity to welding activities.
Harm associated to welding fume exposure includes but are not limited to:
- effects of specific metals being welded
- airway irritation
- kidney damage
- neurological damage
- digestive issues
- hearing loss
- chronic lung disease (asthma, siderosis)
- lung and kidney cancer (Group 1 Carcinogen – carcinogenic to humans).
How does it work?
Exposure to welding fume requires a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to instigate health monitoring to protect workers from harm. The type of health monitoring is dependent on the material and practices being used.
Health Monitoring for welding fume exposure should occur:
- if the worker is carrying out ongoing work using, handling, generating or storing Schedule 14 hazardous chemicals and there is a significant risk to the worker’s health because of the exposure
- there is a significant risk that the worker will be exposed to a hazardous chemical (other than a hazardous chemical referred to in Schedule 14, table 14.1 to the WHS Regulations).
Biological Monitoring for welding fume exposure is dependent on the material and process involved and can include:
- blood or urine sampling specific to the metals being welded.
The medical assessment requirements may include:
- demographic details, medical history, and occupational history
- a baseline questionnaire and spirometry
- respiratory assessment by a qualified Doctor
- an annual questionnaire and spirometry worker counselling.
