New Welding Fumes Exposure Standard Released – Liam Cooper – OHS Consultant
Safework Australia has just released the new welding fumes exposure standard, and it got me thinking about working away over the holiday break on engineering projects where welding was the main activity. I found myself thinking about the journey to get to where I am now and the understanding of the nature of work undertaken by everyday workers in engineering trades.
I work alongside workers of all ages, from apprentices to seasoned veterans who have worked worldwide. They all had one thing in common: no matter the skill level or age, they were all great at one thing. Welding.
So, my focus during that time with these workers was on the subject, the materials used and the long-term effects of spending much time around welding fumes. After digging around on the internet, I didn’t find much until I found some information about new exposure standards for persons conducting welding operations in my email.
Individuals who work with welding should be aware of the potential health effects of exposure to welding fumes. These effects can range from short-term issues like eye and respiratory irritation to more severe conditions such as asthma, metal fume fever, nervous system damage, and an increased risk of lung and kidney cancer.
Tragically, since 2019, three workers in Victoria have lost their lives due to illnesses caused by welding fume exposure.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, employers are responsible for managing the risk posed by hazardous substances, including welding fumes. It is crucial to ensure that workers and others in the workplace are not exposed to levels exceeding any relevant exposure standard.
As of today, there are significant changes in the workplace exposure standard for welding fumes (not otherwise classified). The standard is now set at 1 mg/m3 as an eight-hour time-weighted average, a considerable reduction from the previous 5 mg/m3.
This exposure standard represents the maximum airborne concentration of a substance or mixture that individuals should not surpass to avoid adverse health effects. Depending on the welding processes and components, the fumes may contain specific substances with their exposure standards, which could be lower than the general 1 mg/m3 standard.
To protect individuals from welding fume exposure, it is advisable to prioritize eliminating, substituting, or modifying the welding process. Ventilation controls, such as on-torch extraction or local exhaust ventilation, should be implemented next. Respiratory protection is recommended if exposure is still expected to surpass the exposure standard.
If there’s uncertainty about whether a relevant exposure standard is being exceeded or if there’s a potential health risk, atmospheric monitoring should be conducted. Additionally, health monitoring may be necessary if workers are exposed to specific substances specified by the OHS Regulations that are likely to cause harm.
It’s important to note that Safe Work Australia officially published the adjustment of workplace exposure.
To look closer, visit the WorkSafe Victoria Website for more information.
Suppose you conduct welding activities in your workplace and need someone to review your compliance activities. Get in touch with a consultant today. We offer a free service for businesses that have employee numbers under 60.
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