Welding Fume Control Management
With the legislation changes addressing welding fume exposure now in full swing, there has never been a better time to familiarise yourself with the new regulations, and the actions in which to take towards them.
A huge part of this is ensuring the correct welding fume control measures are taken, and sufficient equipment is available to protect both the welding operators, and the people subjected to the area they are working in.
What You Need To Know
In September 2023, SafeWork Australia voted to immediately lower the Workplace Exposure Standard for Welding Fume from 5mg/m3 to 1mg/m3.
In January 2024, Work Health and Safety Ministers endorsed the decision to change legislation in Australia. All Australian workplaces must now comply with the new lower limit by law.
This reduction to the standard sends a clear message to the welding industry: Welding fume is serious, and action is required.
If you are a welder, work with welders, know a welder, or employ welders, it’s important that you educate yourself on what has changed and what can be done to reduce exposure to welding fume.
Educate Yourself and Others
The following documents and links contain key information pertaining to not only the legislation changes, but to the recommended preventative actions that must be followed in order to maintain a safe work environment.
Welding Safety Resources
National Resources:
- Safe Work Australia Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants 2024
- Safe Work Australia Guidance on the Interpretation of Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants
- Safe Work Australia Guide on Welding Fumes
- Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Welding Process
- Safe Work Australia Guide on Occupational Lung Diseases
- Weld Australia’s Fume Minimisation Guidelines: Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Soldering
- Weld Australia’s Technical Note 7: Health and Safety in Welding
- AIOH Guide on Welding and Thermal Cutting Fume
- Breathe Freely Australia Welding Toolbox Talk
- Breathe Freely Australia Respiratory Protective Equipment Guidance
Western Australia:
Solving The Problem
Gentronics offers solutions to Welding Fume exposure in all forms including the latest in PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respiratory) Welding Helmets and fume extraction technologies.
Please select from the following categories to view the latest products available for Welding Fume Protection.
Unsure What Protection You Need?
If you aren’t sure what you need to do in order to abide by the new laws, do not hesitate to contact our experienced team for a free consultation and expert advice.