Workplace exposure standard lowered for welding fumes
The workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes (not otherwise classified) has been reduced from an eight-hour time weighted average of 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. This new exposure standard takes effect in the Northern Territory from 18 January 2024.
Welding fumes are a complex mixture of hazardous chemicals produced during welding. Workers exposed to these substances are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as lung cancer.
Under the work health and safety legislation, businesses must ensure no person at a workplace is exposed to an airborne contaminant above its WES.
To protect workers and others from the adverse health risks of welding fumes, you must ensure exposure levels to welding fumes and other chemicals released during welding processes are below their respective exposure limits.
In addition, you must take other reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or minimise the risks of exposure. The Welding processes Codes of Practice provides guidance to help manage these risks.
Further safety information about welding fumes is available on the Safe Work Australia website.
The updated list of workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants can be accessed here.