CHANGES TO THE WORKPLACE EXPOSURE STANDARD 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. The new exposure standard is now effective in Western Australia.

Under the work health and safety legislation, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure no person at a workplace is exposed to an airborne contaminant above the concentration listed in the Workplace exposure standards (WES) for airborne contaminants.

To protect workers and others from the adverse health risks of welding fumes, PCBUs must ensure exposure levels to welding fumes and other chemicals released during welding processes are below their respective exposure limits.

In addition, reasonably practicable steps must be undertaken to eliminate or minimise the risks of exposure. The Welding processes: Code of practice provides guidance to help manage these risks.

Further information is available on the Safe Work Australia website.