Welding fume review opens
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Safe Work Australia has opened public consultation on a proposal to lower the workplace exposure standard (WES) for aluminium welding fumes.
The suggested change would reduce the allowable level from 5mg/m³ to 1mg/m³ over an eight-hour time-weighted average.
The proposal aims to improve worker protection against health risks associated with aluminium welding fume exposure. Submissions are open until Friday, 28 February 2025.
In January 2024, workplace safety ministers approved a 1mg/m³ WES for general welding fumes. Aluminium-specific standards, currently at 5mg/m³, were flagged for review.
Safe Work Australia's analysis supported adopting the lower limit to align with global trends and bolster worker safety.
The review noted insufficient evidence to establish a direct health- or risk-based standard but advocated for the 1mg/m³ limit as consistent with international benchmarks. New Zealand and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists have similar standards.
Aluminium welding fumes are linked to conditions such as pneumoconiosis, typically observed at high exposure levels.
Reducing the WES aims to prevent long-term health risks by ensuring exposure remains within safer limits.
Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies welding fumes in general as carcinogenic, supporting the need for comprehensive standards.
The review highlighted that many countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, enforce WES levels between 1mg/m³ and 5mg/m³.
Australia’s current standard, at the upper limit of this range, may insufficiently protect workers compared to international practices.
Stakeholders, including workers, industry representatives, and health advocates, are encouraged to participate in the consultation.
Until a decision is made, the 5mg/m³ limit remains in effect.
For further details and submission guidelines, visit Safe Work Australia’s website.
