Work Health and Safety Ministers have taken a step towards safeguarding the health of workers through the reduction of Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) for welding fumes. The WES for welding fumes exposure has been reduced from an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3.
This pivotal change is mandatory upon integration into the WHS/OHS laws across the Commonwealth, states, and territories. Welding processes are pervasive across numerous industries, from construction to manufacturing. The workers exposed to welding fumes face the alarming risk of developing severe occupational lung diseases, including lung cancer.
Employers bear the responsibility of eliminating or minimising risks to worker health and safety as reasonably practicable, this includes keeping total welding fume exposure and individual components below their respective WES.
See the updated document with workplace exposure standard for airborne contaminants.
Recommended actions to adhere to new welding fumes limitations.
At-source fume control. Prioritise the implementation of at-source fume control measures to effectively capture and manage fumes as they are generated. Utilise methods such as local exhaust ventilation, including mobile fume extractors. Ensure captured weld fumes are appropriately filtered and exhausted outside the workshop environment whenever feasible.
Personal Respiratory Protection. Ensure welders have the proper personal respiratory gear, especially when working close to weld fumes. Explore the benefits of air-purifying respirators for complete protection in various welding scenarios. Additionally, evaluate the need for externally air-fed helmets, especially in confined spaces where oxygen levels need monitoring.
Optimal Workshop Ventilation. Foster good overall ventilation throughout the workshop to safeguard the general workforce against potential hazards. At Fanquip, we usually recommend installing permanent roof exhaust fans or wall exhaust fans to keep the workplace free from toxic gases, weld fumes and other air contaminants.
More about welding fume extraction solutions.
Fanquip’s vast product portfolio caters to capturing fumes generated from welding or other metal fabrication processes. We have identified the most common fans used for welding fumes extraction in spacious industrial settings based on recent projects below.
Mobile Fume Extractor. Often used to capture notorious airborne particles such as welding fumes, grinding dust, dry dust, and soldering fumes as they are generated. Engineered with versatility in mind, this extractor features a flexible arm and robust wheels, facilitating effortless mobility and precise positioning across different areas of your facility. Equipped with a two-stage filtration system comprising a pre-filter and HEPA filter, it ensures maximum air purification. And with the resilient powder-coated finish, this welding fumes extractor can withstand the rigours of industrial environments, promising longevity, and reliability.
Roof Exhaust Fans. These are weatherproof, easy-to-install solutions for eliminating heat, steam, fumes, or dust that rise to the ceiling. There are three main types of industrial roof fans used for fumes control: vertical discharge fan, curb base hooded fan and profile base hooded fan.
Wall Exhaust Fans. Designed to effectively remove high volumes of stifling air, weld fumes and other contaminants, while simultaneously replenishing the environment with fresh, clean air. Wall fans are used in spacious workshops and manufacturing facilities.
Comply with new weld fumes exposure standard with Fanquip.
At Fanquip, we understand the critical importance of maintaining a clean and safe working environment. Our range of exhaust fans and specialised fume extractors are designed to meet the needs of various industries. Contact us at [email protected] or 1300 224 308 for a quote.
