SafeWork Australia are proposing a reduction in the workplace exposure standard (WES) for Aluminium welding fumes from 5mg/m3 to 1mg/m3.
Following the recommendation of an independent expert engaged to undertake a review of the workplace exposure standards for welding fumes (NOC) and aluminium (welding fumes), SafeWork Australia is calling for consultation on their proposed reduction in exposure limits. They are particularly interested in any information you have about benefits and impacts from the proposed change.
High exposure to welding fumes can cause a range of acute effects, primarily respiratory, but may involve other body systems. The respiratory effects are usually mild and transient, such as nose and throat irritation and cough, and asthma, but may be more severe, such as chemical pneumonitis. Non-respiratory acute effects include including eye irritation and headache, and changes in heart-rate variability. Welding fumes have also been found by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to cause cancer in humans.
Submissions to this consultation will be used to inform SafeWork Australia’s decision on whether to recommend the proposed reduction to work health and safety ministers.
Until a decision is made, the current WES for Aluminium welding fumes remains at 5mg/m3.
Read more about the review and making a submission: Consultation on the proposal to reduce the Aluminium (welding fumes) workplace exposure standard - Safe Work