Changes to the workplace exposure standard for welding fumes confirmed

As many members may be aware earlier this year Work Health and Safety Ministers agreed to implement a reduction to the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes. The change to the WES would become mandatory once implemented in the WHS/OHS laws in the Commonwealth, states and territories.

On 23 April 2024 the ACT announced that it would adopt the standard as published by Safe Work Australia. Therefore, the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes (not otherwise classified) will be reduced from 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. This change is to come into effect in the ACT from 1 October 2024.

Welding processes are common across many industries, including construction and manufacturing. Workers who are exposed to welding fumes can develop occupational lung diseases including lung cancer.

Further information regarding the changes to the workplace exposure standard for welding fumes is available on the SWA website and can be found here.