Safety Alert - Mild Steel Welding Fumes Reclassified as a Human Carcinogen (IARC)

As a result of this new evidence the Health and Safety Executive (HSEUK, Worksafe Authority equivalent in the UK) has issued a fresh Safety Alert on the matter indicating it will be “strengthening of HSE’s enforcement expectation for all welding fume, including mild steel, because general ventilation does not achieve the necessary control.”

Worksafe Victoria and Safe Work Australia are aware of this new evidence and may adjust their approach as well.

Welding fume contents, hazards and risks

Welding fumes are complex and varying mixtures of airborne particles, vapours and gases that are emitted from heating and melting metals when welding occurs. Fume particles formed as a result of welding, as well as by product vapours and gases may cause a range of adverse health effects. Various coatings and other materials on metals cause additional inhalation exposure concerns.

Control measures

This reclassification now means that general or dilution ventilation (open warehouse) is not an acceptable means of controlling welding fumes.

Employers in this area of work will need to review their hazard and risk assessments and current fume exposure control practices in light of this new information and consider increasing the effectiveness of their current controls, or adding more effective control solutions.

Recommended and more effective methods of hazard control such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) that provides for “at source” fume extraction, improved safety training/refreshers for employees and tailored personal protective equipment that maintained are expected. This will further reduce the chance of welding fumes entering the workers breathing zone, and spreading to the surrounding work environment and others.

Potential health effects

Welders are more prone to lung infections and reduced lung function. Flu like symptoms (metal fume fever) after welding mild or galvanised steel. Exposure to manganese present in mild steel fume may include neurological disease. Effects vary significantly depending on the various component metals included in the type of steel being welded.

The Victorian Chamber’s Health Safety and Wellbeing team are highly qualified and experienced in reviewing, preparing and improving your safe work procedures and practices, and upskilling your staff in these complex safety management needs.

For more information and support for this area of HSW consulting, training and other support please contact us on 03 8662 5333 or hsw@victorianchamber.com.au to discuss your needs.