As an employer, what should I do?
As an employer, you have the primary responsibility to ensure that welders, as far as reasonably practicable, are not exposed to health and safety risks whilst performing their job.
Regardless of whether the new exposure standard comes into effect or not, it’s the employer’s responsibility to reduce welding fume exposure to as low as reasonably practicable.
The proposed reduction in the exposure standard and the National Welding Fumes Exposure Register (NWFER) which has been launched to record information for workers who may have been exposed to welding fumes, for their future reference, are both very clear signals to employers that they should get their welding fume controls in order.
Furthermore, in the midst of a global welder shortage, with welders in high demand, employers who offer the best working conditions will have a better chance of attracting and retaining the best welders.
As a welder, what should I do?
As a welder, you should aim to educate yourself on the risks and understand what types of controls can be introduced to reduce exposure to welding fume.
You should look to involve yourself in the consultation process and selection of suitable welding fume product controls.
If your employer is not aware of the risks associated with welding fume or the controls that can be introduced to minimise exposure, you should look to make your employer aware.
The important thing to understand is that overexposure to welding fume is preventable and that once the correct combination of controls has been introduced, welding can be a safe occupation.
Exploring your options
AWS have just completed a scientific study comparing the Effectiveness of Welding Fume Product Controls. This study was peer-reviewed and published in the Safety Journal.
Read our White Paper on the Effectiveness of Welding Fume Product Controls Scientific Study
Read a Key Fact Summary of the Scientific Study here
Finally, the results of the study have been used to create the Welding Fume Product Control Selector Tool, which can help you make the right decisions when it comes to controlling welding fume exposure in your workplace.
