Northern Territory moves to lower worker exposure to welding fumes

Northern Territory Moves to Lower Worker Exposure to Welding Fumes

The Northern Territory has reduced the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes from an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. This change lowers worker exposure limits significantly, bringing the territory into line with tighter welding fumes exposure standards seen elsewhere in Australia.

The change took effect immediately, according to NT WorkSafe.

Why the WES Reduction Matters for Health

Exposure to welding fumes increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Reducing allowable exposure levels supports better long-term health outcomes for tradespeople who work with welding equipment daily.

Employers carry a duty under WHS laws to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances. Meeting this duty means reviewing existing control measures and confirming compliance with the new WES before continuing welding operations.

What NT WorkSafe Says

"To protect workers and others from the adverse health risks of welding fumes, you must ensure exposure levels to welding fumes and other chemicals released during welding processes are below their respective exposure limits," NT WorkSafe said.

Employer Safety Obligations Under the New Standard

Businesses operating in construction, manufacturing and heavy industry should treat this update as a prompt to strengthen safety practices across welding sites. Practical steps include:

• Reviewing current control measures against the revised 1 mg/m3 limit
• Confirming compliance documentation reflects updated exposure standards
• Assessing whether existing safety procedures adequately address fume-related hazards
• Consulting relevant safe work method statements, such as those covering spot welding and stick welding processes

Organisations seeking guidance on documenting welding procedures can refer to welding SOP templates to help formalise safety-related requirements across teams.

Broader Context: Safety Incidents in the Northern Territory

This regulatory shift follows a series of workplace incidents across the territory that have highlighted ongoing safety concerns. Recent cases include a worker killed at a Northern Territory gold mine, a sliding gate incident involving a Northern Territory worker, and charges laid after a worker lost an arm at a cattle station. Together, these events underscore why proactive compliance with updated exposure standards remains critical for employers.

For more information, visit the NT WorkSafe website.