Safe Work Australia updates Aluminium (welding fumes) WES reduction

Safe Work Australia has announced that the workplace exposure standard (WES) for aluminium (welding fumes) has been decreased from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³, based on an 8-hour time-weighted average measurement.

In accordance with the agreement reached by WHS ministers, Safe Work Australia has now released an updated WES list that incorporates the lowered workplace exposure standard.

“Aluminium welding is widely used in boat building and repair. Like other welding processes, it produces hazardous fumes that can harm workers’ health,” Safe Work Australia said.

According to the federal safety authority, this change harmonises the WES for aluminium welding fumes with the prevailing WES for welding fumes (not otherwise classified), with the objective of better safeguarding workers from the adverse effects associated with welding fumes.

Learn more here.