Safe Work Australia updates Aluminium (welding fumes) WES reduction

Safe Work Australia has reduced the workplace exposure standard (WES) for aluminium (welding fumes) from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³, based on an 8-hour time-weighted average measurement. Tighter limits bring aluminium welding fumes into line with the value already set for welding fumes (not otherwise classified).

Aluminium (welding fumes) WES reduction at a glance

• Former limit: 5 mg/m³, averaged across eight hours
• Revised limit: 1 mg/m³, using the same averaging period
• Purpose: harmonising aluminium with fumes produced by welding not otherwise classified
• Agreed by: ministers responsible for work health and safety
• Where published: within the refreshed WES list

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.

Why the reduced limit protects welders

“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.

Earlier, Safe Work Australia sought industry opinions on the proposed reduction for aluminium welding fumes. Feedback gathered from fabricators, boat builders and welding contractors informed the outcome.

What welding businesses should do now

Safety professionals across fabrication, shipbuilding and maintenance can prepare for the reduced figure by:

• Reviewing risk assessments that still reference the older 5 mg/m³ number
• Confirming engineering and administrative safety controls achieve the tighter limit
• Updating welding procedures, inductions and record keeping
• Briefing supervisors plus work health and safety representatives on the revised standard

Documented method statements make that task simpler. Our welding safety documentation includes an Oxyacetylene Welding Safe Work Method Statement, a MIG welding SWMS and a high frequency plastic welding SWMS, supported by our wider SWMS product guide.

Duty holders should keep watching official announcements, such as Safe Work Australia’s updated data on work-related fatalities, because harmonised limits shape everyday safety decisions. Read the official WES list to learn more.