Industry, government and statutory bodies have come together to improve welder safety, ensuring that appropriate strategies are in place to reduce welder exposure to fumes and prevent long-term health effects.

Weld Australia chief executive officer Geoff Crittenden says welding can be a safe occupation, and should be considered as much, if proper precautions and taken, stating: “Welders have no cause to fear accident or injury, but when safety isn’t taken seriously in the workplace, the risk of a severe incident becomes a real concern.

“It is vital that appropriate strategies are in place to reduce welder exposure to fumes and prevent the long-term health effects that can result from exposure. All welders should receive training on methods to mitigate the effects of metal fume, including positioning themselves to reduce exposure and investigating less toxic alternatives where possible.”

In recent years, the welding industry has become increasingly aware of the hazards posed by metal fume produced during the welding process. This fume, comprising of microscopic particles of hot metal and gases, poses serious risks when inhaled by welders.

In early 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classed welding fumes as “carcinogenic to humans”. However, when appropriate precautions are adhered to, risk of exposure is greatly minimised.

“Education is the key to ensuring a safe and productive working environment for everyone. Employers need to invest in thorough and up-to-date training for all their employees to ensure that they understand the risks associated with welding, the mitigation strategies they can use and the equipment available to prevent accident and injury,” Geoff says.

“As the Responsible International Institute of Welding (IIW) representative in Australia, Weld Australia is at the forefront of global welder safety best practices. We regularly participate in international research and development programs designed to improve welding fume safety practices.”

In collaboration with industry, Weld Australia has implemented a range of other initiatives to help improve welder safety and have published a wide range of welding safety resources which are available to the public completely free of charge.

Welding safety resources include Fume Minimisation Guidelines: Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Soldering, which includes all the information required to help protect workers from the hazards associated with welding fumes.

Also included is Technical Note 7: Health and Safety in Welding, which gives guidance on health and safety practices in welding, cutting and allied processes such as brazing, soldering, pre and post-weld material treatments and metal spraying, for the prevention of injury, ill health and discomfort as well as damage to property, equipment and environment by fire and explosion.