THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO

WELDING FUME
CONTROL
Now including NEW Online Welding Fume Product Control Selector

Supported by NEW Scientific Research

 THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO
WELDING FUME
CONTROL
There is a critical need to give workplaces clear and practical advice
that can help to keep welding fume exposure to an acceptable level.

This guide is based on a simple premise - the health risk posed

by welding fume is serious, however, keeping yourself safe can be
straightforward.

Consequently, in this guide, we outline the dangers of welding fume

and then give you actionable and practical guidance based
specifically on the welding industry.

CONTENTS
Welding Fume is Serious. 3
A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control. 4
1. Mitigation of Risk 5
2. Product Controls 6
3. Administrative Controls 12
Who is Responsible? 13
Practical Guidance - Pulling it all Together. 14
NEW Welding Fume Exposure Standard! 16
Action is Required. 17
Where to from Here? 18

2 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

Welding Fume Is Serious. Action Is Required.
The important point to understand is that while
the risk posed by welding fume is serious,
Simple Takeaway
keeping yourself safe can be straightforward.

The 2017 IARC reclassification of welding fume

as ‘carcinogenic to humans’ simply confirmed Welding fume is serious,
what was already known – welding fume is action is required.
extremely bad for health and workplaces must
protect their workers. Excessive exposure to
welding fume can cause multiple types of cancer,
including lung, larynx, and urinary tract.

‘Welders present, on average, a 43% increased abnormalities, including bronchial asthma,

risk of lung cancer when compared with those chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
who have never welded or been exposed to pneumoconiosis and other pulmonary fibrosis,
welding fume’.1 ‘This increased risk of lung as well as stomach ulcers, kidney damage and
cancer is regardless of the type of steel welded, nervous system damage.
the welding process and independent of
exposure to smoking’.1 Precedent for workers’ Recognising welding fume as carcinogenic
compensation based on a link between welding and the other associated health risks should
fume and cancer was established in the encourage all employers of welders to review
Australian courts back in 2014, opening the door their risk assessments and revise their control
for future compensation claims. measures.

Aside from cancer, welding fume can also cause Welding fume is serious, action is required.
serious long-term health effects like lung function

AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 3

A Practical Guide to Fume Control.
Applying a practical approach to the ‘Hierarchy of Control’.

The hierarchy of control is a step-by-step system for controlling risks in a workplace. This framework
is used across a range of industries and while it applies to welding, it was not built specifically for the
welding industry.

So, while it is important to understand the overall framework, a control framework built specifically for
welding fume may be valuable to those seeking to understand how to protect their welders or themselves.

To give you a more simplified and practical approach to controlling welding fume, we offer the ‘Practical
Guide to Fume Control’ comprising of three steps:

1. Mitigation of Risk,
2. Product Controls, and
3. Administrative Controls

Figure 1.1 - A Practical Guide to Fume Control

Mitigation Product Administrative

of Risk Controls Controls
While care must be taken Product controls are Procedural controls
to mitigate risks through available in two main (eg. minimise work
elimination (eg. removing forms: conducted in restricted
surface coatings) spaces, training, care
and substitution (eg. 1. Local Exhaust and maintenance) should
using less hazardous Ventilation (LEV) be introduced to support
materials), if welding is 2. Personal Protective PPE and LEV controls.
to be done, welding fume Equipment (PPE)
will be present.

As a result, product A combination of product

controls will be essential. controls is often the best
approach.

4 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

 Mitigation of Risk
When it comes to welding fume, all efforts While the highest levels of controls (elimination and
should be made to mitigate the risks where substitution) within the ‘hierarchy of control’ give
possible. the highest level of protection and reliability in many
industries, they are often not practicable or possible
Examples include: when it comes to the welding industry. Substituting
materials can result in quality issues and using lower
• Removing surface coatings on materials. amps is often not an option.

• Changing to less hazardous materials (both Even when you can mitigate risk, if there is welding
consumables and base materials). to be done, welding fume will be present. Welding
fume is inherent in the process of welding. As a
• Using a welding technique that produces result, we see that in the welding industry, the higher
less fume (different application or working levels of control can often only mitigate the risks
with lower amps) associated with welding fume, making the lower
levels of control essential.
• Where possible, workers should position
themselves to ensure they keep their heads
away from the plume and also ensure any
ventilation airflow moves the welding fume
away from the breathing zone, not through it. Simple Takeaway

Higher levels of control can often

only mitigate the risks associated
with welding fume. Product and
administrative controls
are essential.

AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 5

 Product Controls
Product controls are available in two main forms:

1. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

LEV can assist in reducing exposure to welding fume and other airborne contaminants, not only
for the welder, but also for those who work near welding operations. This is the key difference
between LEV and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE can only protect the welder, while
correctly located LEV can protect the welder and stop the spread of fume throughout the
workplace. It is recommended that respiratory PPE is always worn in combination with LEV.

There are three main LEV options within the welding industry:

1) Fixed Installations 2) Portable Systems

A key advantage of fixed installations is Portable systems can be a more economical
that they can deal with a large quantity of option when compared to fixed installations
welding fume, making them ideal for heavy and in many situations can offer more
fume environments. A limitation of these flexibility as requirements change over time.
systems is that they do not follow the welder They can be carried or rolled around the
as they move. Positioning is critical. If the workplace and positioned where required
welder moves away from the capture point, and are ideal for situations where the welder
these systems are ineffective. They won’t moves around the workspace. However, like
offer protection to the welder or control the fixed installations, once they are positioned,
spread of fume throughout the workplace. they do not follow the welder as they move.

If the welder is too close to the capture Portable systems can be a good control for
point, the extraction flow can affect the most welding applications, where the welder
shielding gas, leading to porosity and poor does not move away from the extraction
weld quality. These systems can be a good point. However, ensure you consult an LEV
control for heavy fume environments, where expert, as different welding applications
the welder remains positioned correctly, require different configurations. Portable LEV
relative to the capture point. is not one-size-fits-all.
3) On-Gun Fume Extraction
On-Gun Fume Extraction is the only product control solution
that removes welding fume from the environment and follows
the welder as they move (unlike fixed and portable solutions),
making it an extremely practical welding fume control solution.

Recent technological advancements have also meant that

on-gun torches can now be the same size and weight as
normal welding guns and deliver high capture rates (up to
98%), while leaving the shielding gas completely unaffected.

A limitation of on-gun fume extraction is that it is not available

for all welding applications (eg. MMA).

For more information regarding on-gun fume extraction,

please contact AWS.

Advantages Limitations

Fixed Installations • Ideal for heavy fume environments • Does not follow the welder
• Positioning is critical (protection/porosity)

Portable LEV • Lower cost vs fixed installations • Does not follow the welder
• Mobility and flexibility • Positioning is critical (protection/porosity)

On-Gun Extraction • Follows the welder • Not available for MMA (Stick) welding
• High capture rates (up to 98%) • Parameters must be set correctly

Important Note – Opening a roller door is not enough!

Natural Dilution Ventilation Forced Dilution Ventilation

It should be noted that wind, Occurs when contaminants released

a cross-breeze, or opening into the workshop mix with air
a roller door, should only be flowing through the room via forced
used for general comfort, not dilution ventilation systems. Forced
as an engineering control dilution is also not an effective
measure for atmospheric method to control welding fume
contaminants and fumes. exposure as large volumes of air
may be required and it is extremely
While this can help disperse difficult to control individual
welding fume in combination exposure near the contaminant
with other controls, it must source where dilution has not yet
never be used as a control by taken place.
itself.
Employers must also ensure that
forced dilution systems, when relied
upon, are not contaminating
other areas.
AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 7
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In relation to the hierarchy of controls, PPE is often referred to as the last resort. When it comes
to welding, suitable PPE must always be worn. PPE for respiratory protection from welding fume is
commonly available in two main forms:

1) Welding Helmets with integrated respiratory protection

2) Half mask respirators.

1) Welding Helmets with Integrated Respiratory Protection

‘Welding helmets with integrated powered air The powered air respirator goes where the
purifying respirators (PAPR) are the most widely welder goes, allowing unrestricted movement
used form of respiratory protection amongst around the workplace with clear vision, comfort,
welders in Australia and New Zealand’2 and are and uninterrupted eye, face, and respiratory
mandatory within many businesses. protection.

They have a Required Minimum Protection A recent study conducted within a large
Factor (RMPF) of 50, meaning that they supply manufacturing company with over 1,500
breathing air a minimum 50 times cleaner employees, including 600 certified welders,
than the welder would otherwise be breathing found that ‘foreign body eye injuries decreased
unprotected and can also protect the welders’ over 70% year-on-year in areas that implemented
eyes and face from radiation and high velocity the PAPRs with integrated flip-up auto darkening
particles. Integrated hard hats (safety helmets) welding helmets. Worker compensation claims
and earmuffs are also available with these decreased markedly while employee morale
systems to give welders five levels of protection increased substantially’.3
(eye, face, respiratory, head, hearing).
PAPRs can provide protection to welders using
With a flip-up welding helmet with powered the most common materials (aluminium,
air respiratory protection, welders can have steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel etc.)
completely clear and uninhibited views of their and applications (MMA, TIG, GMAW, FCAW,
workpiece and surroundings while maintaining SAW) where there is an environment with good
their desired level of respiratory protection with ventilation and/or extraction.
no breathing resistance.

Image: An example of a flip-up auto-darkening welding helmet with an

integrated powered air purifying respirator.

8 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

2) Half mask respirators
Disposable or reusable P2 rated half mask respirators can be worn underneath a welding helmet to
provide a RMPF of 10. The welder must be fit tested (annually is recommended) and clean shaven (if
relevant) to ensure an effective negative pressure seal. Never use a half mask that is flammable.

When compared to disposable and reusable half-face mask respiratory protection, PAPRs provide
superior respiratory protection and comfort and do not require fit testing or a complete clean shaven
condition.

Image: An example of a disposable half mask

respirator (left) and a reusable half mask
respirator with replaceable filters (right).

Figure 2.2 - Quick Reference Welding Respiratory PPE Comparison Chart

Welding Helmets with Half Mask

Integrated Powered Air Respiratory Respirators
Protection
Protection Factor 50 10
(RMPF)
Fit Testing Required No Yes, recommended annually
Requirement to be No Yes
clean shaven
Breathing resistance No Yes
Comfort Considerations A steady flow of fresh air helps The negative pressure seal can
to cool the welder down in hot result in an uncomfortable fit in
conditions, reducing sweat and welding conditions (sweat, heat).
heat buildup. Can interfere with the welding
helmet.

Cost Considerations A PAPR draws air into the system While half mask respirators have a
from behind the welder away from lower upfront cost, they can be the
the greatest concentration of more expensive long-term option.
welding fume.
Worn on the welder’s face in closer
For this reason, the filters on a proximity to the plume, filters can
PAPR will typically need to be become loaded extremely quickly
changed far less frequently than a in certain welding environments.
disposable respirator or reusable
respiratory filters.

Long term, a PAPR can be the more

economical solution.

AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 9

 NEW
Scientific Research on the
Effectiveness of Product Controls
In 2022, an Australian independent scientific study6 was conducted to compare the effectiveness of
welding fume product controls. The methods analysed were On-Gun Fume Extraction, Hooded Capture
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), and a Welding Helmet with a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
The study “Welding fume; a comparison study of industry used control methods” was published in the
Safety Journal in 2023.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

#1 POWERED
AIR PURIFYING
RESPIRATOR
(PAPR)

#1 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

The Welding Helmet with an Integrated PAPR was by far the most effective control measure in protecting
the welder from welding fume exposure when compared to On-Gun Fume Extraction and Hooded Capture
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). The Welding Helmet with PAPR reduced exposure to welding fume - a
known carcinogen - by at least 99.96%^.

^Please be aware that it is an employer’s legal responsibility to reduce welding fume exposure to as low as reasonably practicable for all
persons, not just the welder. These results are only applicable to situations where there are no other people sharing the environment with
the welder/s. The information within this document only outlines the key results from the study. For more detailed information on the results,
including limitations, please download the Welding Fume Product Controls White Paper at www.apexweldingsafety.com.au.

10 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

 ON GUN
33%
MORE
EFFECTIVE

VS.

On-Gun Fume Extraction 33% more effective than

Hooded Capture LEV Extraction
On-Gun Fume Extraction was 33% more effective than Hooded Capture Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) in
extracting welding fume from the environment. On-Gun Fume Extraction was able to extract up to 97% of
the welding fume with an average of 90% across all tests^.

^Please note that On-Gun Fume Extraction is not suitable for all welding applications (eg. MMA stick welding) and certain variables can impact
effectiveness (eg. design of the system, weld position, and environmental factors). The information within this document only outlines the key results
from the study. For more detailed information on the results, including limitations, please download the Welding Fume Product Controls White Paper
at www.apexweldingsafety.com.au.

IMPORTANT

The findings are unique to the study parameters and conditions. All guidance is provided to give an example of how to control welding fume and is
provided as a basic guideline only. It should not be used as the only means of selecting a respirator or LEV control method. It’s always recommended
to have a welding fume product control expert visit your premises as onsite variables can impact product control effectiveness (eg. weld position, and
environmental factors).

Powered air respirators must never be used in atmospheres Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). Always consult your Safety Engineer or
Occupational Hygienist. Air monitoring should take place if you are unsure about the level of welding fume exposure to workers.

Brands and product names have been omitted from the results of this study to keep the information focused solely on the different forms of product
controls as opposed to pushing specific brands or products. However, it’s important to note that the results are only applicable to the brands and
products used in the study – these can be made available upon request.

The key results and the guidance within this document do not address confined spaces. Confined spaces should be avoided where possible. All of
today’s current welding fume product controls have their limitations in a confined space. There should be a suitably trained and knowledgeable person
doing the assessment and design of a safe system for any confined space entry. Consultation with a welding fume product control expert should always
be carried out to understand the limitations of each product control within a confined space.

AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 11

 Administrative Controls
Procedural controls must be introduced to Working area considerations
support product-based controls.
• Minimise work conducted in confined spaces.
Training and product maintenance • Introduce a dedicated area for welding.
• Control access to the working area.
As an employer, once you have selected the
appropriate PPE, ‘you must provide the worker
with information, training and instruction in the
proper use and wearing of PPE’.4 Proper guidance
should be given on the storage of equipment and
care and maintenance guidelines should be clear
and followed.

For LEV systems, you must implement a

maintenance and test regime to ensure proper Simple Takeaway
operation.

Ensure you select suppliers who can not only As an employer, once you have
provide equipment, but also administer the
required training and support. Also, ensure all selected the appropriate PPE,
required spare parts are readily available and you must provide the worker with
stocked. information, training and instruction
in the proper use and wearing of
PPE.

12 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

Who is responsible?
A ‘Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking’
(employer) must ensure that no person at the
workplace is exposed to welding fume in an airborne
concentration that exceeds the exposure standards.
This includes total welding fume concentrations as
well as individual fume components.

However, exposure standards should not be

considered as representing an acceptable level of
exposure to workers. Exposure standards simply
establish a legal maximum upper limit. Therefore,
additionally, employers must also reduce exposure
to welding fume to as low as reasonably practicable
to protect workers and others in the workplace.

The information within this practical guide to welding

fume control can be used to help businesses fulfill
their legal responsibility as it relates to:

• Not exceeding welding fume exposure standards.

• Reducing welding fume exposure to as low as
reasonably practicable.

If employers are unsure whether the welding fume

exposure at their workplace exceeds the relevant
exposure standard, OH&S regulations require that
they must ensure air monitoring is carried out.

Under both the Australian Work, Health and Safety

Laws and the New Zealand Health and Safety
at Work Regulations, the employer is financially
responsible for providing PPE to workers and must
not charge anyone for using PPE.

When selecting suitable PPE, the employer, where

reasonable, should consult with the welders. A
welder’s knowledge, experience and personal
preferences improve the overall decision-making
process. As someone who is directly affected by
welding hazards, a welder is entitled to take part in
the consultation process and selection of suitable
PPE. Personal preferences are the key to user
acceptance – so look for gear that welders feel
comfortable wearing.

As a welder, you should aim to educate yourself on

the risks, understand the appropriate PPE available
and look to involve yourself in the consultation
process and ultimate selection of suitable product
controls.

AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 13

PRACTICAL
GUIDANCE
Pulling it all together

Based on the conclusions of the 2022 Protecting only the welder

welding fume product control study6, the
following product control guidance is
from welding fume^:
offered to reduce welding fume exposure
to as low as reasonably practicable
when welding using the most common Introduce Welding Helmets with
materials (aluminium, steel, stainless steel, integrated Powered Air Purifying
galvanised steel etc.) in environments with Respirators (PAPR).
good ventilation.

This guidance assumes that all efforts

to mitigate risk associated with welding Ensure staff are trained in the
fume through elimination, substitution, and
proper use and maintenance of
isolation controls have been carried out.
the PAPR. Many suppliers offer
in-person and online training
programs for free.

Remove surface coatings and

look to mitigate risk by using a
welding technique that produces
less fume or introduce less
hazardous materials where
possible.

Welders should position

themselves to ensure they
keep their heads away from
the plume where possible and
take advantage of any
ventilation available.

^Please be aware that it is an employer’s legal responsibility to reduce

welding fume exposure to as low as reasonably practicable for all persons,
not just the welder. This guidance is only applicable to situations where
14 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control there are no other people sharing the environment with the welder/s.
 NEW
Protecting the welder and
surrounding workers from
WELDING FUME
welding fume: PRODUCT CONTROL
Introduce a dedicated area for
SELECTOR
welding away from other workers
and restrict access to this area
where possible.

Introduce Local Exhaust Ventilation

in combination with a Welding
Helmet with an integrated Powered
Air Purifying Respirator to protect
the welder and control the spread
of welding fume throughout the
environment. If suitable for the
application, on-gun fume extraction
is the most effective and practical
engineering LEV welding fume
control*.

Have staff trained in the proper

use and maintenance of the PAPR
and LEV system. Some suppliers
offer in-person and online training
If you are looking for guidance on
programs for free.
welding fume product controls for a
specific environment or you would like
to know which specific products can be
introduced to control welding fume at your
Remove surface coatings and look
workplace – please try the Welding Fume
to mitigate risk by using a welding
Product Control Selector using the QR code
technique that produces less
or website link below.
fume or introduce less hazardous
materials where possible.
The solutions generated in this selector
are based on the results of the Australian
independent scientific study6 that was
conducted in 2022 to compare the
Welders should position
effectiveness of welding fume product
themselves to ensure they keep
controls.
their heads away from the plume
(if applicable) where possible and
take advantage of any ventilation Scan to use the
available. Welding Fume
Product Control
Selector
*Please note that On-Gun Fume Extraction is not suitable for all
apexweldingsafety.com.au/welding-fume-tool
welding applications (eg. MMA stick welding) and certain variables
can impact effectiveness (eg. design of the on-gun extraction
system and welding gun, weld position, and environmental factors). AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 15
NEW Welding Fume Exposure Standard!
There is officially a lower Workplace Exposure Aside from the WES for ‘welding fume not
Standard (WES) for Welding Fume in Australia. otherwise classified’, workplaces must also
ensure no other Workplace Exposure Standards
In January 2024, Work Health and Safety are exceeded.
Ministers agreed to an immediate reduction to the
workplace exposure standard for welding fumes Below we list the most common chemicals
(not otherwise classified) from an 8-hour time workers may be exposed to when welding, the
weighted average (TWA) of 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. source of these chemicals in the welding fume,
respective health effects, and the current WES
This new limit applies to welders and anyone who released by Safe Work Australia.4,5
shares the workplace with welders.

Fume Type/Chemical Source Health Effect WES - TWA (mg/m3)

Aluminium Aluminium component of some Respiratory irritant. 5
alloys, e.g. nickel chromium,
copper, steel, magnesium, brass
and filler materials.
Beryllium Hardening agent found in “Metal Fume Fever”. A 0.002
copper, magnesium, aluminium carcinogen. Other chronic
alloys and electrical contacts. effects include damage to the
respiratory tract.
Cadmium Stainless steel containing Irritation of respiratory system, 0.01
cadmium or plated materials, zinc sore and dry throat, chest pain
alloy. and breathing difficulty. Chronic
effects include kidney damage
and emphysema. Suspected
carcinogen.
Chromium Most stainless steel and Increased risk of lung cancer. 0.5 or 0.05
high-alloy materials, welding rods. Some individuals may develop (Depending on chemical form)
Also used as plating material. skin irritation. Some forms are
carcinogens (hexavalent
chromium).
Copper Alloys such as nickel-copper, Acute effects include 0.2
brass, bronze. Also some welding irritation of the eyes, nose and
rods. throat, nausea and "Metal
Fume Fever".
Iron Oxides The major contaminant in all iron Siderosis - a benign form of 5
or steel welding processes. lung disease cause by particles
deposited in the lungs. Acute
symptoms include irritation of
the nose and lungs. Tends to
clear up when exposure stops.
Lead Solder, brass and bronze alloys, Chronic effects to nervous 0.05
primer/coating on steels. system, kidneys, digestive
system and mental capacity.
Can cause lead poisoning.
Ototoxic and therefore risk of
hearing loss.
Manganese Most welding processes, “Metal Fume Fever”. Chronic 1
especially high tensile steels. effects may include central
nervous system problems.
Ototoxic and therefore risk of
hearing loss.
Zinc Oxides Galvanized and painted metal. “Metal Fume Fever”. 5

16 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

Action is Required.
Without effective protection, welders are exposed
to a carcinogenic substance.

Not only is it the employer’s legal responsibility

to reduce welding fume exposure to below the
new workplace exposure standard, it is also their
responsibility to reduce welding fume exposure to
as low as reasonably practicable. The results of
this study6 give clear and practical guidance on
effective engineering and PPE control methods to
reduce welding fume exposure.

On-gun fume extraction, the most effective

engineering control measured in the study6, had
an average capture rate of 90% across all tests.
The law in Australia and New Zealand clearly
states that if there is any remaining risk after
higher controls, such as engineering controls,
have been implemented, it must be minimised
with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).

Unlike many industries, welders have PPE

specifically designed for their occupation to
protect them from welding fume and other welding
hazards – a welding helmet with a powered air
purifying respirator. Based on the results of the
study6, a PAPR correctly worn and maintained, will
ensure that the welder is well below all relevant
Workplace Exposure Standards for most common
welding applications^, and can reduce welding
fume exposure by a factor of at least 2,600
corresponding to a minimum 99.96% reduction.

Therefore, where an employer has already

implemented engineering controls (On-Gun fume
extraction or Hooded Capture LEV), a welding
helmet with PAPR is an extremely effective method
to minimise the remaining risk for the welder.

Simple Takeaway

If there is any remaining risk after higher

controls have been implemented, such as
engineering controls, it must be minimised with
suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 17
^ Does not address ‘Confined Spaces’ as defined by Safe Work Australia’s Confined Spaces Code of Practice.
Where to from here?
Australian and New Zealand companies are now The 2022 study on welding fume product control
completely changing their stance on welding fume effectiveness gives workplaces actionable guidance
and welders’ PPE. on how to protect their workers based on scientific
data6.
The 2017 reclassification of welding fume as
carcinogenic prompted many to rethink and Now, the new welding fume workplace exposure
challenge what was historically considered limit should act as the trigger at your workplace to
‘normal’. introduce effective welding fume controls to ensure
you are fulfilling your legal responsibility.
The 2019 statistical analysis concluding that
welders have up to a ‘43% increased risk of lung For guidance on selecting an effective product
cancer’1 regardless of the type of steel welded, the control approach for your workplace, please use the
welding process or time-period is of serious public Welding Fume Product Control Selector below or get
health relevance. in touch with AWS.

NEW
Scan to use the
Welding Fume
Product Control
Selector or visit:
apexweldingsafety.com.au/welding-fume-tool

18 AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control

White Paper
The Effectiveness of Welding Fume
Product Controls - A Scientific Study:
There are countless studies that conclude that welding
fume is bad for health, yet there seem to be very few
that can give us practical guidance on how to effectively
control welding fume exposure.

Studies have done an effective job in defining the

problem; however, few have been able to identify and
compare the relative effectiveness of available product
control solutions. Until now.

www.apexweldingsafety.com.au

Key Fact Document

The Effectiveness of Welding Fume
Product Controls - A Scientific Study:

Don’t have time to read the whole white paper above?

The Key Fact Document presents the main results

from the scientific study in an ’infographic-style’
brochure and offers practical guidance with clear next
steps based on scientific data.

www.apexweldingsafety.com.au

AWS | A Practical Guide to Welding Fume Control 19

About AWS
AWS was established in 1994 and has played a key role in the IMPORTANT
welding industry ever since.
As an advocate for welders’ safety in Australia and New This publication contains work health
Zealand, AWS has published numerous Welding Safety White and safety information and is provided as
guidance, it should not be relied upon as
Papers, Welding Industry Reports, and Welding Fume Control legal compliance. It includes obligations
Frameworks. under legislation that health and safety
regulators administer. To ensure you
As a company that specialises in welding safety equipment, comply with your legal obligations you
it is our goal to raise awareness on the important issues that must refer to the appropriate legislation.
This publication does not represent a
welders face. comprehensive statement of the law as
it applies to particular problems or to
For more information on welding fume monitoring, welding PPE, individuals or as a substitute for legal
or welding fume extraction options, please contact AWS. advice. You should seek independent
legal advice if you need assistance on the
application of the law to your situation.

www.apexweldingsafety.com.au All guidance is provided to give an example

of how to control welding fume and is
provided as a basic guideline only. It should
Apex Welding Safety Pty Ltd not be used as the only means of selecting
T: (02) 9439 0111 a respirator or control method. It’s always
recommended to have a welding fume
E: sales@apexweldingsafety.com.au product control expert visit your premises
as onsite variables can impact product
control effectiveness (eg. weld position,
facebook.com/apexweldingsafety youtube.com/awsspeedglas and environmental factors).

Powered and supplied air respirators

must never be used in atmospheres
Interested in learning more about Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
(IDLH). Always consult your Safety Engineer
Welding Fume and Exposure Limits?
or Occupational Hygienist. Air monitoring

Watch an in-depth video should take place if you are unsure about
the level of welding fume exposure to

here! workers.

References
1. 2019 Honaryar MK, Lunn RM, Luce D, et al. Occup Environ Med
2. 2020 Welding Fume and Respiratory Protection Survey, AWS
3. Case study can be provided upon request
4. Welding Processes Code of Practice, Safe Work Australia, July 2020
5. Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants, Safe Work Australia, December 2019
6. 2023 Peter Knott, Georgia Csorba, Dustin Bennett, Ryan Kift. Welding fume; a comparison study of industry used control
methods. Safety Journal.

© Apex Welding Safety Pty Ltd 2024 All rights reserved. AWS 01 24 / 5000.