Welding Fumes
exposure testing

The exact level of risk of exposure to either the gases or particulate fumes will depend on a number of factors:

• How toxic the fume is (this varies greater depending on the combination of the welding technique and metal being welded)
• How concentrated the fume is (this will depend on the working environment and extent of ventilation)
• How long you are breathing the fume (this will depend on the shift lenght and intensity of welding but can only be accurately measured by personal exposure monitoring)

Actions and advice

The first step in the process is to carryout a risk assessment by identifying what welding activities are being carried out on your site. This should include both the range of welding techniques used and the metal combinations, the next step should then be to commission a series of actual personal exposure assessments that cover the full range of activities. 

Depending on the exposure levels recorded, it may then be necessary to install some form of extraction system, or respiratory protection that is adequate, to cover the type of exposure likely from the pre-determined welding activities. Click here to learn more about welding fumes.

How can we help?

Our consultants are here to help you and can develop and implement monitoring strategies to indentify if maximum exposure limits are being exceeded with respect to metal fumes and gases in the workplace. Our team we will advise on appropriate measures to be taken to reduce the risk of exposure and ensure you comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.