Understanding the Health Risks of Welding Fume Exposure
In February 2019, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) introduced stricter regulations to protect workers from welding fume exposure. This change followed research that found mild steel welding can cause lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer.
Welding produces harmful substances, including free radicals. These free radicals can damage any tissue they contact. Among the most dangerous emissions are metal particulates. The body can manage carbon-based dusts, like pollen, but it can’t defend against metal dusts. These dusts can harm the lungs and leave workers open to infections.
HSE’s new guidelines now require employers to take extra steps to protect workers. General ventilation alone does not control welding fume exposure enough.
Welding releases gases and particulates that can be harmful. Different welding methods and materials pose different health risks. For example:
- Gas welding produces nitrogen dioxide, which can lead to pulmonary oedema.
- Electric arc welding can cause chronic cough and bronchitis.
- Welding zinc-coated or galvanised steel can cause zinc fume fever, which is linked to coronary heart disease.
- Stainless steel welding releases hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen linked to lung cancer.
HSE Bulletin STSU1 – 2019: Steps to Mitigate Welding Fume Risks
To reduce these risks, HSE’s bulletin (STSU1 – 2019) advises employers to take the following actions:
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- Control welding fume exposure with engineering controls, like local exhaust ventilation (LEV).
- Provide controls for all welding activities, no matter how long they last, including outdoor welding.
- If engineering controls don’t work alone, provide suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to manage residual fume exposure.
- Ensure all engineering controls are used correctly and maintained, with regular tests and inspections as needed.
- Set up an RPE programme to ensure proper use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
Change in Enforcement Expectations for Mild Steel Welding Fume
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