8288407 Occupational exposure to welding fume in Australia

<h3>Objective</h3> Welding is a common work activity in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction and mining. Many Australian workers are exposed to welding fume in the course of their work but there is little published information available on exposure levels and the use of control measures in regard to occupational exposure to welding fume in Australia. This study aimed to provide information on the level of exposure to welding fume in workplaces in Australia and the use of control measures in these workplaces. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> This was a cross-sectional study involving workers at a convenience sample of 20 workplaces in New South Wales. Personal and static samples of welding fume particulates and gases were collected whilst welding was being undertaken. Personal samples were taken from the breathing zone of 67 welders. Eighty-two static samples were also collected and personal real-time ozone monitoring was undertaken for a welder at each of 16 worksites. Observations of the workplace were recorded by study personnel. <h3>Results</h3> The total welding fume particulate concentrations in the breathing zone were above the newly established workplace exposure standard for 61% of the welders. Peak concentrations of ozone were above the short-term exposure limit for most (75%) welders when they had their head over the welding area. Very few workplaces had active ventilation in place and functioning at the time of the worksite visits. The use of respiratory protective equipment was inconsistent; although 54% of welders used powered air-purifying respirators some of the time, about a fifth (22%) used no respiratory protection at all. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study provides the first comprehensive information on exposure to welding fume particulate and gases in Australian workplaces. The findings suggest there is considerable scope for improvement in the control of exposure to welding fume.