HSE warning on welding fume inspections


The HSE has warned employers it will use enforcement to bring about improvements where employers fail to control the health risks from welding fume. 


The safety watchdog’s current programme of inspections follows a safety alert issued in February 2019 following new evidence that showed exposure to mild steel welding fume can cause lung, and possibly kidney, cancer in humans (see Workplace Report, November 2019, page 14). 


The safety watchdog told employers they should be using local exhaust ventilation where effective and provide suitable respiratory protective equipment where necessary to protect workers in the metal fabrication industry from inhaling fumes.


HSE guidance on welding was updated last year.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/welding/index.htm