In 2019, the Health and Safety Executive announced that there is no safe level of welding fume exposure. Employers have a moral and legal duty to control this hazard and provide sufficient information, instruction, and training to anyone at risk. This course supports meeting these duties.
Why Is Welding Fume Control Important?
Welding Fume includes irritating gases, such as the oxides of nitrogen and ozone. They can cause acute and chronic health risks, as well as asphyxiation.
Exposure to welding fume can cause:
- Acute irritant induced asthma
- Metal fume fever
- Acute pneumonia
- Cancer
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Occupational asthma
Anyone that may be exposed to welding fumes must be aware of the hazards they face. They must also understand the measures in place to protect them, including how to effectively use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).