Welding Fume Extraction Regulations in Australia
Welding is an essential process in many industries, but it also comes with significant health and safety risks. One of the most critical is exposure to welding fumes.
In Australia, strict regulations govern fume extraction to protect workers from hazardous airborne contaminants.
At Austedan Fabrications, we specialise in designing and installing welding fume extraction systems that comply with Australian safety standards.
In this page, we explore the key welding fume extraction regulations and how businesses can ensure compliance, we will also share some resources that you can read.
Why Are Welding Fumes a Workplace Hazard?
Welding fumes contain a complex mixture of toxic metal oxides, gases, and particulates. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health conditions, including:
- Lung diseases such as occupational asthma and lung cancer
- Metal fume fever (flu-like symptoms caused by inhaling zinc oxide fumes)
- Neurological effects from prolonged exposure to manganese fumes
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
To minimise these risks, Work Safe Australia has outlined strict guidelines for fume control in workplaces. Visit the link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/welding-fumes
Australian Welding Fume Extraction Regulations
Workplace safety laws require businesses to implement effective control measures to protect employees from hazardous fumes. Some of the key regulations include:
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act & Regulations
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment. This includes identifying welding fume hazards and implementing control measures such as fume extraction systems.
Read:
- A guide by Australia National University: https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_000702
- Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2011A00137/latest/versions
Safe Work Australia Guidelines
According to Safe Work Australia: "A business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure that a person at the workplace is not exposed to an airborne contaminant above its workplace exposure standard (WES)"
Refer to the model of code practice welding processes: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/model_code_of_practice_welding_processes.pdf
How Austedan Fabrications Ensures Compliance
At Austedan Fabrications, we specialise in designing custom welding fume extraction systems that meet Australian safety regulations. Our solutions include:
- High-efficiency fume extractors for industrial workplaces
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems tailored to specific welding processes
- Compliance with Work Safe Australia standards
Why Choose Austedan Fabrications?
- Over 24 years of expertise in industrial fume extraction
- Australian-made welding fume extractors built for durability
- Custom solutions designed for your industry’s needs
- ISO Accredited
- Members of Welding Association (WCIA)
Protect Your Workplace – Get a Custom Fume Extraction System Today!
Ensuring compliance with Australian welding fume regulations is not just a legal obligation it’s crucial for protecting worker health. At Austedan Fabrications, we help businesses implement safe and effective fume extraction solutions that meet industry standards.
Contact Austedan Fabrications today at 02 4953 7112 or visit to learn more about our welding fume extraction systems.
