Welding Fume Exposure SWMS
General welding fume exposure controls applicable to all welding processes and base metals. Covers ventilation, RPE, biological monitoring and health surveillance.
This SWMS is uniform across all Australian jurisdictions.
General welding fume exposure controls covering all welding processes and base metals. Welding fumes are Group 1 carcinogens (IARC 2017) containing manganese, hexavalent chromium and nickel. WHS Regulation 2025 Part 7.1 requires airborne contaminant control below WES, atmospheric monitoring under Reg 50, and health surveillance under Reg 368 for hazardous chemical exposure.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Lung cancer, manganism, occupational asthma
Acute metal fume fever, asphyxiation
Chronic respiratory disease, neurological damage
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Install on-tool LEV capture or fixed extraction maintaining fume below WES per AS/NZS 4114.1.
- 2Provide P2/P3 PAPR welding helmets where LEV insufficient; fit-test annually per AS/NZS 1715.
- 3Conduct atmospheric monitoring per Reg 50 and biological monitoring (manganese, chromium) under health surveillance Reg 368.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Mandatory fume control hierarchy and ventilation benchmarks
Respirator selection, fit-testing and program requirements
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your welding process and base metals
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT)
- ✓Hazard register with welding fume risk ratings and control verification
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS consultation evidence under Reg 39
Related legislation
- WHS Regulation 2025 Reg 49-50 — Airborne contaminants and monitoring
- WHS Regulation 2025 Reg 368 — Health surveillance for hazardous chemicals
- WHS Regulation 2025 Reg 347 — Hazardous chemical risk control