Australia Tightens Fume Exposure Standards
Australia’s workplace safety landscape is changing rapidly, especially for industries where welding is a key operation. In May 2024, Safe Work Australia made a significant decision by reducing the workplace exposure limit for welding fumes from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³. This new, stricter regulation underscores the need for more effective fume extraction solutions to ensure both compliance and worker safety(
Weld Australia). For businesses that rely on welding, these changes mean immediate action is required to reduce exposure levels and safeguard employee health.
Why the Change?
Welding fumes pose severe health risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies welding fumes as carcinogenic, with potential links to lung cancer, respiratory illnesses, and long-term neurological damage (SafeWork NSW) (The University of Sydney). In particular, hexavalent chromium, a byproduct of welding stainless steel, is highly toxic and associated with serious lung diseases. The previous exposure standards were too lenient, leading to chronic exposure risks for welders and others in nearby workspaces (WorkSafe Victoria).
How Micronair Can Help You Comply with New Standards
As Australia’s leading manufacturer of fume extraction systems, Micronair is ready to assist businesses in complying with these new, more stringent regulations. Since 1990, we have been providing custom solutions for industries that need to manage air quality, from design and manufacture to installation and maintenance.
Here’s how we can help your business stay compliant and protect your workforce:
1. Custom Design and Installation of Extraction Systems
Every workspace has unique challenges, and Micronair excels at delivering custom-designed fume extraction systems. We specialize in capturing harmful fumes at the source, ensuring your facility meets the new Safe Work Australia regulations. With 4,000 square metres of production capacity under cover, we have the capability to tackle projects of any scale, delivering precision-engineered systems that provide optimal protection (Safe Work Australia).
2. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems
Micronair’s Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are designed to capture toxic fumes right at the source, helping to maintain a clean and safe working environment. LEV systems are now a must-have to comply with the reduced exposure standard of 1 mg/m³. This advanced technology not only ensures compliance but also significantly reduces the risk of long-term health issues for your workforce. Learn more about the importance of LEV systems from WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe Victoria).
3. Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
Installation alone isn’t enough. To ensure continued compliance and maximum efficiency, Micronair offers comprehensive maintenance services. Regular monitoring and upkeep are essential, especially with the stricter safety standards now in place. Our team of experts will ensure that your system operates effectively year after year, providing protection for both your employees and your bottom line. Explore more about the necessity of fume monitoring from Safe Work Australia (Safe Work Australia).
Stay Compliant, Stay Safe
With the recent changes to Safe Work Australia’s welding fume standards, the need for effective fume extraction has never been more critical. Businesses must act swiftly to reduce exposure to hazardous fumes and ensure they meet the new safety guidelines. Failure to comply not only puts workers at risk but can also lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
By partnering with Micronair, you can rest assured that your workplace is equipped with the best in fume extraction technology. Our industry-leading solutions are designed to meet and exceed Australia’s evolving safety regulations, protecting both your workers and your business.
Monitoring air quality
The recent tightening of fume exposure standards is a reminder that worker safety must always be a priority. At Micronair, we offer tailored solutions to ensure that your workplace complies with the new regulations. From design to installation and ongoing maintenance, we provide end-to-end services that guarantee you’re equipped for the future.
Products like the AeroGuard provide real-time information about the quality of the indoor air. If a threshold exceeds predefined values or safe exposure limits, the AeroGuard device can automatically trigger an activation signal to an external system to help keep staff safe and production optimal.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you upgrade your fume extraction systems and stay compliant with Australia’s latest safety standards.
