Welding fumes
A complex mixture of metal oxides, fluorides and other compounds generated during welding, brazing, cutting and soldering operations. All welding fumes are classified as carcinogenic in GB since 2019 and require LEV or RPE.
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“welding fumes”Exact equivalentCOSHH 2002 applies to welding fumes. Following a 2019 HSE review, all welding fumes (including mild steel welding fumes) are classified as carcinogenic. COSHH regulation 7 requires that exposure be prevented or, where not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. Local exhaust ventilation is required for indoor welding; respiratory protective equipment is required additionally where LEV is not sufficient.
Irish HSA
“welding fumes”Close equivalentThe Chemical Agents Regulations 2001 and the Carcinogens and Mutagens Regulations apply to welding fumes. Following international IARC classification of welding fumes as Group 1 carcinogen (2019), HSA guidance requires LEV or, where not possible, RPE for all welding operations.
US OSHA
“welding fumes”Close equivalentOSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 covers welding, cutting and brazing. Metal-specific PELs apply to individual components of welding fumes (e.g. manganese, hexavalent chromium under 1910.1026). OSHA has no single specific welding fumes standard equivalent to the GB carcinogen-level approach for all mild steel welding fumes.
Practitioner note: Classified as carcinogenic (all welding fumes) since 2019 in GB/Ireland. LEV is mandatory for indoor welding in GB.