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Under Welding processes · made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Reduced Workplace Exposure Standard for Welding Fumes (1 mg/m³ TWA)

High severity
NSW · Exposure Standards WHS Act 2011 (NSW) > Approved Codes of Practice > Welding Processes > Welding Fumes WES
The obligation
Safe Work Australia reduced the WES for welding fumes from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). NSW workplaces must comply with the new standard.
Safe Work Australia lowered the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes (not otherwise classified) from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hour time-weighted average). This change applies in NSW and is referenced in the Welding Processes Code of Practice. PCBUs must review and tighten engineering controls, ventilation, and respiratory protective equipment to meet the lower WES. The SafeWork NSW hazards page and the national model COP both reflect this reduced standard.
What
Safe Work Australia reduced the WES for welding fumes from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). NSW workplaces must comply with the new standard.
Source
safework.nsw.gov.au

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What's happened with this Topic

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12 Aug 2026 · Amended
1 update tracked. This law has changed and been enforced.

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Labels
welding fumes WES exposure standard air quality NSW
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Reduced Workplace Exposure Standard for Welding Fumes (1 mg/m³ TWA) is a WHS requirement set out in Welding processes (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is WHS Act 2011 (NSW) > Approved Codes of Practice > Welding Processes > Welding Fumes WES.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Reduced Workplace Exposure Standard for Welding Fumes (1 mg/m³ TWA) is a WHS obligation under Welding processes (NSW). In short, Safe Work Australia reduced the WES for welding fumes from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). NSW workplaces must comply with the new standard.

What changed recently?

Reduced Workplace Exposure Standard for Welding Fumes (1 mg/m³ TWA) was last updated on 12 August 2026.

Where this sits

Welding processes Work Health and Safety Act 2011 New South Wales Australia

About this Topic

Updates tracked1
Monitoring detail
First seenAug 2026