The obligation
The WES for welding fumes has been reduced from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). PCBUs must implement additional controls to meet the lower standard, consistent with the Code's guidance.
Safe Work Australia and WHS Ministers agreed to reduce the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA). The change becomes enforceable once implemented in Queensland WHS laws. The Code provides guidance on at-source fume control, ventilation and PPE to assist PCBUs in meeting the new WES. PCBUs must review current fume controls and implement additional measures where required.
- What
- The WES for welding fumes has been reduced from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). PCBUs must implement additional controls to meet the lower standard, consistent with the Code's guidance.
- Source
- weldaustralia.com.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
history
What's happened with this Topic
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
welding fumes
workplace exposure standard
WES
fume control
Safe Work Australia
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Workplace Exposure Standard for welding fumes — reduced to 1 mg/m³ TWA is a WHS requirement set out in Welding processes code of practice 2021 (QLD). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). The relevant provision is Welding processes code of practice 2021 > Welding fumes > Exposure standard § Welding fumes chapter.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Workplace Exposure Standard for welding fumes — reduced to 1 mg/m³ TWA is a WHS obligation under Welding processes code of practice 2021 (QLD). In short, The WES for welding fumes has been reduced from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). PCBUs must implement additional controls to meet the lower standard, consistent with the Code's guidance.
What changed recently?
Workplace Exposure Standard for welding fumes — reduced to 1 mg/m³ TWA was last updated on 26 August 2026.
