Welding Fume COSHH assessment
Welding fume is now treated by the HSE as a cause of cancer. Since 2019 all welding fume, including mild steel, must be controlled with suitable extraction — general ventilation alone is no longer acceptable.
The hazards
- Contains metal oxides and gases harmful to the lungs
- Classed by the HSE as capable of causing cancer
- Stainless steel fume contains hexavalent chromium and nickel
- Confined-space welding raises the risk sharply
Who is at risk
Exposure routes
- Inhalation of fume and gases
Health effects
- Lung cancer
- Metal fume fever
- Occupational asthma and COPD
- Kidney damage (from some metals)
Control measures (hierarchy of control)
Controls should be applied in order — eliminate or substitute first, then engineering controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Local exhaust ventilation (on-torch or fume-extraction) at the arc
- Position the head out of the fume plume
- Air-fed welding helmet where LEV cannot capture all the fume
- Extra controls and monitoring for stainless steel and confined spaces
- Maintain and test LEV regularly
PPE & RPE
- Air-fed welding helmet or FFP3 where appropriate
- Fire-resistant clothing and gauntlets
- Eye and face protection
First aid
- Move to fresh air; seek medical advice for breathing difficulty or metal fume fever symptoms
- Health surveillance is required for regular exposure
Workplace exposure limit (WEL)
Relevant legislation & guidance
Welding Fume COSHH FAQs
No. Since the HSE's 2019 position, general ventilation is not sufficient for any welding, including mild steel. You need local exhaust ventilation at the arc, and air-fed respiratory protection where LEV cannot capture all the fume.
Yes — the HSE now treats all welding fume, including from mild steel, as able to cause cancer, which is why suitable extraction is required for all welding work indoors and outdoors.
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