The International Agency for Research on Cancer has released new scientific data, that links exposure to mild steel welding fumes with possible causes of lung and kidney cancer. The Workplace Health Expert Committee, part of the UK Health and Safety Executive, have now endorsed re-classifying mild steel welding fumes as carcinogenic to humans.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is raising its enforcement expectations for dealing with all welding fumes in the workplace as it is considered that general ventilation does not achieve the proper level of protection. The safety notice relating to this change can be found here.
This change takes effect immediately, and British Marine has notified all members who carry out welding that they must take immediate action to manage the risks and make changes in the workplace. There is technical advice available to members from the BM’s Technical team, by contacting technical@britishmarine.co.uk.
From British Marine.