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In February 2019, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a bulletin (STSU1) outlining stricter enforcement measures for all types of welding fume, including mild steel. This change follows the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC) classification of all welding fume as Group 1 carcinogenic to humans.
The IARC's classification is based on new scientific evidence linking exposure to all welding fume, including mild steel, to increased risks of lung cancer and potentially kidney cancer. This classification has been endorsed by the World Health Expert Committee (WHEC).
As a result of these findings, the HSE will intensify its enforcement actions, particularly for indoor welding activities, where general ventilation is insufficient to control exposure. Employers are now obligated to implement suitable engineering controls, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), to reduce the risk of cancer and exposure to manganese, a component of mild steel welding fume associated with neurological effects.
Even for outdoor welding, the HSE now mandates the provision of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). LEV may not always be sufficient to adequately control exposure, necessitating the use of appropriate RPE to safeguard welders from residual fumes.
The IARC's classification is based on new scientific evidence linking exposure to all welding fume, including mild steel, to increased risks of lung cancer and potentially kidney cancer. This classification has been endorsed by the World Health Expert Committee (WHEC).
As a result of these findings, the HSE will intensify its enforcement actions, particularly for indoor welding activities, where general ventilation is insufficient to control exposure. Employers are now obligated to implement suitable engineering controls, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), to reduce the risk of cancer and exposure to manganese, a component of mild steel welding fume associated with neurological effects.
Even for outdoor welding, the HSE now mandates the provision of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). LEV may not always be sufficient to adequately control exposure, necessitating the use of appropriate RPE to safeguard welders from residual fumes.
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