Workers concerned about welding fumes

Summary

At a welding company in Northampton workers were concerned about the health risks from the welding fumes. One worker was complaining of a dry throat and cough.

HSE Investigation

HSE found that there were very few controls in place, and that exposure to welding fume was not being properly controlled.

An improvement notice was served that required the company to reduce exposure to welding fume.

The company installed a local exhaust ventilation system to extract the welding fume. This allowed them to comply with the improvement notice and avoid further legal action.

Through inspection and enforcement by HSE, the company addressed the worker's concerns, exposure levels were reduced and the workers health was protected.

For more information about good control measures visit the Top tips pages of this website or the COSHH essentials website.

More information on welding can be found at the welding site.