National welding fume WES reduced from 5 to 1 mg/m3
Australia's national list reduced the eight-hour workplace exposure standard for welding fumes not otherwise classified from 5 to 1 mg/m³ on January 18, 2024. Substance-specific component limits also apply, and local or sector commencement requires separate confirmation.
January 18 is the national-list revision date. Local adoption and specialist mining rules may differ.
- Legal status
- national list in force local sector variations
- Source check
- Sep 17, 2026
- Topic
- Welding fumes
- Technical review
- Jiaxi · 2026-09-23
What changed
Previous requirement
5 mg/m3 8-hour TWA in national list.
New requirement or current position
1 mg/m3 8-hour TWA in national list; substance-specific component limits also apply.
Who it affects
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Metal fabrication
- Maintenance
Dates and milestones
Commencement and compliance dates can differ. Read the conditions beside each date, including any stay or local adoption requirement.
- Announcement or publication
- Jan 18, 2024
- Recorded effective date
- Jan 18, 2024
Selected exposure values
These values need the scope, limit type and averaging period shown below. A proposed or advisory value is not a binding limit.
Welding fumes, not otherwise classified
1 mg/m3| Averaging period | 8-hour TWA |
|---|---|
| Limit type | WES |
| Scope | National WES list; local commencement and mining exceptions apply |
What this could mean for your IH program
Reassess welding controls and sampling against the applicable local requirement. Queensland mining Schedule 5 is a verified exception.
Confirm applicability with a qualified practitioner before changing your program.
Questions and qualifications
- This is the national-list revision date. Local commencement requires a separate instrument check.
Source evidence
- Changes to the workplace exposure standard for welding fumes
Safe Work Australia · 18 January 2024
National list reduced welding fumes not otherwise classified from 5 to 1 mg/m3 TWA. Mandatory commencement depends on local WHS/OHS implementation.
- Welding fumes
SafeWork NSW · Opening; Exposure standard
NSW regulator confirms both general and aluminium welding fume WES reductions to 1 mg/m3; component-specific limits also apply.
Managing your IH program
Explore how LEAP IH supports industrial hygiene data management and risk assessment.
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