Industry organisations in the UK have come together to highlight key safety issues in relation to welding fume.

The Welding Fume Team is made up of various bodies such as the HSE, major welding equipment and safety suppliers, engineering firms, the Unite union and the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA). It has issued new poster explaining the importance of safe working practices in relation to welding fume, under its Bad Air Day initiative.

Doug Thornton, chief executive of BCGA comments, “Welding, brazing and cutting are essential processes which all depend on industrial gases. Precautions should be taken to avoid the inhalation of welding fume, not only by operatives doing the welding, brazing and cutting, but by others working nearby. Welding Fume can permanently and severely affect health and shorten life.”

As part of the campaign the group wants employers, safety managers and welders themselves to be aware of the legal responsibilities to provide a safe working environment and to adequately train personnel in best operating practices. It also highlights the need for good fume extraction and personal protection.

More practical tips and information are available at www.badairday.info