WELDING FUMES TOOLBOX TALK
Control welding-fume and metal-vapour exposure at source.
Ventilation, LEV and respiratory-protection field verification.
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Toolbox Topic
WELDING FUMES TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Control inhalation of metal fumes, gases and particulates generated during welding at source.
WHY IT MATTERS
Welding fumes can contain extremely fine particles and different metal oxides that may not always be clearly visible.
Stainless steel, galvanised metal and coated surfaces may create additional and more serious exposure hazards.
The most effective control is local exhaust ventilation that captures fumes at source together with adequate general ventilation.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A welder worked for an extended period in a restricted area with poor ventilation.
No local exhaust ventilation was used and fumes accumulated around the welder's breathing zone.
Effective LEV, adequate air exchange and suitable respiratory protection would have significantly reduced the exposure.
REMEMBER
The absence of visible welding fume does not mean the atmosphere is safe.
KEY HAZARDS
Inhalation of metal fumes.
Stainless-steel welding fumes.
Zinc oxide from galvanised materials.
Toxic fumes from painted surfaces.
Fume accumulation in restricted areas.
Inadequate ventilation.
Incorrect respiratory-protection selection.
Long-term chronic exposure.
CONTROLS
Identify the base metal and coatings.
Safely remove unsuitable coatings.
Use local exhaust ventilation.
Provide adequate general ventilation.
Keep the welder's head outside the fume plume.
Use suitable respiratory protection where required.
Verify filter selection and fit testing.
Monitor the atmosphere in confined areas.
Confirm LEV operation before starting.
Stop work if exposure controls are ineffective.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, welding fumes will not be controlled by PPE alone. We will first provide effective LEV and ventilation. We will confirm the material and coating and use suitable respiratory protection where required.
TEAM QUESTIONS
What metal are we welding today?
Is the surface painted or coated?
Is the LEV operating correctly?
Where is the welder's breathing zone?
If a respirator is required, is the correct filter selected?
What will we do if ventilation fails?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Material identified
Coating checked
LEV available
LEV operating
Ventilation adequate
Respiratory PPE suitable
Fit test valid
Filter correct
Atmosphere checked
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.