Welding Inspection campaign
Overview
Related carcinogens:
Welding fumesType of intervention(s):
InvestigationNumber of inspections undertaken:
Since 2014, workplace measurements have been carried out in 31 metalworking and metal processing companies for different welding processes and the associated finishing processes such as grinding.
Duration of campaign:
2015- (ongoing)Scope of intervention
Key duties
Duties examined under CAD and CMRD legislation
Focus of the Campaign
The machining and processing of metallic workpieces releases dusts or fumes that can contain carcinogenic metals or metal compounds (e.g. arsenic compounds, cadmium and cadmium compounds, cobalt and cobalt compounds, chromium (VI) compounds and nickel compounds). The assessment of exposure and the effectiveness of protective measures is carried out by determining the dust exposure as well as the exposure to the constituents. Before the start of the project, the occupational exposure limits for the constituents had been newly defined. Therefore, old measurement data were only of limited significance. The aim of the measurement project was to create a data basis with which the workplace situation could be better assessed on site, also with regard to carcinogenic substances.
Key findings of intervention
Positive findings
The workplace measurements made it possible to determine exposure levels during with different welding techniques and to assess the effectiveness of protective measures.
Additionally, several technical and organizational measures were identified, which can significantly reduce exposure to welding fumes. The findings from the workplace measurements have been incorporated into the technical rules for hazardous substances (TRGS 528) and thus have a direct impact on occupational health and safety in all companies where welding work is carried out.
Negative findings
In most companies, there is insufficient knowledge about the level of exposure to hazardous substances and the effectiveness of the protective measures applied. When determining the protective measures, the hierarchy of prevention and measures (the so-called STOP-principle) is often neglected. For instance, welders are provided with respiratory protective equipment instead of capturing the welding fumes directly at the source or minimizing the workplace exposure through room ventilation. Employees during preparatory and finishing work as well as bystanders are therefore insufficiently protected.
Key outcomes following intervention
- Improvement in the implementation of protective and technical measures to reduce and prevent welding fume exposure.
- Best practice examples.
Level and type of enforcement issued
- Verbal advice
- Written advice
- Improvement notice
Regierungspräsidium Kassel, Hessische Ländermessstelle für Gefahrstoffe, Projektbericht “Belastung durch partikelförmige Gefahrstoffe bei Schweiß- und Schleiftätigkeiten in Betrieben der Metallbe- und –verarbeitung”, 2021
Key EU legislation
- CAD
- CMRD
