Welding fume & particulate monitoring
Welding fume is a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC) — exposure assessment is a meaningful obligation for any business where welding operations occur. Our monitoring captures personal exposure during welding tasks and evaluates the results against applicable WES limits, with clear and actionable recommendations for exposure reduction.
Sampling is conducted by a MAIOH-qualified occupational hygienist using calibrated personal sampling pumps and validated methods (NIOSH 7300 / 7303 family). Analytical work is processed through IANZ-accredited partner laboratories.
What we assess
- Personal air sampling for welding fume (total particulate + metal fume)
- Metal speciation: manganese, nickel, hexavalent chromium (Cr VI)
- Evaluation against WorkSafe NZ Workplace Exposure Standards
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) effectiveness assessment
- Control recommendations — substitution, enclosure, LEV, RPE selection
Materials and processes
Welding fume composition varies sharply by base metal and consumable. We assess exposure for mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium welding processes, with particular attention to the components of highest toxicological concern — manganese (neurological effects), nickel and chromium compounds (carcinogenic potential), and ozone (respiratory irritant).