Welding fume is classified as carcinogenic and must be controlled under COSHH. For UK sites, this is not optional: HSE expects effective engineering controls and, where needed, respiratory protection. The goal is simple—minimise exposure reliably during every weld, shift, and setup change.

What HSE expects in practice

HSE guidance is clear: use effective local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for indoor welding, and provide respiratory protection when LEV cannot fully control exposure, including outdoors. Document your COSHH assessment, specify controls, maintain them, and prove they work.

Build a practical control plan

Capture at source

Prioritise source capture. Position extraction hoods within the effective capture zone and keep them there as the work moves. For MIG/MAG, consider on-torch extraction. Where layouts change often, flexible arms with quick clamps reduce set-up time. Choose weld fume extractors with sufficient airflow under load, not free-air figures.

Manage the air

If residual fume lingers, use air scrubbers or negative air machines to control background levels. Fit high-efficiency filters (H13/H14 for fine, carcinogenic fractions) and site units to pull air across the welding zone towards the extractor—avoid stirring fume across walkways.

Use RPE correctly

Where engineering controls cannot achieve adequate control, issue appropriate respirators. Face-fit test tight-fitting masks, train users on seal checks, and set change-out schedules. RPE should complement LEV, not replace it.

Maintenance and verification

LEV and filters lose performance as they load. Set inspection intervals, clean or replace filters before pressure drop kills capture, and record everything. Use smoke tubes to confirm hood placement, and a particulate monitor to spot rising background levels.

Housekeeping

Avoid sweeping or compressed air. Use industrial vacuums with high-efficiency filtration on benches, floors, and inside booths. Manage clothing contamination—dedicated storage and laundering reduce re-entrainment.

Practical takeaways

• Capture at source first; keep hoods close and stable as the job moves.
• Specify airflow under load and verify with smoke tests.
• Add H13/H14 air filtration where background control is needed.
• Issue, face-fit, and maintain RPE where LEV alone is not enough.
• Use high-efficiency vacuums; never sweep or blow down.
• Log checks, maintenance, and exposure monitoring to evidence COSHH control.

Make control routine: engineer it in, check it works, and keep it working. That is how to meet HSE expectations and protect welders day to day.