WorkSafe ACT has announced that the workplace exposure standard for aluminium welding fumes will reduce from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³, measured as an eight-hour time-weighted average, effective 9 September 2026.

The change matters to ACT businesses that conduct or control aluminium welding. Examples may include fabrication of boats, vehicle trays, walkways, stairs, ladders and other aluminium products.

Start by identifying every aluminium-welding activity and the workers or contractors who may be exposed. The review should consider the work location, duration, process, consumables, ventilation, work positioning and other people who may be affected.

Check whether source capture or local exhaust ventilation is suitable, correctly positioned, maintained and used. General ventilation or respiratory protective equipment should not be treated as a substitute for a higher-order control that is reasonably practicable. Where you are not confident that exposure will remain below the new standard, obtain competent occupational-hygiene advice. Exposure monitoring may be needed to establish the actual level and verify that controls work in practice.

Also review:

• welding risk assessments, SWMS or JSA where relevant;
• inspection and maintenance records for extraction systems;
• respiratory-protection selection, fit testing, training and maintenance;
• worker information, instruction and supervision;
• health monitoring requirements based on the substances and risks involved; and
• consultation with affected workers and health and safety representatives.

The new number should not be inserted into every general welding document across Australia. It is an ACT-specific trigger for work involving aluminium welding. The most likely documents are the welding risk assessment, relevant SWMS/JSA, welding or hot-work procedure, airborne-contaminant procedure, LEV maintenance records, RPE program and air-monitoring records.

Record who completed the review, what evidence was considered, any corrective actions and how completion was verified before 9 September 2026.

• Jurisdiction: Australian Capital Territory
• Effective 9 September 2026
• Information current at 31 August 2026
• Technically reviewed by the BlueSafe Technical Team

The reduction follows WorkSafe ACT's official safety alert on the reduction in workplace exposure standards for aluminium welding fumes.