Welders: Reduced Exposure Limits For Manganese

New reduced exposure limits for manganese likely to require review of welding COSHH assessments

The HSE Guidance Note EH40 has been re-issued to formally introduce several new and revised Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs). The limits for manganese were significantly reduced as relatively new evidence has liked exposure to a Parkinson’s Disease-like illness found in welders. The new limits for manganese include a very low respirable particulate 8-hour limit of only 0.05 mg/m3. As manganese is often present at relatively large levels in ferrous metals, COSHH assessments for the welding of such materials will require re-assessments.

If air sampling is undertaken to assist with the assessment review, as would be expected, it is important to measure levels within the visor – as discussed in a previous article: Improved Air Sampling.

For further information contact Graham Newport.