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Since 2019, HSE requires all welding fume extraction systems<\/strong> to protect workers from mild steel fume exposure \u2014 this rule remains fully enforced in 2026.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Employers must provide adequate local exhaust ventilation (LEV)<\/strong> and maintain it regularly under COSHH<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Annual LEV testing<\/strong> is required for welding fume extraction compliance. With detailed maintenance records kept.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Poor extraction can result in HSE improvement notices or fines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Westermans offers new and used, fully compliant fume extraction systems<\/strong> for all welding applications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Contents<\/h2>\n
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Intro – Why Welding Fume Extraction Compliance Matters<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Understanding COSHH & HSE Requirements in 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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How Inspectors Assess Welding Fume Extraction Compliance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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5 Practical Steps to Ensure You’re COSHH Compliant<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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What Happens If You Aren’t Compliant<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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How to Choose a Suitable Compliant Extraction System<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Final Thoughts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Why Welding Fume Extraction Compliance Matters More Than Ever<\/h2>\n
In 2019, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)<\/strong> reclassified all welding fumes \u2014 including those from mild steel \u2014 as carcinogenic. Capable of causing lung cancer and other serious health effects. Since then, COSHH regulations<\/strong> have made effective fume extraction<\/strong> a legal requirement for every employer.<\/p>\n
Since then, COSHH regulations have required every employer to provide adequate fume extraction and LEV. This remains a key focus for inspectors across UK workshops in 2026. Inspections ensure proper risk assessment has been undertaken and check implemented control measures. As well as health surveillance processes and emergency procedures are in place if needed.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nUnderstanding COSHH and HSE Requirements in 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations<\/strong> require employers to prevent or control exposure to substances that are hazardous to health. Including all forms of welding fume<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Since the HSE\u2019s 2019 reclassification of mild steel fume as carcinogenic, every welding operation must have effective fume extraction and ventilation<\/strong> in place. Regardless of scale.<\/p>\n
In 2026, the HSE continues to enforce this rule strictly. <\/strong>With inspections targeting workshops that use MIG, TIG, or arc welding on mild, stainless, or galvanised steels.<\/p>\n
Employers should demonstrate that exposure is controlled at source.<\/strong> Usually through a specifically designed Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Under COSHH, duty holders must:<\/p>\n
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Assess the risks<\/strong> from welding fumes and identify where exposure occurs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Provide appropriate LEV or fume extraction equipment<\/strong> to capture fume at source.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Maintain and test LEV systems at least every 14 months.<\/strong> Keeping written records of each inspection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Train operators<\/strong> to use extraction equipment correctly and understand its importance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Review risk assessments regularly<\/strong> and update them whenever welding processes or materials change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Failure to meet these obligations can result in improvement notices or enforcement action.<\/strong> Particularly where workshops rely on outdated extraction. Or have no evidence of maintenance and testing.<\/p>\n
The HSE\u2019s guidance document HSG258<\/strong><\/a> provides detailed information on LEV system design and testing requirements. Following this guidance helps demonstrate welding fume extraction compliance. While protecting the health of anyone exposed to welding fumes in your workplace.<\/p>\n
💡 Tip:<\/em><\/h3>\n
When planning your next LEV inspection, check that your system\u2019s airflow and filters are performing effectively. If the unit is ageing or parts are no longer available, it may be time to consider updating your fume extraction system. <\/strong><\/p>\n
Take a look at our comprehensive Buying Guide to find the right solution for your needs.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n
How Inspectors Assess Welding Fume Extraction Compliance<\/h2>\n
When the HSE carries out a workplace inspection, fume extraction is one of the first things they check in any welding environment. Inspectors look for clear evidence that exposure to welding fume is controlled at source. <\/strong>Checking your Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)<\/strong> is effective, and that your team knows how to use it correctly.<\/p>\n
To stay compliant and inspection-ready, it helps to understand what inspectors focus on. Plus what documentation they expect to see.<\/p>\n
Visual Inspection and Capture Efficiency<\/h3>\n
Inspectors will start by observing how fume is being captured at the point of welding; things like visible airflow. For example, whether a portable hood or extraction arm is close enough to the weld area to capture the fume effectively.<\/p>\n
If they can see fume escaping into the workspace or detect strong odours, it\u2019s a clear sign your system isn\u2019t working efficiently.<\/p>\n
✅ Tip: Position extraction arms as close as possible to the weld without affecting access or visibility. Ideally within 150\u2013300mm.<\/em><\/p>\n
Evidence of Regular Maintenance and LEV Testing<\/h3>\n
LEV systems must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months. Or more frequently if exposure risks are high, in accordance with COSHH Regulation 9. Inspectors will expect to see:<\/p>\n
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A recent LEV test report<\/strong> (within the last 14 months)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Records of filter replacements or air-flow checks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Clear labelling on the extractor unit showing test date and next due test<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If these records aren\u2019t available, you could face an improvement notice.<\/strong> Even if your equipment appears to be working! If your equipment needs an LEV test, we can arrange an engineer to do this on site for you – find out more.<\/a><\/p>\n
Operator Awareness and Training<\/h3>\n
HSE inspectors often speak directly to welders and supervisors to check whether they understand how and why the extraction system is used. They may ask questions like:<\/p>\n
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\u201cHow do you know the extractor is working properly?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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\u201cWhen was it last tested?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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\u201cWhat should you do if the airflow seems weak?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Operators should be confident in their answers and know how to spot early warning signs such as reduced suction or blocked filters.<\/p>\n
Suitable Extraction for Each Welding Process<\/h3>\n
Different welding methods create different types of fumes. So inspectors will also assess whether your extraction setup matches your process. For example:<\/p>\n
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MIG welding<\/strong> generates a large visible fume plume that needs high capture velocity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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TIG welding<\/strong> creates lower amounts of fume, but still requires local capture.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Plasma cutting<\/strong> may need extra filtration like spark arrestors. Or extraction at multiple points.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
An extraction system that\u2019s effective for one process may not provide enough protection for another!<\/em><\/p>\n
💡 Tip:<\/em><\/h3>\n
Keep your LEV inspection reports and maintenance logbook<\/strong> near the extraction unit or welding bay. HSE inspectors often ask to see them on site, and being able to produce them quickly shows good control and competence.<\/p>\n
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