Welding fume exposure calculator
Check your recommended limits
Welding fume consists of particulates and pollutant gases jointly referred to as gaseous fume. The amount and constituents of fume vary for different welding and cutting processes.

Some common components of fume are far more toxic than others and so present a much greater potential to cause damage. In order to assess the risk presented by welding fume in any particular situation, it is necessary to know precisely what is in the fume and how much fume welders and other workers are being exposed to. To do this, it is necessary to take samples of fume, to measure the concentration and content.

To help customers gain a general understanding of the risk, this tool can help to model the possible exposure levels given certain assumptions. Please note, these are a general gudie only and further validation is recommended.

BOC cannot accept any responsibility for the result of this survey.

Step 1

Please provide your contact information so that a summary of this form can be provided to you. 

Step 2

To ascertain the amount of air within your work area, please select from the below:

Please provide the inner dimensions of your workshop
[field_1747180472725_70]m length × [field_1747180473420_72]m breadth × [field_1747180474181_74]m height workshop volume is: [field_1747291154059_33] m3

Step 3

Determine how many hours you are welding each day:

[field_1747292400727_60] hour(s) per shift × [field_1747292535450_65] welding stations × [field_1747292463149_62]% efficiency is:
[field_1747292660598_69] welding hours per day

Step 4

Input the amount of fume generated by your wire/rods (from filler metal data sheets or supplier)

General guidance on Fume Emission Rates (FER) [Optional]
Shielding gas Wire diameter
1.2mm 1.6mm
Self-shielded 34.2 mg/s 21.6 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 52 8.8 mg/s 11.9 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® Heavy 7.7 mg/s 10.8 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 10 6.2 mg/s 9.0 mg/s
Shielding gas Wire diameter
1.2mm 1.6mm
100% carbon dioxide (CO2) 12.0 mg/s 13.6 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 52 9.7 mg/s 11.0 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® Heavy 8.3 mg/s 8.8 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 10 7.5 mg/s 7.0 mg/s
Shielding gas Transfer mode Wire diameter
1.2mm
100% carbon dioxide (CO2) Globular 10.2 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 52 Spray 8.4 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® Heavy Spray 5.4 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® Universal Spray 5.7 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 10 Spray 3.5 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 54 Spray 3.6 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® Heavy Pulse 1.7 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® Universal Pulse 2.0 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 10 Pulse 1.7 mg/s
ARGOSHIELD® 54 Pulse 1.6 mg/s

Step 5

Your calculated results are below. Submit this form to have a PDF copy sent to your email address

[field_1747295432165_86] mg/m3 per [field_1747292400727_60]-hour shift
[field_1747295417847_84] mg/m3 8-hour TWA exposure.

Please note, this calculation is an estimate only and makes several assumptions regarding fume dispersion rates, air flow and active welding hours. SPW cannot verify the accuracy of this calculation, and it is provided as an educational guide to assist customers with fume exposure reduction.

All data on welding fumes emission rates have been determined in accordance with industry standards (z.B.ISO and AWS) and are provided for reference and comparison purposes only. The welding fumes emission rate is only one factor that affects the air quality in the workplace. Your actual welding conditions, materials, processes and methods also affect the air quality in the workplace and the welder's exposure. 

Users and employers have sole responsibility and control over the workplace conditions, including the way in which the work is carried out and the safety measures applied. Always read and follow all information on the product labelling and safety data sheets when using BOC products. 

Safety Data Sheets for BOC products, including other important and helpful information specific to your site, can be found at Safety Data Sheets (AU) or Safety Data Sheets (NZ) If you have any questions about reducing or controlling welding fumes or complying with applicable regulations in your workplace, you should contact a qualified occupational health and safety or occupational health practitioner who can assess your individual circumstances and advise you individually on the options available to you. 

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY 

Because every welding environment is different, BOC does not warrant or guarantee that the use of its products will reproduce to the customer the welding fume emission rate values stated herein, as these data have been prepared under laboratory conditions and application of applicable industry standards. BOC expressly disclaims all warranties, except those expressly made in writing by BOC for a specific product sold to a specific customer. BOC expressly disclaims all implied warranties, including the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose of the customer. 


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