IOM urges UK schools and colleges to review welding fume controls after City of Glasgow College safety breach
IOM are urging UK schools, colleges and training providers with engineering or construction workshops to review their welding fume controls, amid the recent safety breach at City of Glasgow College.
During an unannounced inspection in December 2025, the HSE discovered that City of Glasgow College had conducted welding demonstrations without correctly using local exhaust ventilation equipment and without ensuring staff received the required training and instruction to control health and safety risks, leaving them concerned for their long-term health.
Welding fumes are classified as carcinogenic and are linked to serious long-term health conditions including lung cancer, kidney disease and chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD.
IOM says this incident demonstrates the importance of checking both that training is up to date where it applies to health and safety risks and that existing controls are effective, particularly in workshops where layouts change or equipment is shared across multiple classes.
Under current guidance from Health and Safety Executive, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) must be used for all indoor welding activities, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required for both indoor and outdoor work, and all individuals concerned must receive suitable information, instruction and training on how to use control measures.
Gaps in these areas can lead to enforcement action, reputational damage and potential liability for ill health.
With over fifty years experience, IOM supports schools and colleges with welding fume exposure assessments, including air sampling, analysis and expert recommendations. These services help organisations confirm compliance while also identifying wider risks such as noise, hand–arm vibration, air quality and dust exposure.
If you have any concerns, get in touch today.