Last call for input into standards for workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals

The public consultation process on exposure standards for hazardous chemicals used in workplaces closes this Friday, 18 December.

Exposure standards refer to the airborne concentration of individual chemicals in the worker’s breathing zone which, according to current knowledge, should not cause adverse health effects or undue discomfort to nearly all workers.

Exposure standards are specified in the model Work Health and Safety Regulations as mandatory legal limits to protect the health of workers and minimise exposure to chemicals in the workplace.

Safe Work Australia is holding this consultation process to examine the current role of exposure standards and how they can be reviewed and maintained.

Safe Work Australia would like to hear your views on:

• how exposure standards are currently used;
• the impacts of compliance for businesses and workers;
• the role of exposure standards in the regulatory framework; and
• how Australia’s exposure standards can be reviewed and maintained in a timely and efficient way.

The input received through this public consultation process will help inform policy options for the regulation of workplace exposure standards.

You can read The Role of Chemical Exposure Standards in Work Health and Safety Laws: Discussion Paper and submit your views on the Safe Work Australia public submissions website.

The public consultation period closes 5.30 pm AEDT, Friday, 18 December 2015.