Hazardous substances

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Workplace exposure limits

From 1 December 2026, Safe Work Australia (SWA) is replacing the current Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) list with the Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) list.

WorkSafe is undertaking the required regulatory process in preparation for national transition to the WEL.

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Controlling exposure to welding fumes

This video talks about the controls an employer should implement to reduce exposure to welding fumes.

Occupational disease

These are the most common health hazards for people in Victorian workplaces, excluding musculoskeletal disorders and stress.

Hazards

Hazard 1
Asbestos (asbestos removal demolition refurbishment)
Refer to the OHS regulations and Asbestos Compliance Codes.

Identify all asbestos that is fixed or installed in a building, structure, ship or plant. If there is any uncertainty about the presence of asbestos, assume that it is asbestos or arrange for a sample of the suspected material to be analysed for confirmation.

Clearly indicate location of asbestos (labelling).

Keep an asbestos register and ensure it is accessible.

Ensure asbestos removal is done by a licensed removalist.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons lung.
Hazard 2
Chemical hazards (decanting mixing spray painting processing degreasing cleaning maintenance)
Treat all chemicals as potentially dangerous to health, unless material safety data sheet (MSDS) or label states otherwise.

Obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals at your workplace, and ensure employees have access to them.

Eliminate the substance from use (eg use steam cleaning rather than washing with a solvent).

If you can't eliminate, use a less harmful product or process or a less hazardous form of the substance (eg pellets instead of powders, water-based paint instead of oil-based paint).

Design work and the workplace to isolate the process or substance from employees to prevent contact (eg enclose process).

Install ventilation and extraction to reduce exposure (eg use a spray booth).

Train employees on safe work practices that reduce exposure (eg re-seal containers, clean up spills and restrict unnecessary access).

Provide personal protective clothing and equipment (eg respirators) for employees.

Ensure all controls are maintained. You may have to do air monitoring to determine employee exposure levels and undertake health surveillance (refer to the relevant MSDS for further information). If you are not sure if there is a problem, get some assistance.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons central nervous system.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons lung.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons skin.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons blood.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons prostate.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons bladder.
Hazard 3
Harmful dusts and fumes (welding abrasive blasting stonemasonry wood working)
For welding fumes, use local exhaust ventilation or respiratory protective equipment.

For wood dust, use local exhaust ventilation and dust bags on tools.

For crystalline silica, use wet processes or local exhaust ventilation.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons lung.
Hazard 4
Noise
Ensure employees are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

Arrange for a noise assessment if employees are exposed to excessive noise (eg workers have to raise their voices to communicate over a distance of one metre) and there is uncertainty as to whether employees exposure may have exceeded the noise exposure standard.

Eliminate or minimise the source of noise. Use noise insulated equipment (eg silence compressors), enclose or isolate noisy machinery, reduce vibration, use barriers to absorb and screens to block the direct path of sound, use silencers on air exhausts, exhaust pneumatics out of the area, buy the quietest tools/machinery available.

Place warning signs in areas of excessive and continual noise (eg where employees exposure is likely to exceed the exposure standard).

Warn other workers nearby that you will be undertaking noisy work and advise them to move away or wear hearing protection.

Provide hearing equipment, ensure it is worn at all times, and provide employees with audiometric testing. Employers should provide a choice of different types of hearing protection appropriate to the noise level in the workplace.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons ear.
Hazard 5
Sun exposure (construction farming / horticulture parks maintenance)
Organise work to manage exposure (eg avoid outdoor work in the UV peak of the day - 11.00am to 3.00pm - particularly October to March).

Use natural (eg trees) or artificial shade.

Encourage employees to wear appropriate clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Provide sunscreen.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons skin.

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Workplace exposure standard updates

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Hazardous substances

Workplace exposure limits

Related topics

Asbestos

Crystalline silica

Dangerous goods

Lead

Controlling exposure to welding fumes

Occupational disease

Hazards

Asbestos (asbestos removal demolition refurbishment)

Chemical hazards (decanting mixing spray painting processing degreasing cleaning maintenance)

Harmful dusts and fumes (welding abrasive blasting stonemasonry wood working)

Noise

Sun exposure (construction farming / horticulture parks maintenance)

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