SWA: Have Your Say on Workplace Exposure Standards

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is calling for comments on the recommendations for 50 chemicals ranging from acetaldehyde to benzoyl chloride.

SWA is evaluating the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES) to ensure they are based on the highest quality evidence and supported by a rigorous scientific approach.

Last year, industry stakeholders and WHS regulators raised concerns that the current workplace exposure standards are outdated and placing workers at increased risk of illness or disease from exposure to hazardous chemicals (see related article).

As part of the ongoing review of the WES, SWA is seeking comments on Release 2: Acetaldehyde to benzoyl chloride. This release includes current and new chemicals.

The new chemicals in this release are:

• o-Anisidine
• Benzidine
• 1H-Benzotriazole
• Benzoyl chloride

For all other chemicals, see the release schedule for anticipated dates.

SWA is particularly interested in comments of a technical nature regarding the toxicological information and data that the value is based upon, and the measurement and analysis information provided.

Submissions can be made through the consultation platform, Engage, and will close on the 27 September 2019.

“The feedback we receive will be considered when making final recommendations regarding the workplace exposure standards,” SWA said.

“The draft evaluation reports and recommendations for the remaining chemicals will be released throughout 2019 and 2020.”