This document discusses occupational hygiene and its role in protecting worker health and safety through preventing or reducing risks from chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the workplace. Occupational hygiene applies scientific and managerial principles to control exposures to harmful substances like dusts, gases, vapors, noise, vibration and biological agents. Proper ventilation, atmospheric monitoring, use of personal protective equipment, and hazard assessments are important controls to consider.

2. A Safe Workplace

3. Occupational Hygiene is a broad
technical area that forms a vital link
in the University’s comprehensive
occupational health and safety
program. Occupational hygiene is
the application of scientific,
technological and managerial
principles to the protection of the
health of persons at the University,
through the prevention or reduction
of risks to health which are
presented by chemical, physical or
biological agents. Such agents can
include harmful dusts, gases and
vapours, occupational noise,
vibration, lighting, ventilation
issues, and biological exposures.

4. dosimeter [dəʊˈs ɪmiˈt ], dosemeter
ə
[ˈdəʊsˈmiˈt n (Physics / General Physics)
ə]
an instrument for measuring the dose of X-
rays or other radiation absorbed by matter or
the intensity of a source of radiation
dosimetric [ˈ dəʊsɪˈm ɛtrɪk] adj
dosimetrician [ˈ dəʊsɪməˈtr ɪʃən],
dosimetrist n
dosimetry n
NSW WorkCover statistics Bulletin 08/09 indentify industrial deafness accounting
for approximately 36 % of all occupational injuries. Industrial deafness is
irreversible and is preventable. The NSW OHS regulation requires that appropriate
controls measures are in place if people are exposed to:
85 dB(A) average equivalent for 8 hours
140 dB(C) peak

5. Ventilation—particular risk control measures
(1) An employer must ensure that:(a) mechanical ventilation
appropriate for the work being carried out is used to control
atmospheric contaminants and that the ventilation is maintained
regularly, and(b) if a mechanical ventilation system is used to control
exposure to a contaminant, the system:(i) is located as close as is
practicable to the source of the contaminant to minimise the risk of
inhalation by a person at work, and(ii) is used for as long as the
contaminant is present, and(iii) is kept free from accumulations of
dust, fibre and other waste materials and is maintained regularly,
and(iv) if the system is provided to control contaminants arising from
flammable or combustible substances—is designed and constructed
so as to prevent the occurrence of fire or explosion, and(c) if a ducted
ventilation system is used, an inspection point is fitted at any place
where blockages in the ventilation system are likely to occur.(2) This
clause does not apply to the underground parts of a mining
workplace or a coal workplace.

6. Entry protection—contaminated atmosphere or unsafe levels of oxygen
An employer must ensure that any place of work at which there is a risk of
exposure to atmospheric contaminants or unsafe levels of oxygen is isolated
and that appropriate warning signs are provided at the place.
Atmospheric monitoring
If a risk assessment under Chapter 2 indicates that monitoring of
atmospheric contaminants should be undertaken at an employer’s place of
work, the employer must ensure that:(a) appropriate monitoring is
undertaken in accordance with a suitable procedure, and(b) the results of the
monitoring are recorded, and(c) any employee or other person working at
the employer’s place of work who may be or may have been exposed to an
atmospheric contaminant that has been monitored is provided with the
results of the monitoring, and(d) the monitoring records are readily
accessible to any such employee or person.

7. Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Assessments and
Audits
The handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and
dangerous goods are required identified, assessed and controlled
to ensure workplace health and safety SWE, (safe work
environment) can carry out workplace and construction site
audits for both.
Hazardous Substances are materials that have the potential to
harm employees during handling, storage or disposal of them at a
place of work. Any type of chemical or other substance that can
be classified as a Hazardous Substance has the potential to cause
harm to persons exposed to these by either causing acute health
effects or long term chronic illness. Worst case scenario acute
exposure to a hazardous substance may cause a fatality or severe
injury. Employees may become exposed to hazardous substances
through inhalation of a gas, vapour, mist, aerosol, dust or fume
caused by use of the substance. (insert link to gas, vapour, dust
and fume), ingestion (eating, drinking) of substance, eyes, throat
or skin exposure.

8. What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that
contains information on the potential hazards (health,
fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work
safely with the chemical product. It is an essential
starting point for the development of a complete health
and safety program. It also contains information on the
use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all
related to the hazards of the material. The MSDS
contains much more information about the material than
the label. MSDSs are prepared by the supplier or
manufacturer of the material. It is intended to tell what
the hazards of the product are, how to use the product
safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not
followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize
symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such
incidents occur.

9. Non-ionising radiation is made up of low frequency, long wavelength and low energy electromagnetic
waves. It includes ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, radiofrequency, very-low and extra-low
frequency radiation. Manufactured sources include photocopiers; welding equipment; TV, radio and
telecommunication transmission towers; mobile phones; microwaves; visual display units; power lines.
Where does it occur?
Workers may be exposed to high magnetic fields if they work near electrical systems that use large
amounts of electric power (eg large electric motors, general motors, generators, or the power supply or
electric cables of a building). High magnetic fields are also found near power saws, drills, copy machines,
electric pencil sharpeners, and other small electric appliances. The strength of the magnetic field depends
on equipment design and current flow, not on equipment size, complexity or voltage.
Workers exposed to sources of EMR above normal levels include those in the power industry,
telecommunications, offices and the construction and metal industries.
Non-ionising Radiation Spectrum
Long waves/low frequency ---------> shorter waves/higher
frequency
Extra Very Low Radio Infrare Visible Ultravi
Low(EL Low(V Freque d(IR) Light olet
F) LF) ncy
Lasers

10. Manual handling and ergonomics
Manual handling is any activity that involves
lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, holding or restraining. It may also
include stretching, bending, sustained and awkward postures, and repetitive
movements.
Manual handling is one hazard that arises in the majority of workplaces. It occurs
in numerous activities and is indentified as a problem across most industry
sectors.
Every year in New South Wales, approximately 17,000 people are seriously
injured or suffer from illness related to manual handling.
This represents about 37 per cent of all injuries in NSW and costs NSW
workplaces $373 million with an average cost of $22,000 per injury. When the
hidden costs of injury are considered that figure is more than $1,491 million.
Manual handling injuries are preventable.
Manual handling needs to be considered and integrated as part of the overall
management of OHS. You can find out more about how to prevent manual
handling injuries at the Smart Move website.

11. Why is lighting important?
Whether in industrial or office settings, proper lighting makes all work
tasks easier. People receive about 85 percent of their information
through their sense of sight. Appropriate lighting, without glare or
shadows, can reduce eye fatigue and headaches. It highlights moving
machinery and other safety hazards. It also reduces the chance of
accidents and injuries from "momentary blindness" while the eyes
adjust to brighter or darker surroundings.
The ability to "see" at work depends not only on lighting but also on:
the time to focus on an object. Fast moving objects are hard to see.
the size of an object. Very small objects are hard to see.
brightness. Too much or too little reflected light makes objects hard to
see.
contrast between an object and its immediate background. Too little
contrast makes it hard to distinguish an object from the background

12. What are basic types of artificial
lighting?
There are three basic types of lighting:
• general,
• localized-general, and
• local (or task).
General lighting provides fairly uniform
lighting. An example would be
ceiling fixtures that light up large areas.
Direct-indirect light fixtures distribute light equally upward
and downward. They reflect light off the ceiling and other
room surfaces. Little light is emitted horizontally meaning
direct glare is often reduced. They are usually used in "clean"
manufacturing areas.

13. Localized-general lighting uses overhead fixtures in addition to ceiling fixtures to
increase lighting levels for particular tasks.
What are different types of light fixtures?
The complete lighting unit (also called the light fixture) controls and distributes the light. (Light fixtures are often
referred to as "luminaires" in technical publications.)
Various types of light fixtures are designed to distribute light in different ways. These fixtures are known as:
direct,
direct-indirect,
indirect and
shielded (various types).
No single type of light fixture is appropriate in every situation. The amount and quality of lighting required for a
particular workstation or task will determine which light fixture is most suitable.
Direct light fixtures project 90 to 100 percent of their light downward toward the work area. Direct lighting tends to
create shadows.

14. Indirect light fixtures distribute 90 to 100 percent of the light upward.
The ceiling and upper walls must be clean and highly reflective to allow
the light to reach the work area. They provide the most even illumination
of all the types of fixtures and the least direct glare. Indirect light fixtures
are usually used in offices.
Shielded light fixtures use diffusers, lenses and louvers to cover
bulbs from direct view; therefore, helping to prevent glare and
distribute light.
Diffusers are translucent or semi-transparent (see-through) covers
made usually of glass or plastic. They are used on the bottom or
sides of light fixtures to control brightness.
Lenses are clear or transparent glass, or plastic covers. The lens
design incorporates prisms and flutes to distribute light in specific
ways.

15. Cooling Tower Registration
The General Manager Asset Services shall ensure that each
existing cooling tower system is registered with the Department
of Health at all times that it is in operation.
The General Manager Asset Services shall ensure that all new
cooling tower systems are registered prior to operation.

16. Risk management of cooling towers - OHS information sheet number 16B
August 2002
What is a cooling tower?
Cooling towers are used in air conditioning systems or for refrigeration. They use
surrounding air to cool water, which in turn will cool the target area. A cooling
tower system includes any machinery, tanks, pipes or valves connected to the
system, and will contain one or more cooling towers depending on how extensive
the system is.
How does a cooling tower system spread Legionella?
When air is drawn or forced through a cooling tower, it collects air borne particles
and as it leaves the tower these particles is carried into the environment.
Sometimes these particles may be contaminated with Legionella bacteria. If the
Legionella bacteria is inhaled by susceptible* people, these people may develop
legionnaires' disease.
Registration of cooling tower systems
The Building (Legionella) Act 2000 requires all cooling tower systems to be
registered with the Building Commission. For cooling tower systems in operation
before 1st March 2001, an application to register must be lodged before 1st
September 2001.
For Cooling Tower Systems that are commissioned on or after 1st March 2001, an
application to register must be lodged before the system is tested and
commissioned. Registration is for a period of twelve months and the application
for renewal must be lodged before the expiry of the previous registration.

17. Risk management plans
Workcover has initiated a comprehensive risk management
strategy for all of its cooling tower systems. This strategy
will involve carrying out risk assessments of all cooling
tower systems and formalising existing risk management
activities in accordance with the Department of Human
Services Standard Operational Program. Risk management
plans are required to be completed within 12 months of the
registration of the cooling tower system. The program
specifies activities that are to be carried out at
predetermined intervals. These activities include:
Regular inspections
Regular servicing
Monthly HCC testing to identify bacterial levels in system
Legionella testing
Profomas for the risk management plans can be found on
the Workcover web page

18. There is more information in the Australian Standard AS1668.2: The use of ventilation and
airconditioning in buildings - Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control. Australian
Standards can be purchased on-line through the Standards Association shop website. Other
contact details are also on the website. Local or educational institution libraries may have
copies of Australian Standards, so check these.
Often the problem is that the airconditioning units need servicing, or that the rate and direction
of air flow are unsatisfactory. There is a booklet called Officewise available (free) from WorkSafe
(03 9641 1555). It can also be downloaded from the website.
Officewise recommends the following to improve thermal comfort:
 Regulate air conditioning for temperature and humidity;
 Avoid locating workstations directly in front of or below air conditioning outlets;
 Install deflectors on air vents to direct airflow away from people. These measure will
prevent staff being annoyed by draughts;
 Control direct sunlight (radiant heat) with blinds, louvres and the like;
 Minimise draughts and thermal differences between the head and the feet (thermal
gradients);
 Ensure adequate air flow. Feelings of stuffiness can result when air flow is low, and
draughts result when air flow is high. An air flow rate of between 0.1 and 0.2 metres per second
is desirable.

19. Define confined spaces relevant to the participants’ workplace environment and the underpinning
legislation
Define confined spaces hazard analysis and demonstrate atmospheric testing and monitoring
procedures
Identify and demonstrate the procedure for isolating confined space hazards and the protecting of
confined space personnel
Define and demonstrate confined spaces risk assessment and response requirements
Demonstrate the operation and wearing requirements for self contained breathing apparatus
Describe and demonstrate the operation of first attack firefighting equipment, and identify operational
safe working practices
Demonstrate basic first-aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for confined space personnel
Practical
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Safe Entry and Exit from Confined Spaces
Atmospheric Gas Monitoring
OH&S Policies and Procedures
Risk Assessment
Confined Space Exercise
First-Aid
Suitable attire
Work clothing and workboots must be worn.

20. What are the health effects of exposure to heat?
When the body is exposed to more heat than it can cope with, this leads to heat stress. The
body tires to cope mainly by evaporation - sweating. As the temperature in the work
environment increases, so too does the body's temperature. This triggers sweating and a
flow of blood to the skin where it can be cooled by evaporation. Excessive sweating leads
to loss of water from the body, dehydration and loss of salt, resulting in potentially serious
health effects.
Possible consequences of excessive heat:
Increase in the likelihood of accidents due to reduced concentration; slippery, sweaty
palms; increase of discomfort of some personal protective gear, resulting in reduced
protection and unsafe conditions, etc
Skin Rashes: "prickly heat"
Heat Illness:
Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms as a result of heavy sweating without restoring the body's
salt/water balance.
Heat Exhaustion: Dehydration following heavy sweating causes clammy, moist skin,
weakness and fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache and giddiness. Reduced blood flow to
the brain may lead to fainting.
Heat Stroke: Hot, dry skin and rapidly rising body temperature can lead to collapse, loss of
consciousness, convulsions, even death
Aggravation of other medical conditions and illnesses: e.g. high blood pressure or heart
disease due to increased load on the heart
Aggravation of the effects of other hazards: through interaction with other workplace
hazards such as noise or exposure to toxic substances heat can compound their effects
Reproductive Disorders: may affect sperm count or the health of the foetus.

21. The criteria presented in Building Safety Regulations Section 2 are expressed as (or in the case of
Table 2.4, based on) rms acceleration. Overall weighted rms acceleration values are used to assess
compliance with the criteria. Building vibration may also be measured in rms velocity or peak
velocity. Appendix C contains equivalent criteria presented in these terms. Sufficient
justification should accompany whichever approach is used in an assessment.
a As far as is practical, vibration measurements and assessment
criteria should refer to the place at which the vibration affects
people, which, for this guideline, is inside buildings.
Depending on whether occupants are standing, sitting or lying
down, vibration may enter the body in the x-axis, y-axis or z-axis.
People are more sensitive to z-axis vibration than to x- and y-axis
vibration. However, human exposure to vibration should usually be
measured in all three axes, so that the results can be combined and
compared to the criteria.

23. Managing Risks To
Health And Safety
Personal Protective
Equipment
Training And Instruction
Emergency Plans
First Aid