Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419:body:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 24026–26879

hazardous chemicals.
Air monitoring can be used:
    * when there is uncertainty about the level of exposure
    * to indicate whether exposure standards are being exceeded or approached
    * to test the effectiveness of the control measures.
Air monitoring should be carried out by a person such as an occupational hygienist with skills
to carry out the monitoring according to standards and to interpret the results. Where monitoring of airborne contaminants is used to determine a person's exposure, the monitoring must be undertaken in the breathing zone of the person.
Monitoring should also be conducted in the breathing zones of other workers in the vicinity to ensure that they are not exposed to hazardous levels of fumes.
Results from air monitoring indicate how effective your control measures are, for example whether ventilation systems are operating as intended. If monitoring identifies that the exposure standard is being exceeded, the control measures must be reviewed and any necessary changes made.
Records of air monitoring for airborne contaminants with exposure standards must be kept for
a minimum of 30 years and must be available to workers who are exposed.
Air monitoring cannot be used to determine a risk to health via skin contact of airborne chemicals.

3.2 Radiation
Radiation is energy travelling as waves of electromagnetic radiation or subatomic particles.
Electric arc and laser welding emit ultraviolet, visible light and infra-red radiation. Gas welding emits visible light and infra-red radiation.
The potential effect of radiation on the body depends on the type, intensity, the distance you are from it and the duration of exposure. Eye disorders and skin burns may be caused by exposure
to intense ultraviolet and infra-red radiation in welding. Exposure to the eyes causes 'arc eye'
or 'welders flash' which is a painful inflammation of the cornea. The cornea can repair itself in one to two days, however, if the cornea becomes infected it may lead to some loss of vision.
The effects of ultraviolet and infra-red radiation are not normally felt until sometime after exposure. Radiation from laser welding is less obvious than from electric welding arcs but both are serious hazards.
Workers directly involved in the welding process are at greatest risk, however, other workers in the workplace and passers-by could also be exposed to radiation.

Control measures
    * Install non-flammable screens and partitions.
    * Use signs to warn that welding is occurring.
    * If welding is being carried out, entry into the work area is not permitted unless safeguards are used such as PPE.
    * Provide PPE including filter shades for goggles and face shields to protect the eyes from radiation. Gloves and other protective clothing should be worn
      to cover exposed skin.

3.3 Electrical risks

Regulation