Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p21
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 55383–58280

workers
are working directly with the substance this information should then be used to estimate the level
of exposure.
Inhalation exposure can be determined by personal sampling. Information on the level of airborne concentrations of chemicals can also be obtained from static area sampling, however this method is not acceptable for determining compliance with exposure standards.
Air monitoring should be carried out by a person such as an occupational hygienist with skills
to carry out the monitoring according to the appropriate standard and to interpret the results. Results from air monitoring indicate how effective your workplace controls are, for example whether ventilation systems are operating as intended. 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.
An estimation of the amount of exposure to hazardous chemicals can sometimes be obtained by observation. For example, you might look for evidence of fine deposits on people and surfaces,
or the presence of dusts, mists or fumes visible in the air (for example, in light beams) or the presence of odours.
An indication of the airborne concentrations of hazardous chemicals can often be obtained by simple tests, such as indicator tubes or dust lamps. However, in most cases the amount of exposure may vary throughout the day, so such tests may not establish workers' exposure with confidence and it will be necessary to undertake detailed air monitoring.  For chemicals that present a very high hazard, such as carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants, you
should consider undertaking air monitoring to determine the level of exposure.

Complying with exposure standards
As described in Section 1.5 of this Code, you must ensure that no person at the workplace
is exposed to a substance or mixture in an airborne concentration that exceeds the exposure standard for the substance or mixture. Air monitoring may be necessary to ensure that workers
are not exposed to airborne concentrations above the chemical's exposure standard.
Some chemicals with exposure standards can also be absorbed through the skin – these are given a notation of 'Sk' in the publication Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants.
Biological monitoring may be a helpful means of assessing a workers' overall exposure to a hazardous chemical that can be absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled.
Where results of monitoring show concentrations of airborne contaminants approaching or exceeding the exposure standard, you should review your control measures. Even if monitoring indicates that exposure is below an exposure standard, sensitive workers may still be at risk. Exposure standards do not represent a 'no-effect' level which makes exposure at that level safe
for all workers, therefore you should ensure