Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 52684–55648

cleaners, maintenance and laboratory staff are often exposed to both the hazardous chemicals they use in the course of their work, such as cleaning products, and the hazardous chemicals used in the workplace by other workers)
    * contractors
    * visitors
    * supervisors and managers.
You should consider:
    * how specific tasks or processes are actually carried out in the workplace (for example, decanting, spraying, heating). By observing and consulting workers you can find out if they are not adhering strictly to standard procedures or if procedures are not adequately providing protection to workers.
    * the quantity of the chemicals being used.  Use of larger quantities could result in greater potential for exposure
    * the risk controls in place and their effectiveness. For example, a ventilation system may
      be in use but when poorly designed, installed or maintained it may not achieve the correct level of protection (such as if filters are not regularly cleaned),
    * whether each worker's work technique has a significant bearing on their level of exposure – poor techniques can lead to greater exposure
    * workers who may be working alone with hazardous chemicals and if any additional precautions or checks may be necessary in case they become incapacitated.

How often is exposure likely to occur and for how long?
The total dose (amount) of a hazardous chemical a worker is likely to receive increases with an increase in the duration or frequency of exposure. Estimations of the duration and frequency of exposure can be based on observation, knowledge and experience of the work. Seek information from your workers and their health and safety representatives to find out:
    * Which work activities involve routine and frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals
      (for example, daily exposure, including during end of shift cleaning) and who are the people performing these activities?
    * What happens when non-routine work, production of one-off items or isolated batches, trials, maintenance or repair operations are performed?
    * What happens when there are changes to work practices in events such as cleaning, breakdowns, changes in volume of production, adverse weather conditions?
    * Are there differences between workers within a group? Anyone whose work habits or personal hygiene (for example, washing before eating, drinking or smoking) are significantly different should be considered separately.

What is the estimated exposure to hazardous chemical?
Once you have investigated the hazardous chemicals, the quantities used, the frequency and duration of exposure, the effectiveness of the controls already in place, and whether 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