Hazardous exposures
Biological hazards
Lists a range of biological hazards, including bacterial and viral hazards and diseases from animals.
Carbon monoxide in breathing air during air compressor use
Compressed air can be used to supply clean breathing air to respiratory protective equipment used in industrial and manufacturing processes such as abrasive blasting and spray painting. There is an inherent risk however that the air supplied by compressors powered by internal combustion engines can be contaminated with harmful gases and substances, including carbon monoxide.
Carcinogens
Some hazardous chemicals, called carcinogens, may cause cancer. Carcinogens can be found in a variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, scientific research and healthcare.
Heat stress
Causes and sources of heat stress, types of heat related illness, control measures.
Lead
Lead can be inhaled through dust or fumes or swallowed through eating contaminated food or smoking with contaminated fingers. Untreated lead poisoning in adults, children and pets can be fatal.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometres or smaller.
Noise
Managing the risk of hearing loss from exposure to noise at work includes protecting workers from noise in excess of the noise exposure standard and providing audiometric testing for certain workers. Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of noise emitting plant also have responsibilities.
Non-potable water
Non-potable water is water that has been used at least once and then supplied for reuse, either treated or untreated. Without appropriate treatment, recycled water may contain a range of contaminants.
Skin cancer and the sun
If you work outdoors in the sun, check how you can protect your skin from skin cancer.
Skin disorders and exposures
Skin exposure to substances at work can harm the skin and cause disease. Exposure can occur through contact with cleaning products, oils, paints, adhesives and foodstuffs. It can also happen when work activities generate contaminants such as welding fumes, wet cement and wood dust.
Sun safety
Tips to improve your safety in the sun and to keep your skin protected.
- Last updated
- 26 April 2017
