Construction
Construction work can generate airborne contaminants that may affect workers' health. These contaminants can include dusts, fumes, mists, gases and vapours, many of which cannot be seen or smelt. PCBUs must identify airborne contaminants and manage the associated risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Some airborne contaminants generated during construction work may have an applicable workplace exposure limit (WEL) that should be considered when assessing exposure risks.
Common sources of airborne contaminants include:
- respirable crystalline silica dust generated during cutting, grinding, drilling or crushing of concrete, brick, stone and engineered stone
- asbestos fibres released during the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials
- welding fumes
- diesel and petrol engine exhaust emissions
- dust generated during demolition and earthworks
- paint, adhesive, sealant and solvent vapours
- wood dust from cutting and sanding timber.
What can you do?
Before work starts:
- review the scope of works and planned work activities
- identify materials that may generate airborne contaminants
- check the asbestos register where applicable
- review relevant safety data sheets (SDS)
- identify whether any hazardous substances used or generated during the work have an applicable WEL
- assess risks and determine appropriate control measures.
Regularly inspect the workplace and observe how work is being performed. Consider:
- the plant, tools and equipment being used
- hazardous chemicals and materials on site
- ventilation and airflow
- housekeeping and cleaning practices
- nearby workers and other persons who may be exposed
- whether existing controls are sufficient to minimise exposure to airborne contaminants with established WELs.
Indicators of airborne contaminants may include:
- visible dust, fumes or haze
- dust accumulation on surfaces
- ineffective or damaged control measures
- worker complaints about air quality or respiratory symptoms
- air monitoring results indicating elevated worker exposure or exposures approaching or exceeding a WEL.
Consult workers
Consult workers and health and safety representatives (HSRs) about tasks that generate dusts, fumes, gases, mists or vapours. Workers may identify exposure issues or report symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, throat irritation or eye irritation. Worker consultation can also assist in identifying tasks or areas where exposure monitoring may be required.
Exposure to airborne contaminants may affect:
- workers
- contractors and subcontractors
- labour hire workers
- visitors
- delivery personnel
- other people at or near the workplace.
Review safety data sheets (SDS)
Review product labels and SDSs to understand the health hazards, exposure risks and recommended control measures for hazardous chemicals used on site. SDSs may also provide information about workplace exposure limits and monitoring recommendations relevant to the substance.
Seek specialist advice
Consider engaging a certified occupational hygienist where airborne contaminants are difficult to identify or assess, or where air monitoring may be required to determine exposure to people in the workplace. Air monitoring may assist in assessing exposure for applicable WELs and in evaluating the effectiveness of control measures.
Review and reassess
Review airborne contaminant risks whenever:
- materials change
- work methods change
- plant or equipment changes
- site conditions change
- historical data/ monitoring or health surveillance indicates controls may not be effective
- a WEL is introduced, revised or reduced for a substance used or generated during construction activities
- new air monitoring identifies exposures approaching or exceeding a WEL.
Resources
Safe Work Australia resources: