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Australian Occupational Hygiene Review recommends ‘precautionary Approach’
Published: Friday 27 November 2009
Safe Work Australia has published a review entitled ‘Engineered nanomaterials: Evidence of the effectiveness of workplace controls to prevent exposure’ (Jackson N., Lopata A., Elms T. and Wright P.; ISBN: 978-0-642-32884-7).
According to the executive summary, ‘[the] literature review has brought together and evaluated evidence on the effectiveness of workplace controls to prevent or minimise exposure to engineered nanomaterials. Only workplace settings such as laboratories, pilot plants and production plants have been considered; environmental safety and consumer product safety were not considered.’
The review concludes ‘that there is evidence that control and risk management methodologies which are already known can provide levels of protection for workers from exposure to engineered nanomaterials in the occupational environment. Further testing and data is needed in specific workplace situations to understand the levels of protection afforded, and ensure effectiveness.’
The authors drew evidence from strategies in the hierarchy of control resulting in associated recommendations on the following topics:
- Elimination
- Substitution and/or modification
- Enclosure
- Administrative
- PPE
In summary, ‘the authors recommend that a precautionary approach guided by reference to the ‘precautionary principle’ be adopted in order to limit workplace exposure. However, once data about the health and safety risks have been determined and defined, the principle of ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP) can be adopted.’
Follow these links to find out more about Safe Work Australia, or to download the full report.
Tags: Australia, Safe Work Australia, occupational health & safety, risk management, exposure