Everything you need to know about PFAS – Therese Manning
Presenter(s): Therese Manning has more than 30 years of experience in human health and ecological risk assessment with the NSW EPA and as a consultant.
Speaker – Therese Manning – Principal, EnRiskS
Therese Manning has more than 30 years of experience in human health and ecological risk assessment with the NSW EPA and as a consultant. She has also been involved in reviewing and developing guidance documents and provided training in environmental chemistry, toxicology and risk assessment. While at NSW EPA, she was part of the team involved in the remediation of Homebush Bay and the Rhodes Peninsula – the most dioxin-contaminated site in Australia. She has been a consultant for the last 10 years during which time she has undertaken many assessments for PFAS contaminated land as well as being a member of the NSW Government Expert Panel for RAAF Williamtown and preparing guidance for NSW EPA which was used before the NEMP was published.
Webinar:
PFAS – per and polyfluoroalkyl substances – these chemicals have many unusual characteristics as well as being extremely persistent. It wasn’t until around 2010 that the laboratories in Australia could undertake analysis for these chemicals routinely. Since that time, they have been found throughout our environment especially in urban areas of Australia. The main source where significant contamination has been found are locations where aqueous film forming foams have been used. These forms have been used in firefighting and firefighting training. They were also used in a wide range of domestic products which is why they are routinely found in urban waterways. Given the large contaminated source areas at airports and defence bases, there is a lot of remediation that has occurred and is still being undertaken. This webinar will discuss the unusual characteristics of these chemicals, the most important exposure pathways relevant in workplaces and some of the controversy surrounding reference doses for protection of human health.
Webinar was held Friday October 21 12.00pm – 1.00pm AEST/10.00am – 11.00am AWST
This webinar will present the results of an AIOH Foundation-funded joint research project undertaken by Dr Kelly Johnstone from UQ and Peter Knott from GCG. The project aimed to explore facility maintenance workers’ and cleaners’ exposures to a group of chemicals called Quaternary ammonium chloride compounds (Quats).
The storyline of this presentation would be presented from the perspective of a newly recruited occupational hygienist who is preparing for their first turnaround, how they play a pivotal role during every stage of the process and how they must adapt to dynamic conditions. Additionally, this would serve as a refresher for seasoned professionals, enriching their understanding and application of best practices during critical turnaround periods.
TSI will provide a brief update on future PortaCount™ Respirator Fit Tester software developments around improvement to centralised record-keeping capabilities as well as a brief update on the AS/NZS ISO Suite of Standards Adoption and Transition.
The panel will discuss the recent change to the welding fume (not otherwise specified) exposure standard, how can exposure to welding fumes be controlled, how can occupational hygienists help the industry understand the risks associated with welding fumes and what does the future hold with the announced Workplace Exposure Limits
Occupational Health metrics are an important component of Work Health and Safety (WHS) performance indicators. Recent articles on the increasing prevalence of silicosis and resurgence of “black lung” has increased awareness of work related health impacts. Yet, despite the critical impact of occupational illness and disease, workplace health and safety reporting commonly focus on workplace injury reduction. presented by Dr Carmen Naylor
Recorded 19 April 2024
Update on mould - the Qld regulators perspective - 19 April 24 This webinar will include topics including: Legislative requirements in relation to managing the risks of exposure to mould. What does compliance look like? What would the inspectorate look for in relation to a complaint?
Isocyanate Resins Exposure Monitoring- 22nd March 24 Isocyanate-based polymeric chemicals are used extensively in mining and construction to fill cavities and reinforce or stabilise strata in the underground environment. Methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) is a common ingredient and is a known respiratory sensitiser and skin allergen which can be inhaled or absorbed through direct skin contact. RSHQ has been investigating the adequacy of current atmospheric and biological monitoring techniques.
Winner - 2023 AIOH Conference 3M Best Paper Award.
This paper discusses the controversy over the use of the linear non-threshold (LNT) model and presents the case for the existence of a threshold of effect for both asbestos and crystalline silica. The existence of threshold affect does not support the suggested need to further reduce the current OELs for these substances and others. Presented by Ian Firth
The presentation by Dr Rebecca Newton, Manager, Chemicals, Occupational Hygiene and High Risk Work Policy, will cover the Safe Work Australia review of the Workplace Exposure Standards and the next steps.
This webinar will provide an update on the ISO Respiratory Protective Devices Standards, bringing this global Standard back to home.
Standards are used to demonstrate conformance to local regulations / laws. There is a new set of globally harmonised standards for respiratory protective devices (RPD) that changes the focus from performance by design to performance required by the wearer. The work on these standards started more than 20 years ago; with several RPD standards already published.
The webinar will cover some of the new developments and some older concepts that are new to occupational health safety and hygiene that we can use when considering skin exposure in the workplace.
The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) launched Breathe Freely Australia in 2018, which provides readily available information for workers and supervisors about the hazards of toxic dust and prevention of lung diseases in various industries. In 2020, the AIOH started the RESP-FIT program, which is relevant to those who rely on respirators as protection against harmful dust. As many lung diseases are serious and irreversible, the focus must be on prevention of harm. Workers in the manufactured stone sector rely on many control measures to protect them from lung diseases such as silicosis, with one of them being respiratory protection.
