Occupational Hygiene

Occupational Hygiene is a broad technical area that forms a vital link in the University’s comprehensive occupational health and safety program. Occupational hygiene is the application of scientific, technological and managerial principles to the protection of the health of persons at the University, through the prevention or reduction of risks to health which are presented by chemical, physical or biological agents. Such agents can include harmful dusts, gases and vapours, occupational noise, vibration, lighting, ventilation issues, and biological exposures.

The University is committed to ensuring that staff, students and others affected by the Universities activities are not adversely exposed to these agents. Concerns of this nature should be referred to the Occupational Hygiene Advisers:
 
Terry Johnsen
Contact details:-  
ph: 336 51517
Mob: 0439 756 056
email: t.johnsen1@uq.edu.au 		 Brian Logan, 
Contact details:-
ph: 334 67501
Mob: 0403 068 141
email b.logan@uq.edu.au 

For chemical emergencies, contact the Occupational Hygiene Advisers or OH&S Director on extensions 51517, 67501 or 52365. UQ Security must also be contacted on extension 53333 if the area requires evacuation or the chemical cannot be contained.

For air-conditioning and maintenance issues, please contact P&F Works Control Section on extension 52222 or email wcc@pf.uq.edu.au

For issues relating to chemical waste and Chemwatch, please contact Anthony Fowler or Robert Rose on extension 51418 or email a.fowler2@uq.edu.au or chemwaste@uq.edu.au 

Occupational Hygiene section

Asbestos Management

Asbestos can pose a risk if fibres of a respirable size become airborne, are inhaled and reach deep into the lungs in sufficient quantities. These respirable fibres are a major health hazard and can cause serious asbestos-related diseases that can take decades to become apparent.

Carcinogens

Where possible, all efforts should be made to use non-carcinogenic (or less toxic) chemicals in preference to carcinogenic or (highly toxic) substances. When using carcinogens, the ALARA principle, As Low As Reasonably Achievable, should be adopted.

Chemical Inventory (2012)

Template - Excel (xlsx) spreadsheet - password protected

Chemical Spills

** For large/dangerous spills => Phone UQ Security 3365 3333 **

Chemical Waste Disposal

All chemical waste must be disposed of in accordance with the UQ Chemical Waste Operating Procedure.

ChemWatch

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances are chemicals and other substances which can harm people’s health, causing injury, illness or disease. Health effects may be immediate and short term—such as irritation to the skin or eyes, or corrosive burns—or long term, such as tumours, cancers, or damage to organs.

Nanotechnology

The small size and some of the unique properties of engineered nanomaterials have raised concerns that there might be implications for human health and safety.

Noise

Excessive noise is unwanted sound which may damage a person's hearing. Noise at the workplace is a major cause of hearing loss in Queensland. It contributes to social isolation and reduced quality of life, increased absenteeism, worker turnover and lowered work performance. It also contributes to workplace injuries and accidents.

Purchase of Dangerous Goods, Hazardous Chemicals

Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion and poisoning, affecting property, the environment or people.

Drugs and Poisons

The Legislation governing the procurement, storage, use, disposal and record keeping of drugs and poisons in Queensland is the Queensland Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation, 1996.

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