Employers have a legal duty to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace and to ensure that employees are not exposed to those substances above the exposure standard. WorkSafe Victoria have updated their guidance page for exposure standards and atmospheric monitoring to assist employers in fulfilling their duty.
The SafeWork Australia website has a complete list of all the hazardous substances that have an exposure standard, which applies in Victoria. There are proposed changes to some of SafeWork Australia's exposure standards scheduled for December 2026. They can be viewed on the SafeWork Australia website.
The WorkSafe Victoria guidance page for exposure standards and atmospheric monitoring provides information and links for employers to satisfy the SafeWork Australia requirements.
For every hazardous substance in use in the workplace, even if it does not have an exposure standard set by SafeWork Australia, employers must have a safety data sheet (SDS) and make it available to HSRs and employees who may come into contact with the substance. This should be part of routine consultation.
Employers must monitor the health of their employees and the conditions of the workplace. Decisions about the procedures for monitoring must be made in consultation with HSRs and employees.
Conditions of the workplace are best determined through atmospheric monitoring – this should be conducted by a competent person and a detailed report provided. These records must be given to any and all employees who may have been exposed to the hazardous substances as soon as possible and to their HSR.
It is recommended that employers consult with employees or HSRs and use the hierarchy of control to select methods by which to eliminate or reduce the risk posed by such substances.
Read more: Exposure standards and atmospheric monitoring | WorkSafe Victoria