The Filter March 2024

The

2024

FILTER

MARCH EDITION 2024

We are excited to announce the 2024 AIOH Conference will be held in Perth at the Convention and Exhibition Centre from Monday 2nd December – Wednesday 4th December, with the conference theme being 'Scientific Storytelling'. CES sessions will run on Saturday 30th November – Sunday 1st December before the conference commences.

Our Conference theme reflects that as champions of worker health, the AIOH is committed to fostering an environment where the latest, cutting-edge research and practitioner insights from the field converge. Our annual conference provides a forum where we can gather to explore innovative approaches that safeguard the health of workers throughout Australia and the world.

In line with this, we are thrilled to share that the AIOH 2024 Conference Organising Committee has partnered with the Annals of Work Exposures and Health, the flagship journal publication of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and published by Oxford University Press. The Annals of Work Exposures and Health presents high-quality, peer-reviewed science dedicated to the assessment and control of risks to health and well-being at work and covers an extensive range of topics. With a distinguished international editorial board led by Dr Rachael Jones, the Annals is read in 175 countries worldwide and had over a million downloads in 2020.

In partnership with the Annals of Work Exposures and Health we will publish a special issue of the journal in 2025, comprising full papers which have been accepted following the journal’s peer review process – an exciting prospect for authors, our members, and conference registrants.

We would now like to officially invite abstract submissions for the 2024 conference.

Your abstract, encapsulating your research in 300 words or less, should align with the conference theme, and include your presentation preference: 1. An in-person presentation (i.e CES session, plenary or a concurrent session) 2. An electronic poster 3. A full paper to be considered for inclusion in the special issue of the Annals of Work Exposures and Health. Authors of selected papers will receive an invitation to the Annals of Work Exposures and Health online submission portal. Instructions for how to access the portal and other author guidelines can be found here.

The key dates are as follows: Wednesday 1st May: Deadline for abstract submissions must be received.

Wednesday 12th June: Outcome of submissions will be advised.

Thursday 1st August: Full papers and Posters due.

We invite you to submit your abstract detailing your area of interest and preferred presentation format, to scientific2024@aioh.org.au.

Your contribution will be pivotal in advancing the discourse on safeguarding worker health through scientific storytelling.

We look forward to your participation and contributions to making the AIOH 2024 Conference a resounding success.

Warm regards, AIOH24 Conference Organising Committee

The Filter for 2024 What’s in this edition 5

Welcome Message

35

Jobs Board

6

Meet the 2024 President

36

Members Hub

10

Reflections: 2023 President

42

And the Winners are

11

Does of Research

44

State Chapters & Liaisons

12

Industry News

47

AIOH Events

16

Members Spotlight

48

Accredited Universities

18

Health Alerts

53

Basic Principles Course

20

Transforming my Career

56

Around the World

22

The Filter Feature

58

IOHA

26

Committee Updates

60

AIOH23 in Pictures

Launching Into a New Chapter: First Welcome to The Filter's First for 2024 Welcome to The Filter 2024!

Hopefully by now you have settled into the new year, recovered from the silly season, and are feeling motivated for the year ahead. From all accounts 2024 has been off to a flying start. With a higher prevalence of Occupational Hygiene issues in the headlines, our community has hit the ground running for the new year.

However, amongst the rat race it is important to take a breather. So find a comfy spot, grab a cuppa (or a grown up beverage) and let us help you get up to date with all things new in the world of Occupational Hygiene.

In this edition, hear from our new President, Jeremy Trotman, about his history and vision for the year ahead, as well as from our superstar immediate past-President, Tracey Bence. Become acquainted with all of the events the new year has to offer and learn about the journey of one amazing member of our community, Ben Govan, the 2022 AES Postgraduate Scholarship Professional Development Award winner.

Zach Bentley & the AIOH24 Conference team are already hard at work, with some exciting advancements to this year’s Conference!

We also reminisce on the spectacle that was AIOH23 – see if you can find yourself in the Where’s Wally of occupational hygienists in the Conference photos!

We hope you have a wholesome, productive and fulfilling year ahead.

The AIOH Communications and Marketing Committee Chairs: Ash Boss-Handley & Kelly Jaunzems, Commitee - Hamish Rae, Cecilia Mason & David Macgill.

CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD: A VISION FROM THE NEW PRESIDENT

Welcome to the first edition of The Filter 2024! It is my privilege and pleasure to be writing to you as the 2024 AIOH President.

First, a bit about me and my vision for the year ahead. My name is Jeremy Trotman, and I am an occupational hygienist. After thirty-five years as a director of JTA Health Safety Noise, an OHS&E consulting firm I established in 1988 in Melbourne, which is now run by my two sons Jackson and Tom. I am now back working ‘on-the-tools’, monitoring and assessing exposure risks associated with a wide range of hazards: RCS, ACM, VOC, noise, mould, to name a few; along with mentoring. With no management responsibilities, it is a refreshing change. Before JTA I worked as a hygienist/OHSE advisor for the Australian Chamber of Manufacturers (ACM), Alcoa Point Henry Smelter, and the State Electrical Commission.

JEREMY TROTMAN

I joined AIOH as a provisional member, way back in 1986, and I became certified by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (CIH) in 1993. A slow progression through the AIOH ranks followed.

I served on several committees, and as Treasurer in 2018. In 2019 I was awarded an AIOH Fellowship along with Immediate Past President Tracey Bence (although she did the same trip in half the time!).

In 2023, I served as President Elect under Tracey, which led me to my current role as President. Taking on the role of President is a big responsibility Next to getting married, starting a business, having kids, and subscribing to Amazon, this Presidency is the biggest commitment of my life.

At the Legends Dinner, on the eve of the 2023 AIOH Conference, Past President Dr David Grantham said it all in the well-worn words, “we stand on the shoulders of giants”.

CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD: A VISION FROM THE NEW PRESIDENT My connection with these giants includes five Past Presidents with whom I served on Council: two as treasurer, Phil Hibbs and Brian Eva; one as President Elect, Tracey Bence; three as Communications Chair, Martin Jennings, Professor Dino Pisaniello and Dr Geza Benke; and quite a few more to whom I regularly turn for advice, along with many other unofficial legends like Phil Turner, Sonny Maher, Mannie Zammit and Dr Sharann Johnson.

I am grateful for their support and guidance over the years – many of which have helped me through a few stressful situations. Their dedication to their colleagues and the AIOH, and the effort that they put into our Institute has set a high bar which I shall do my best to clear. I have a great network of experienced hygienists I can tap into to assist me.

The Institute has given me a lot over the years, particularly when I was the only hygienist in the ACM, with over 7000 manufacturers to look after. Now it is my turn to give back, and I inherit the helm of an organisation which, thanks to the support of our members and the long hours of demanding work by our members serving on Committees and Council, sits in an enviable position when many other professional organisations are struggling.

Our profile has never been higher, our members have never been in such demand, our certification is gaining recognition, and we sit in a better position to influence government policy.

AIOH finances are secure, we have substantial cash reserves, and our own office - which has now repaid its purchase price in rent saved - has increased in value over the five years since its purchase.

In 2023, I served as President Elect under Tracey, which led me to my current role as President.

Taking on the role of President is a big responsibility But there is still plenty to do in 2024: we have a strategic plan focussed on raising OH standards, continual improvement of our measurement and assessment tools and skills, as well as increasing our visibility and influence to focus attention on the prevention of occupational disease.

The 2024 Council aims to stick to the plan: maintain and build upon the momentum accumulated from past Councils: review our finances and adjust costs and revenue to maintain our secure financial position; provide our committees with the support they need, while planning for and responding to the opportunities and threats that will inevitably arise over 2024. This year is already looking like it will be busy, with a record number of WES reviews looming. .

We are lucky this year, having retained our treasurer Aleks Todorovic (now President Elect), and two councillors, Carmen Naylor (NSW) and Nicola Peel (WA). This provides continuity in financial control, and IT systems, as well as knowledge of AIOH committees, procedures, and history.

CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD: A VISION FROM THE NEW PRESIDENT As a former AIOH Treasurer, I learned that the large financial ebbs and flows, mostly associated with our conference, settle into a small nett profit - more akin to a milk bar than a multi-national - so we must manage our finances carefully Having Aleks (treasurer for the past five years running) on hand and ready to assist Samantha Clarke (TAS), our new treasurer, inhabit the role has been a boon. Sam is legally trained, a very handy skill in an environment with rapidly increasing compliance requirements, and as immediate past Conference Chair she is a valuable resource for our biggest annual financial commitment and revenue source. .

Nicola Peel (WA) has stepped up and taken on the position of Secretary which demands a complex mix of IT wizardry to run and record meeting discussions and decisions, set our agenda, and record and follow up on actions. It all works wonderfully well until it doesn’t - and then you spend ten minutes working out how to capture a vote. As a late adopter, and initially sceptical of decisions involving Power BI, Monday.com and other platforms at JTA, I have come to realise that they play a key role in our Institute’s planning, record keeping and communication, and in the future, even minuting our meetings. In this, we are again fortunate to have the support of Aleks and former-Secretary Neil Goulding, who continues to contribute a significant amount of his valuable time helping Nic transition into the role.

Carmen Naylor (NSW) has taken on one of five projects associated with the Strategic Plan – developing meaningful metrics to further the understanding of what good worker health looks like. The aim of this program is to increase management accountability for worker health and hygiene (i.e. “what gets measured gets managed”) and assist AIOH members gain more traction to prevent adverse work-related health outcomes.

The indefatigable Tracey Bence (Past President) has stayed on as a member of External Affairs Committee and has indicated interest in several projects and already commenced one which, if successful, will put AIOH in the position to design, develop and run enforceable undertakings in occupational health.

Our two new general Councillors, David Jowett and Julie Moore, both from the Sunshine State (who surprised us all by not complaining about Melbourne weather), demonstrated outstanding climatic and IT adaptability, mastering multiple software packages in a single morning.

CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD: A VISION FROM THE NEW PRESIDENT

AIOH COUNCIL 2024

Jeremy Trotman President

David Jowett General Council

Aleks Todorovic President- Elect

Nicola Peel Secretary

Carmen Naylor General Council

Samantha Clarke Treasurer

Julie Moore General Council

The AIOH is growing - in members and complexity - and we are adjusting to accommodate the additional demands, increasing compliance, and management tasks associated with running a modern not-for-profit. At our first Council meeting we set the course for the year ahead, planning monthly meetings, on-boarding new councillors, setting up and familiarising ourselves with the ever increasing software, refreshing our knowledge of directors’ responsibilities, assigning tasks from issues arising in 2023 and to meet the objectives of our strategic plan for 2024, assigning Councillors to liaise with our Committees (whose support is a priority), as well as dealing with the many other matters arising and looking ahead to, and preparing for, the future. Councils come and go, “today’s rooster, tomorrow’s feather duster” as Phil Hibbs said shortly after he stepped down as President. AIOH Committees are more resilient, and we are fortunate to have our best and brightest working on them. They are our engine room!

We have lots of interesting stuff going on this year to keep us busy. I encourage all members to get involved. Look for opportunities to contribute to our committees - it is interesting and rewarding, working alongside smart and interesting people. You develop valuable skills, and in the case of newer, or younger hygienists, you meet people you may, like me, count as colleagues and friends thirty years from now.

I am looking forward to working with and for the AIOH and our members over the coming year.

Until next time,

Jeremy

REFLECTIONS FROM THE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: A YEAR OF MILESTONES AND MEMORIES AT AIOH

TRACEY BENCE Did you know that after a term as AIOH President, you get to put your feet up?

I figured that couldn’t be right, so I’d best pen one last message!

For me, the experience was a time punctuated by learning, laughter and leadership opportunity.

I will remain forever grateful for the opportunity to work for the AIOH and was proud of those occasions I was introduced as the AIOH President.

I can truly recommend volunteering at this level.

In 2023 the AIOH achieved significant milestones at a rapid pace and faced various challenges head-on.

The dedication and hard work of each member of the Institute has been the driving force behind our accomplishments.

From organising a significant number of successful scientific events, to fostering collaboration within our community and external bodies and producing high quality communication and technical guidance, all our efforts have played a role in shaping the respected and dynamic organisation we are today.

So with feet up, I can reflect on ‘a few of my favourite things’ from the year that was: 1. Reaching the 1500 AIOH member milestone and watching the AIOH Emerging Hygienist Group grow to 300 followers in its first year 2. Taking the occupational hygiene profession to the public on radio, television, YouTube and in print via the AIOH Media Ambassadors 3. Setting the Institute up for future success via the AIOH Strategic Plan 2023-2028 4. Creating a lasting tribute to the past leaders of our profession via the inaugural AIOH Hall of Fame

A DOSE OF REASERACH

Method for the Analysis of Respirable Airborne Particulates on Filter Using the Mineral Liberation Analyser Nikky LaBranche, Elaine Wightman, Kellie Teale, Kelly Johnstone and David Cliff

Details Here

Process for maintaining appropriate air quality in a hospital setting during and following a nearby building implosion M. Elena McLaughlin, Tina Henderson & Linette Leadon

Details Here

An assessment of worker exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica in workshops fabricating engineered stone

Measuring earplug noise attenuation: A comparison of laboratory and field methods

Michael Weller, Dennis Clemence, Abe Lau, Mark Rawlings, Amy Robertson, Bhoopathy Sankaran

Stephanie J. Karch , Jeremy Federman, Joshua T. Ginsberga, and Iram Qureshi

Details Here

Details Here

A Scoping Review: Identifying Targeted Intervention Strategies for Workers with Occupational Hearing Loss Adelle Liebenberg, Melinda Gardner, Valerie M Nie, Carole L James & Sue Reed

Details Here

AIOH Publications & Technical Papers Stay up to date with the AIOH vast variety of position papers and technical papers endorsed by the AIOH

Details Here

INDUSTRY UPDATES

New AS/NZS ISO 16975:2003 Respiratory Protective Device (RPD) Fit Testing Procedures As part of the ongoing adoption of the ISO Respiratory Protection Standards, Standards Australia has now adopted the ISO Respiratory Fit Testing Standard as a local standard. The local designation is AS/NZS ISO 16975.3:2023, an identical adoption of ISO 16975.3:2017.

AS/NZS ISO 16975.3:2023 specifies guidance on how to conduct fit testing of tight-fitting respiratory protective devices (RPD) and on appropriate methods to be used which includes QLFT-ATT, QNFT-CNC and QNFT-CNP methodologies. It specifies requirements for conducting RPD fit testing, including competencies of fit test operators, specific fit testing procedures, interpretation of results and record keeping.

RESP-FIT accreditation competencies are based on ISO 16975.3 Section 5 fit testers competencies from its development, anticipating that this standard would be adopted as a local standard in the future, which has now happened. So, there will be minimal change to RESP-FIT with this recent adoption as core competencies have not changed. Many of the state and territory regulators’ information on fit testing competence requirements is also based on Section 5 from ISO 16975.3:2017, which now is also in AS/NZS ISO 16975.3:2023.

The suite of ISO standards that have been adopted locally, including AS/NZS 16975.3:2023, are current. AS/NZS 1715:2009 and AS/NZS 1716:2012 are also still, which are planned to be superseded at the start of 2029, allowing a 5-year transition period. This transition period provides time for manufactures products to be tested to the AS/NZS ISO Suite of test criteria and classified withing the ISO classification framework. As well as allowing time for Standards Australia to communicate with regulators, industries, companies and users about these changes in coming years.

It is important to remember/highlight that Fit Testing is one element of a complete RPD program which AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS ISO 16975.1:2023 provide information on. https://respfit.org.au/new-as-nzs-iso-16975-32023-respiratory-fit-testing-standard/ https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=as-nzsiso-16975-3-2023

New Audiometric Testing Requirements are now live in NSW The NSW Government has commenced Clause 58 “Audiometric testing” of the NSW WHS Regulation 2017 from January 1st. This means that employers are now required to provide audiometric testing to any of their workers who are frequently required by them to use hearing protection to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.

Welding Fume Exposure Standard Reduction Last month the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes (not otherwise classified) was lowered. WHS ministers have agreed to an immediate reduction to the WES for welding fumes from an eight-hour time weighted average of 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. Workers must not be exposed to levels of total welding fumes greater than 1 mg/m3 over an eight-hour working day, based on a five-day working week.

Welding fumes are a complex mixture of hazardous chemicals produced during welding. The aim of this reduction is to better protect workers from the adverse health effects associated with welding fumes, such as lung cancer.

The composition of welding fumes depends on factors, including: the welding process, the metal(s) being welded, shielding gases or flux used, the composition of the welding rod, and any contaminants or coatings present on the metal being welded.

In addition to the primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure that a person at the workplace is not exposed to an airborne contaminant above its workplace exposure standard (WES). A review of controls should be undertaken to ensure they are robust enough to protect workers from being exposed to welding fumes above the new WES.

New Biotoxin Clinical Pathway Document The Department of Health and Aged Care has now released the Biotoxin Clinical Pathway and is available to download on the website.

The Clinical Pathway supports decision-making for general practitioners and other medical professionals for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients presenting with biotoxinrelated illnesses.

Biotoxins (Indoor damp and mould) Clinical Pathway | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Thank you to Member Representative Dr Maggie Davidson, who represented the AIOH on the Biotoxins-related Illnesses Advisory Committee.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Changes to NSW radiation protection laws Radiation plays a vital role in a number of industry sectors: medical, dentistry, veterinary science, research, manufacturing, quality assurance, laboratories, education and security screening To ensure that the community and environment are protected from unwanted exposure to radiation, the regulatory system must be robust and fit for purpose.

The Protection from Harmful Radiation Act 1990 replaces the Radiation Control Act 1990.

The amendments to the Act will not significantly alter the current regulatory framework but strengthen existing requirements, including the following changes: The objects of the Act now require consideration of ecologically sustainable development principles when exercising functions under the Act or under a license; Transport consignment and disposal of radioactive sources are added to the dealings with regulated material that require a radiation management license; New requirements for the regular review of security plans for security enhanced sources and clarification of requirements for source transport security plans; Obligations to comply with the Code for Safe Transport of Radioactive Material and EPA consent to dispose of radioactive substances migrate from the Regulation to the Act; Additional cost recovery provisions in relation to EPA disposal of seized regulated material and investigation costs following successful prosecution; Tougher penalties for the offences of abandoning regulated material and providing false and misleading information to an authorised officer; and Increased maximum penalties available to the Local Court when a person is convicted of an offence.

The composition and governance of the Radiation Advisory Council has also been modernised.

For more information about the changes and their commencement, please visit the EPA website.

New Isocyanate Resource Published Jimmy Hu, PhD – Senior Occupational and Analytical Chemist has released a book titled “Airborne and Biological Monitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to Isocyanates”.

Jimmy was the 2010 3M Poster Winner for his presentation on this topic, which is covered in this book.

The guide focuses on the latest developments in airborne monitoring methods, including those evaluated based on the latest peer-reviewed journal papers.

Additionally, it provides the first substantial review of biological monitoring exposure to isocyanates in the workplace.

Learn more about Jimmy in our Member Spotlight for this edition!

Find out more and retrieve your copy here: Airborne and Biological Monitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to Isocyanates – Nova Science Publishers (novapublishers.com)

Dr Jimmy Hu

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MAIOH SafeWork NSW (Thornleigh) Chemical Analysis Branch, TestSafe Australia jimmy.hu@safework.nsw.gov.au

Dr Jimmy Hu currently serves as a Senior Chemical Analyst at the Analytical Branch of SafeWork NSW (formerly WorkCover NSW). He has played a pivotal role in delivering analytical expertise that adheres to world-class standards and meets the laboratory's stringent quality control and NATA accreditation requirements.

A particular area of interest for Jimmy has been providing valuable guidance on the proper sampling and analysis of occupational hygiene samples and assessments concerning hazardous chemicals. Most recently, Jimmy has just published a book ‘Airborne and Biological Monitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to Isocyanates’ which details his proactive involvement in occupational safety assessments and high standards in analytical procedures that underscore his dedication to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

The Beginning Born and raised in Beijing, China, Jimmy embarked on a transformative career that has spanned continents and significantly impacted the field of occupational hygiene. Armed with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Chemistry from Jilin University, Jimmy set his sights on Australia, and obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Newcastle in 1995.

Throughout his career, Jimmy's analytical chemistry skills played a pivotal role, and he has held research positions at esteemed institutions such as Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, USA, and Monash University in Victoria, Australia, covering diverse research areas from biomaterials and nanomaterials to geochemistry and green chemistry.

The Focus on Isocyanates Testing In 2004, Jimmy joined WorkCover NSW as an analytical chemist, specialising in occupational and chemical exposure analysis. A defining moment in his career came in 2008 when he developed a groundbreaking test for measuring exposure to isocyanates, hazardous chemicals prevalent in spray painting, polyurethane plastics manufacturing, and the mining industry. This test, recognized with the Chairman's Award by WorkCover NSW in 2010, proved instrumental in improving the health, safety, and wellness of workers exposed to these dangerous substances.

Jimmy’s book on monitoring exposure to isocyanates.

His new testing method became a cornerstone for health and safety practices, earning the 3M Best Conference Paper award by the AIOH in 2010. Subsequently, he collaborated with mining companies, including BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, advocating for the adoption of the new method to enhance worker safety in the mining industry. The preliminary findings were published in the Journal of Health, Safety and Environment in 2014. In 2015, Jimmy played a crucial role in SafeWork NSW's "High Consequence, Low Frequency" Program, conducting biological monitoring for spray painters potentially exposed to isocyanates. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the testing method, showcasing its relevance in real-world occupational scenarios and were published later by the international journal, Annals of Work Exposures and Health in 2017.

Today Fast forward to 2023, Jimmy has recently published a monograph, Airborne and Biological Monitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to Isocyanates, drawing on his two-decade-long experience. This comprehensive guide caters to professionals in industries utilizing isocyanates in the manufacturing of polyurethanes, foams, coatings, adhesives, and other materials, offering insights into monitoring techniques and exposure reduction strategies.

This guide will be useful to occupational hygienists, analytical chemists, laboratory chemists, researchers, students, and anyone seeking to manage the risks of isocyanates in the workplace. It covers a range of topics, from exposure routes and risk management to exposure controls, sampling, and laboratory analytical methods. The book concludes with a summary of future work required in the field, research priorities, and predictions of long-term research goals and new technologies for both airborne and biological monitoring of occupational exposure to isocyanates.

In addition to his new book, Jimmy has authored numerous scientific papers and technical reports, served on the editorial board of the Journal of Health Safety and Environment, contributed to standards committees, and participated actively in AIOH conferences.

In his reflection, Jimmy expresses gratitude to the AIOH for recognizing the project's potential a decade ago, which laid the foundation for its subsequent success. The AIOH award not only propelled the project's development but also paved the way for its widespread adoption, ultimately benefiting workers in a diverse range of industries.

Jimmy’s dedication, innovative spirit, and collaborative efforts have left an indelible mark on the field, and hopefully will inspire fellow AIOH members to pursue excellence in their endeavors.

Dr Jimmy Hu, PhD

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

IMPORTANT

HEALTH ALERTS Work Safe Victoria

Static electricity ignites flammable vapour.

WorkSafe reminds employers and occupiers of premises where dangerous goods are stored and handled about managing the risks associated with decanting and blending flammable liquids.

Background There have been two separate incidents during the decanting and blending of flammable liquids resulting in two fatalities and other serious injuries. The incidents are believed to have occurred when static electricity discharged within a hazardous area resulted in an explosion and fire.

Safety issues A hazardous area is an area where vapours, fumes, gases, and mists may create a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Sources of ignition must not be present within these areas to manage the risk of fire and explosion.

Flammable liquids can create clouds of flammable vapour when exposed to the air. This can occur through open containers, pouring, mixing, or from a spill or leak. Vapour clouds are often invisible and can build up quickly. If an ignition source is present in the area, it may cause a fire or explosion.

Ignition sources that can ignite flammable vapours include electrical equipment with motors, power points, mobile phones, forklifts, and can also include flames, heat, sparks and static electricity.

Static electricity can be created from a range of activities including the decanting and blending of flammable liquids. Static electricity is when an electrostatic spark occurs from the build-up of electrical charge on the surface of an object. Accumulation of static electricity may lead to a spark igniting flammable vapours. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/static-electricity-ignites-flammable-vapour

IMPORTANT

HEALTH ALERTS Work Safe ACT

WorkSafe ACT was notified recently of an incident where a worker suffered severe heatstroke on a commercial construction site after collapsing in a site shed. The worker was taken to a hospital for treatment and observation.

This incident serves as a reminder that working in heat can be dangerous and needs to be managed like any other hazard.

The human body needs to maintain a body temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius. If the body must work too hard to keep cool or starts to overheat, a worker can suffer from a heat-related illness.

As the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) you should be managing risks using the following steps: identifying hazards—find out what could go wrong and what could cause harm. assessing risks—understand the harm each hazard could cause; how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening. controlling risks—implement the most effective control measures that are reasonably practicable in the circumstances. reviewing controls—measures to ensure they are working as planned.

AIOH MEDIA HUB

TRANSFORMING MY CAREER: THE AIOH AES POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD…1 YEAR ON. BEN GOVAN If you were to have met the Ben Govan from 2018, you never would've expected he'd now be a Tasmanian convert from Queensland working as a hygiene technician at an aluminium smelter. To be fair, back then I =too would've failed the age-old question of "where do you see yourself in 5 years?".

My former role as a Health and Safety Advisor for local government in Central Queensland had very little scope for the 'health' context of worker wellbeing. My knowledge of occupational hygiene came from a presentation given during my undergraduate degree, which aimed to inspire student's career pathways. Along came a slide on Occupational Hygiene (OH), to which the lecturer stated "These guys just test dust. Not very interesting." I now cringe at this very brief and erroneous summary of OH, but at the time, I too discounted this occupation.

After years of working in a safety role, I became frustrated with the lack of resourcing and team understanding around worker health. I made the classic error of presenting my manager a problem without a solution. I was subsequently tasked with finding a way forward. With a few online searches, my eyes were opened when I discovered the AIOH website. I quickly came to realise that hygienists have a very broad range of skills which go beyond ’testing dust’. My new perception of hygienists was reinforced when we came across our own series of indoor air quality issues. I promptly signed up for an AIOH Basic Principles Course (BPC) in Brisbane, which opened my eyes to a world I hardly knew existed.

I applied many learnings from the BPC to my work. I initiated a noise monitoring program, facilitated asbestos removal work (with an additional Class B Asbestos Removal Licence), and improved our chemical management processes. I began to realise that I much preferred the 'H' part over the 'S' in WHS. When the opportunity presented itself in 2019, I took a fulltime role as a technician at an alumina refinery.

TRANSFORMING MY CAREER: THE AIOH AES POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD…1 YEAR ON.

Fast forward to three years later, I never would've believed I'd be standing before the 2022 AIOH conference gala dinner being awarded the AIOH Active Environmental Solutions Postgraduate Scholarship Professional Development award.

Since my commencement in hygiene, I've been fortunate to work at multiple sites including Boyne Smelters Limited (Gladstone, Queensland) and subsequently, Bell Bay Aluminium (Bell Bay, Tasmania). Despite the excellent leadership and coaching I had received from COHs such as Jodie Britton (Rio Tinto) and Samantha Clarke (AIOH Treasurer, Bell Bay Aluminium), I came to realise I had much more to learn than the BPC had time to teach. I am extremely thankful for the honour of winning this professional development award as without it, I wouldn't be studying my Master of Occupational Hygiene at the University of Wollongong (UoW).

Returning to study has been a wild ride, particularly as the Autumn semester coincided with the birth of our third child. Of all the supporters I could thank, my wife Naomi is top of the list! She has supported me from the beginning, believes in my ability to succeed, and faithfully takes the brunt of home duties to make room for me to study.

In addition to this, 2023 also gave me the opportunity to be involved in the conference committee as exhibition liaison, and to become a member of the Emerging Hygienist Group (EHG).

The EHG is an AIOH initiative with the goal of developing and encouraging those with student, associate, and provisional memberships to further their hygiene careers. Connecting with emerging and current hygienists who share this passion has been extremely valuable and rewarding.

Life is not all work and no play - although sometimes it can feel that way!

When I get the chance, you'll find me on a mountain bike, or with my trail runners on exploring the outdoors with my family.

2024 is now well upon us all. I look forward to the adventures ahead, with hopefully a less crazy schedule than last year.

After my first year at UOW I've learned way more than I could've imagined. Diving deep into subjects such as thermal stress, noise, and human factors has grown my capability and confidence. Their 'flipped classroom' course structure has made it possible for me to work full time while also studying part time.

We thank AES for its continued support of the AIOH and the AES Scholarship.

Caitlyn Sunjich is currently completing her final semester at Edith Cowan University undertaking a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in health promotion and addiction studies. Throughout her studies, Caitlyn has developed keen interest in harm reduction and seeks to educate people so they can make competent decisions regarding their health and wellbeing. Caitlyn hopes to reduce the negative health and social impacts of drug use on individuals and the wider community.

Caitlyn works as a Disability Support Worker with a focus on community access and alternative communication and aims to use her experience and university studies to support a healthier Western Australia. Caitlyn has an interest in occupational health and safety and is currently a health and safety representative for her current employer. Caitlyn enjoys being able to use her health promotion skills to contribute to workplace health and safety by collaborating with her team to share important health and safety information.

THE EVOLVING WORLD OF WORKPLACE DRUG TESTING AND MEDICAL CANNABIS Many industries, including manufacturing, mining, transport, and healthcare, have adopted a zerotolerance drug and alcohol policy, requiring employees to participate in random alcohol and other drug testing. The high level of safety risks and/or increased responsibility associated with these industries are often used as justification along with the need to ensure that employees are not intoxicated while performing their duties and to discourage the use of illicit substances. Common workplace drug screening includes urine analysis and/or oral fluid (saliva) testing, both of which do not indicate current impairment and simply show past use of specified substances.

Cannabis, or marijuana as it is commonly known is the illicit drug most widely used in Australia. It is also one of the longest-lasting substances, remaining detectable on urine drug tests for up to 30 days. In 2016, medical cannabis became legal in Australia, and since then more than 1 million prescriptions have been dispensed to treat a variety of ailments. This article will explore how drug testing in the workplace is adapting to the legalisation of medical cannabis and the impact this may have on employees.

TYPES OF DRUG TESTING Drug testing in the workplace is conducted in three ways: breath testing; urine analysis; and saliva testing.

Breath testing is considered to be non-invasive and is used to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the same tests used by police for roadside BAC testing. These tests work by capturing alcohol vapour in a person’s breath which then reacts with potassium dichromate within the breathalyser. The breathalyser then converts the electrical current produced from this reaction into a number value. Most mine sites require 0.00% BAC to commence work, meaning there is no alcohol present in a person’s system. New industry guidelines for Western Australia state that mine sites must implement a four-drink limit, along with other resctrictions and recommendations, however many mine sites are ‘dry’ and do not allow their workers to consume alcohol while on site.

Urine analysis (also known as urine drug screening) tests a urine sample to detect traces of substances and drug metabolites (by-products). Some consider this to be an invasion of an employee’s privacy. Urine screening can detect several substances such as amphetamines, cocaine, opiates (illicit or prescribed), benzodiazepines, phencyclidine (PCP), and cannabis.

There are different windows of time for which urine testing can detect these substances (detailed in the table below) but it does not determine impairment. Detection windows can be impacted by several factors including: frequency of use; metabolic rate; and urine concentration.

Analysis of the sample can be done on-site for random drug testing with results delivered within 5 minutes, or can be done at an off-site testing clinic. If the test comes back positive, the sample is sent for further testing. Urine analysis tests can produce false positive results, meaning the test detects a drug that isn’t there. This can be caused by a variety of things such as prescription or over the counter medications, dietary supplements, and some foods.

Substance

Detection Window after last use urine

Detection window after last use saliva

Alcohol

7-12 hours

12-24 hours

Amphetamines

Up to 2 days

Up to 24 hours

Benzodiazepines

Up to 30 days

Up to 9 days

Cocaine

Up to 4 days

Up to 12 hours

Cannabis (THC)

Up to 30 days

24-72 hours

Opiates

Up to 10 days

Up to 24 hours

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Up to 8 days

Up to 3 days

Saliva testing is considered to be non-invasive and is the current recommended testing method for workplaces. Saliva testing is simple and quick to deliver, and results are obtained efficiently.

These kits are delivered via a swab, or an absorbent pad inserted into the mouth. The saliva then flows along the cassette to the testing window where a control line, to show the test is working, will appear. Generally, a second line appearing in the test window indicates a positive result, while the absence of a second line indicates a negative result.

Like urine analysis, the saliva kit simply provides a positive or negative result and does not indicate the level of the drug in the sample, nor intoxication or impairment.

Positive results are sent for further testing off site. Saliva testing can detect the same substances as urine analysis, but the tests have different detection windows, as detailed in the table above.

THE FILTER FEATURE

THE FILTER FEATURE Medical Cannabis in Australia In Australia, medical cannabis was legalised for cultivation, production, prescription, and distribution, under strict regulatory guidelines, on February 29th 2016. Medical cannabis is generally available in oil and capsule form and contains either predominately cannabidiol (CBD), only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or a mix of THC and CBD at varying ratios. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is known as the ‘intoxicating substance’. THC is the substance that saliva and urine drug screening detect. People who use CBD-only products can sometimes have traces of THC in their system and will produce a positive drug screening test result.

Medical cannabis that is at least 98% CBD is considered to be a Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicine.

Medical cannabis containing THC is a Schedule 8 substance, meaning a prescription is needed and approval needs to be given by the relevant Department of Health for each patient. Other Schedule 8 medications include fentanyl, morphine, and codeine. Currently, any medical practitioner can prescribe medical cannabis in Australia, and it can be dispensed at any chemist.

Medical cannabis is not currently listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and as such the price is unregulated. This means that it can be extremely costly and varies depending on location and product. Medical cannabis attracts strict driving restrictions due to the possible impacts on attention and concentration, and current recommendations are that patients refrain from driving as a positive roadside saliva test may result in a drug driving charge, even if the driver is not currently impaired.

How do prescription medicines fit in workplaces?

Cannabis is the only legally prescribed medication for which you can lose your driver’s licence when testing positive, without regard to impairment. It is currently illegal to drive in Australia with any amount of THC in your system, and as a result, policies in some industries, such as mining, are murky.

A number of employees within these industries have been stood down while regulators attempt to determine the levels at which THC makes an employee unfit for work.

A minority of mine sites have taken a ‘progressive’ stance on medical cannabis, allowing employees with a valid prescription to return a positive drug test to continue to work, as long as THC levels remain under 50 micrograms per litre.

This stance has been criticised by doctors and patients alike, as these levels are akin to trace amounts of THC in one’s system and are far too low.

Medical cannabis faces stricter limits and higher levels of stigmatisation than other prescription medication, and calls for reform around medical cannabis are being pushed to parliament. The Legalise Cannabis Party states that “cannabis used with a prescription should not be a barrier to work if the employee is not impaired”. But how can this be regulated when current tests don’t determine impairment?

New tests on the horizon?

The concentration of THC in a person’s system does not necessarily indicate impairment and can be impacted by multiple factors, ranging from the strength of the substance, to the person's metabolism. A 2022 study reported a promising new testing method, using portable brain imaging to detect impairment from THC. The use of this method in the field, however, comes with some limitations. These include the restriction of certain movements while the scan is being completed and the need to shield the device from sunlight. Furthermore, additional research is needed to define ‘intoxication’, including definitive numerical limits. Consultation with, and the collaboration of, industry experts, medical personnel and policy makers is required to develop and enact policies and standards if this device is to be used on site, in testing clinics or indeed the roadside similar to those used for BAC testing.

A 2021 study found that breath tests may be able to determine recent use of cannabis within the impairment window. A typical cannabis impairment window has been determined to be four hours when inhaled but may be up to ten hours for higher doses of THC consumed orally. These breath tests are still being developed and there are concerns regarding false negative results. Some experts do not support the use of any roadside biological marker tests and instead want police officers to be trained to assess behavioural signs of impairment.

The Impacts of Drug Testing on Employees.

Employees using medical cannabis may face discrimination, psychological distress, and/or loss of privacy rights, depending on their employers’ policies and procedures. Employees have a right to privacy regarding their medical information, but some employees may choose to waive these privacy rights and declare their prescription to their employer immediately. Some employees feel they need to hide their use of medical cannabis for fear of losing their jobs due to strict policies or unaccepting workplaces. Employees have also reported stopping their medication, subjecting themselves to ill health, just to keep their jobs.

Many employees are choosing to reveal their medical cannabis use to their employer in a bid to reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis.

Perceptions of cannabis in Australia are shifting, with half of the population supporting the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use, and 62% supporting the abolishment of current drug-driving laws.

Unclear policies around medical cannabis make it difficult for employers and employees alike to tackle this issue. Collaboration guidance and clear direction are desperately needed so that clear policies can be developed, preventing further discrimination and psychological distress for employees with a lawful prescription for medical cannabis. Medical cannabis should be treated like other prescription medications, in that it should not affect employment if the person is not impaired.

The development of a reliable test to determine impairment due to Cannabis use is urgent and should be a priority in Australia.

AIOH COMMITTEE UPDATES: WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING? EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Welcoming the decision by Ministers to ban the use of all engineered stone products and strengthen protections for crystalline silica in all industries It was a fabulous end to 2023 when we welcomed the decision by workplace Ministers to prohibit the use of engineered stone in Australia and to strengthen protections for crystalline silica in all industries.

Engineered stone, a man-made product made from natural stone mixed with chemicals, is used widely for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. However, harmful dust, including respirable crystalline silica (RCS), is generated when workers cut or polish this product. Exposure to RCS causes incurable diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer. In some states of Australia, there are as many as 1 in 4 workers with silicosis from working with engineered stone.

Earlier this year Safe Work Australia sought views from stakeholders on the prohibition of the use of engineered stone. The External Affairs Committee undertook an evidence-based analysis and in our submission concluded that based on the available scientific information, a percentage of crystalline silica that is protective of worker health, or “safe” could not be determined.

We also welcomed the decision by Ministers to strengthen protections for workers across all industries by amending the model WHS regulations on crystalline silica processes to include additional training requirements, the requirement to conduct air monitoring and the need to report exceedances of the workplace exposure standard to the relevant regulator. This has been something that we have long called for to be actioned.

I would like to thank our immediate Past President Tracey Bence and the members of the External Affairs Committee, including Professor Dino Pisaniello, Professor Deborah Glass, Peter Knott, Dr Sharann Johnson AM and Shelley Rowett

WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING? EXTERNAL AFFAIRS I would also like to thank our Media Ambassador Dr Julia Norris who, together with Tracey Bence and I, spoke publicly many times on the need for greater protections for workers from RCS. The work behind the scenes in writing submissions to government, countless letters and meetings with key decision makers, numerous visits to Parliament House, publishing our work in the Annals, and speaking countless times in the media all made a valuable contribution to this outcome.

We understand that the ban will start on July 1st 2024 in most states and territories.

EAC Chair Kate Cole OAM

AIOH COMMITTEE UPDATES: WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING? CERTIFICATION It is with deep gratitude that I want to express my sincere appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our dedicated COH Board and COH Exam Panel volunteers and, in particular, extend our gratitude to Alicia Gorman, our membership manager. Their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication play a pivotal role in the success of our Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH) exams.

Organising these exams involves a substantial amount of effort, and Alicia, along with our diligent exam panel volunteers, ensures the smooth execution of this labour-intensive event. From coordinating venue bookings to managing independent liaisons, printing, and mailing exam packs, and communicating results to candidates, Alicia's administrative support is integral to the process.

I want to acknowledge the hard work of our COH Board in preparing exam schedules, developing question sets, and assembling panels while ensuring a conflict-free environment for both candidates and panel members. The COHs on the exam panel generously offer their time without any financial compensation, despite their demanding schedules and heavy workloads.

Volunteers are the backbone of the AIOH, and without their steadfast support, achieving our goals would be impossible.

With gratitude for their continued dedication, I would like to share some important updates for the COH program in 2024: COH Exam Dates for 2024: 14 and 21 June: Sydney/Melbourne 22 and 29 November: Perth (Conference)

Full members planning to take the COH exam are urged to familiarise themselves with the updated policy before applying.

We recognise the external pressures from both industry and government for Occupational Hygienists to pursue certification. However, it is crucial to emphasize that obtaining Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH) status is not merely a membership grade; rather, it represents a lifelong achievement. It serves as an acknowledgment of an occupational hygienist who possesses a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge acquired over an extended time, working in multiple industries and roles.

WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING? CERTIFICATION It is imperative to understand that the process of becoming a COH is not expedited by intensive study alone; rather, it is a culmination of experiences and continuous learning. To illustrate, consider it akin to planting a seed—the potential for a towering tree lies within that single seed. However, the growth into a majestic tree transpires over many seasons, enduring the challenges of storms to become deeply rooted and resilient.

While there may be instances of young Occupational Hygienists with extraordinary knowledge and insight achieving this milestone, for the majority, it is a gradual process that necessitates time and commitment.

This should be perceived as a natural and commendable aspect of professional development.

Our advice to you is to craft a thoughtful career plan, establish clear goals, delve into your work with determination, and persevere. We offer our wholehearted support and encouragement at every step of your journey! Remember, success is a culmination of dedication and time. Keep pushing forward, and we are all cheering you on!

Certified Occupational Hygienists (COH) Audits: Audits for the 2019–2023 cycle are currently in progress for COHs due for recertification. Finalized results will be communicated by the end of May 2024, with letters and updated stamps issued from June 2024.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to another successful year for the COH program.

Certification Board Chair Dr Adelle Liebenberg

AIOH COMMITTEE UPDATES: WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING? COMMUNICATION & MARKETING What an exciting year 2024 is looking to be for the Hygienist community! The Communication & Marketing Committee are looking forward to welcoming some new members after the excitement of the 2023 conference – watch this space!

The team has been hard at work getting content together for this, the first of four editions planned for 2024. We have been hard at work planning for events and collaborations across 2024, working to further raise the profile of the AIOH, and championing the important work we do in protecting worker health.

If you have any news, stories, articles or information you would like to contribute to The Filter or our social media pages, please contact one of the team, or email marketing@aioh.org.au We are always appreciative of those willing to share their skills!

Stay Healthy!

THE C&M COMMITTEE

STAY Connected

AIOH COMMITTEE UPDATES: WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING? MENTORING We Need Mentors (oh… and Mentees as well!)

The AIOH Mentoring Program needs YOU!...........................

We have had a few mentors and mentees come on-board which have been great! BUT…we still need more Mentors.

Please think about it and if can spare a couple of hours a month, the AIOH mentees would really, really appreciate it!

COH Points are earned by Mentors!! – 1CM per year per allocated Mentee.

AIOH Conference 2023 – Huge Success!!!

😊

Combined Emerging Hygienist Group and AIOH Mentoring ‘Ask Me Anything’ Event. Very well attached group session, where some great discussions were had and real and important questions were asked and answered, by the expert panel AND others in the Audience – Thanking you!

AIOH Speed Networking – Mentoring Committee sponsored - Well done to Fatima Zahra El Hassar (Helia EHS) & James Thompson (EP Risk Management) for winning the AIOH Mentoring Program lucky door prizes – enjoy!!!!

Mentoring Program Workshop – also very well attended with potential Mentors and Mentees 9an current ones too!) getting insight into this fabulous program.

MENTEES NEED THESE: The top 5 things Mentees are looking for in a mentor: Support, advice and learn from experience.

Assistance with the road to Full membership and/or COH and beyond!

Someone to be there as a sounding board for OH scenarios.

Provide feedback and comments about direction.

Provide networking advise, ideas and opportunities.

Awesome Mentoring -related further reading 1. Why Mentors Matter - “Looking at Myself in the Future”: how mentoring shapes scientific identity for STEM students from underrepresented groups | International Journal of STEM Education | Full Text (springeropen.com) 2. Career benefits associated with Mentoring – Benefits of Mentoring Programs and Mentorship | Guider AI (guider-ai.com)

MENTORING CHAIR JASON GREEN

AIOH COMMITTEE UPDATES: WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Firstly, a HUGE thanks you to all of the RESP-FIT Accredited Fit Testers, Service Providers and Training providers for their ongoing support and a fantastic 2023.

It has been just over 3 years since RESP-FIT launched meaning the first lot of accredited fit testers are coming up to their first re-accreditation process congratulations! I wanted to provide the AIOH members and Accredited Fit Testers an update on the RESP-FIT re-accreditation process, https://respfit.org.au/reaccreditation/, in this edition of the Filter.

RESP-FIT will email reminders to accredited fit testers 6 months and 3 months prior to their accreditation expiry date (per method),so that they can apply for their re-accreditation. This will be done through their RESP-FIT member page to start the process and book their preferred exam date. I would encourage all those who are undergoing re-accreditation to go the RESP Fit website.

The initial accreditation process involves an online exam (60 questions in 60 minutes) on general respiratory protection selection principles, respiratory protection programs, an overview of fit test methodologies, etc.

Upon achieving a pass (≥80%), applicants then move on to the practical video (up to 35 minutes) submission per the methodology they are seeking accreditation.

Re-Accreditation is a full online process after completing initial accreditation (online exam and separate practical video per method as described above). Reaccreditation requirements will alternate between a method-specific online exam-only assessment i.e. Practical video required every 6 years and the full online exam plus practical video (same as initial assessment)

Year 1: Initial assessment = online exam and practical video per method Year 3: 1st Re-Accreditation = online exam only with methodology specific questions & core RPP, RPE selection, fit testing questions Year 6: 2nd Re-Accreditation = Online exam and practical video per method (Same as initial assessment process) Year 9: 3rd Re-Accreditation = online exam only with methodology specific questions & core RPP, RPE selection, fit testing questions Then will continue to alternate each reaccreditation period if accreditation is to be maintained

The RESP-FIT board recognised the significant effort that is required to complete a practical video submission for applicants and the video's time frame, which has nearly doubled. When RESP-FIT first launched, the video required up to 20 minutes, but this time was adjusted to the now 35 minutes following feedback from applicants and reviews from the RESP-FIT board.

Though many applicants will still tell you, 35 minutes is still a short amount of time when trying to cover all the required information.

Re-Accreditation Online Exam Breakdown The length and number of questions per Methodology Specific Online Exam is based on how many methodologies the accredited fit tester is seeking reaccreditation in, as indicated below.

Questions will cover respiratory selection principles, respiratory protection programs, etc, similar to the initial exam content. It also includes methodology-specific questions mapped to the RESP-FIT competent person criteria based on AS/NZS ISO 16975:2023 and AS/NZS 1715:2009.

A result of 80% is required to pass and maintain accreditation.

1 method = 60 minutes 60 Questions 2 methods = 90 minutes 90 questions 3 methods = 120 minutes 120 questions We have reduced and simplified the pricing for the 1st re-accreditation to be the same price irrespective of the number of methodologies seeking re-accreditation as shown below.

Member & Methods

Online only (Year 3: 1st re-accreditation) exc GST

Exam & Video (Year 6: 2nd re-accreditation) ex GST

AIOH Member + 1 method

$300

$450

AIOH Member + 2 methods

$300

$550

AIOH Member + 3 methods

$300

$650

Non-Member + 1 method

$400

$650

Non-Member + 2 methods

$400

$750

Non-Member + 3 methods

$400

$850

WHAT'S NEXT AND WHAT'S HAPPENING?

An exam reattempt is $200 ex GST per online exam reattempt for either accreditation or reaccreditation.

Reaccreditation Expiry If the accreditation period has expired by greater than 3 months and the re-accreditation period requires only the online exam, they will then be required to complete the initial accreditation process ie the online exam and video Much like when RESP-FIT first launched, we will seek feedback and suggestions on this re-accreditation process to continuously adjust and improve to ensure it is fit for purpose for RESP-FIT and accredited fit testers in Australia.

This information can also be found at https://respfit.org.au/reaccreditation/ New AS/NZS ISO 16975:2003 Respiratory Protective Device (RPD) Fit Testing Procedures As part of the ongoing adoption of the ISO Respiratory Protection Standards, Standards Australia has now adopted the ISO Respiratory Fit Testing Standard as a local standard. The local designation is AS/NZS ISO 16975.3:2023, an identical adoption of ISO 16975.3:2017. For Further information refer to the Industry Updates section of this edition of the Filter. (Link to appropriate section) If you have any questions regarding respirator fit testing competencies or training, please contact RESPFIT on respfit@aioh.org.au

RESP-FIT CHAIR MARK REGGERS

Occupational Hygienists - Two opportunities WA/SA and NSW/ACT

Details Here

Details Here Qualified and experienced Occupational Hygienist

Details Here

JAN 2024

Health Physics Surveyors

Details Here Qualified Occupational Hygienist

Details Here Occupational Hygienist – Melbourne – AusSafety

Details Here

AIOH JOBS BOARD

Occupational Hygienist – Mid-Career - Hunter Valley

We welcome our newest members in Provisional & Full levels and we congratulate our members progressing through our Professional membership. (Details correct as of 14 Feb 24 )

FULL FELLOW

Congratulation to our Fellow inductees, awarded at the AIOH23 Gala dinner.

Kelly Johnstone, Dustin Bennett, David Hughes, Kate Cole OAM, Samantha Clarke, Nath Redfern, Kevin Hedges.

PROVISIONAL

MEMBERSHIP

We are also proud to induct Derek Miller as an AIOH Honorary Fellow Name

Previous Level

Name

Previous Level

Alan Barker

Provisional

Johannes Barnard

New

Alan Hanley

New

Karen Wiersma

Associate

Albie Louw

Associate

Katherine Atkinson

Associate

Alexander Krajnc

Associate

Kirsten Gillam

New

Antoine Bailleres

Provisional

Kirsty Moroney

Associate

Bara Drover

Provisional

Lyle Mildenhall

Provisional

Benjamin Shelton

Provisional

Miriska Gerber

New

Bishwajoy Dutta

New

Paul Paciullo

Associate

Brayden Briggs

Provisional

Shevan Mahamad

Lapsed Member

Eliza Henshaw

Provisional

Tim Crean

Student

Hamish Rae

Provisional

Ivan Cheuk

New

Name

Previous Level

Name

Previous Level

Alexandar Mitevski

Returning Member

Karl Heiderich

Associate

Alexandra Marinovich

Associate

Lachlan Anderson

Associate

Brendan Egberts

Student

Luciano Contisciani

Associate

Carlie Eames

Associate

Mohammad Farhang

New

Chandnee Ramkissoon

Associate

Christie White

Associate

Mohmedjuned Mevawala

Associate

Cindy Werner

Associate

Paul Sessarego

Associate

Georgia Csorba

New

Hayden Gale

Associate

Saurabh Bhausaheb Aher

Associate

Jarrad Way

New

Sidney Pierantozzi

Associate

Jennifer Sulovska

Student

Sofea Jazmeen

Associate

Jess Cooper

Associate

Thomas Connell

Associate

STUDENTS

ASSOCIATES

“What a financial year it’s been already, M&Q have been extremely busy assessing applications for members progressing into the professional grades. We have already surpassed last financial years entire application total, in just 7 months. In another milestone, we’ve also continued to build on our full members, with numbers now surpassing 450! It’s really pleasing to see our members taking the steps towards progressing their careers, in the hopes of one day reaching COH status. In other news, in the background we’re working on an update to the membership guidelines that will hopefully make the application process easier to understand for our current and future members, hopefully leading to shorter timeframes for our applicants. Stay Tuned.... “ Mitchell Thompson M&Q Chair

Name

Name

Name

Name

Adam Patton

Fatma Erdemoglu

Karl Doherty

Petrina Abbott

Albie Louw

Fiona Macfarlane

Kat West

Raj Patel

Andrea Acalinovich

Fiona Solari

Katrina Gibson

Rebecca Robertson

Andrew Butler

Floyd Pasfield

Kiam Padamsey

Reddy Induri

Andrew Wright

Gabrielle Smith

Lachlan Nicholson

Richard Ockerse

Angela Ritter

Guy Carton

Luke Parkins

Samy Shihata

Anna Crow

Helena Tutt

Mark McEvoy

Shane Barford

Ben Flower

Hiruni Arachchilage

Mary Kavanagh

Steven Delides

Benjamin Cattani

James McDonald

Matthew Oosthuizen

Tamryn Elks

Brendan Martin

Jamie Gass

Matthew Weychardt

Tane Kiel

Brian Martin

Jamie Torrens

Michael Turner

Tatenda Ngadela

Caitlin Etheridge

Janelle Ducklett

Michele Phillips

Tegan Doherty

Catherine Irwin

Jason Lane

Mick Henderson

Terry Dermis

Cody Henderson

Jesicca Coles

Mitchell Bromfield

Trudy Geoghegan

David Blizzard

Jessica Press

Naarah Bovingdon

Valencia Shunmugam

Deirdre Henshall

John Byrne

Nichole Holborow

Vinod Gopaldasani

Denis Crow

John Gallagher

Nicola Lilly

Waylon King

Elizabeth Hanson

Julius Rejuso

Nigel Goodson

Will Averdieck

Eva Smith

Karen Alptere

Noah Wikitera-Kiel

William Bamberry

Karine Barclay

Peter Hunt

William Garth Richards

Andres Ortega

Gebisa Guyasa Kabito

Armand van Schalkwyk

Jema Imanova

Clara Ffitzgerald

Rachel Thompson

Dharona Pillay

Taylor Harradine

Donna Higgins

Thomas Trichet

Tinashe Mangwanda

Apply to join or upgrade via our online form.

Alan Rogers

Dr. Barry Chesson AM

Brian Davies

Christian Dupressoir

David Grantham

David Hamilton

Geoff Pickford

Dr. Glenys Goricane

Jan Gardner

Janet Sowden

Margaret Donnan

Noel Tresider AM

Richard ‘Dick’ Manuell

Robert Golec

Dr. Sharann Johnson AM

Warren Smith

Stephen Altree-Williams

The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene Hall of Fame represents a significant milestone in recognizing the individuals who have tirelessly advocated for worker health protection.

Initiated by the 2023 AIOH Council, this prestigious endeavour not only celebrates our history but also pays homage to the visionaries who have shaped our mission. It marks a crucial juncture in our journey, highlighting the importance of immortalizing those whose contributions have driven our profession forward. The inaugural inductees, hailing from the 1980-1983 cohort, were warmly welcomed on Saturday, December 3rd, 2023.

They are acknowledged for their pivotal roles in establishing the AIOH as the resilient, reputable, and respected peak body it is today. As we launch the Hall of Fame, we honor the dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment of these trailblazers, whose passion for safeguarding worker health has left an indelible mark on the occupational hygiene community. Through this initiative, we not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire future generations to continue their noble pursuit of advancing worker health and safety.

The AIOH immortalized founding members Anthony Findlay, Pam de Silva, Gershom Major and Trevor Jones in to legend status for shaping our organization's principles. Seeing some inductees represented by family highlighted their impact beyond the professional sphere, emphasizing the enduring support of loved ones.

For more details on our esteemed inductees, we invite you to visit our new AIOH Hall of Fame page. There, you'll find comprehensive information about the individuals honoured for their exceptional contributions to worker health protection. Explore their stories, achievements, and the pivotal roles they played in shaping our profession. Join us in celebrating their legacies and in gaining inspiration for the ongoing pursuit of excellence in occupational hygiene.

CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE YEARS 5 & 10 Year Milestones

MEMBER MILESTONES

We extend our gratitude and recognition to our members for their ongoing support of the AIOH over the years. The following list comprises members celebrating their fifth and tenth years with the AIOH, with milestone dates listed for those who joined in 2009 2010, 2019 and 2020

Drew Duddy

Mark Lehmann

Tamara Warry

Brea Richardson

Candice Dix

Robert Bittar

Aletha Cruse

Ideham Onggo

Sally North

Hugo Du Preez

Andrew Russell

Gama Gamato

Ly-Huor Ly

Lauren Lynch

Justin Collins

James Russ

Paul Baker

Robert Gale

Adelle Liebenberg

Kynan Usback

Juliet Duffy

Scott Bamford

Theo Karaiskos

Ray Sayad

Sharyn Gaskin

Reagan Neal

Keith Mottram

Jason Green

Paul van Leeuwen Barry Byrne

Kristie Davies

Bradley Gundlach

Nicola Peel

Louise Burt

Sean Walden

Mark Lewis

Carl Strautins

Anne Hutcheson Kate Warton

Elizabeth Urn

Brian Murphy

Andy McCarthy

Jodi Dawson

Shane Fergusson

Rob Alcock

Henriette Rossouw

Adrian Paine

Jodie Britton

Craig Tonks

Shaun Carrigan

Cheryl Nott

Holly Fletcher

Elise Gore

Maria Jose van Leeuwen

Jasmine Paterson

Michael Davey

Katarina Neves

Members celebrating Milestones each year, have access to an AIOH Milestone stamp, these are located on your MYAIOH under My Badges, Note: your stamp appears the exact date of your membership anniversary

Ashley Lyons

Graham Powe

Naransukh Damiran

Ben Govan

Ivan Cupic

Brayden Briggs

Micheal Lewis

Sam Geard

Hamish Rae

Debbie Dietrich

Martyn Parry

Thomas Wear

James Susic

Travis Allan

Bibiana Ortiz Trujillo

Tracey Lawson

Hayden Wiltshire

Craig Kinder

Paul Addison

Sam Harbert

Samuel Mego

Pete Sayers

Alexander Kollasch

Aizuddin Abu Bakar

Leigh Thredgold

Nwakamma Ahubelem

Levi Mines

Ali Agha

Andre Naude

Bradley Andriske

Nickolas Singh

Nicholas Joy

Ruan Roos

Calvin Dunn

Caoimhe McBride

Alexandar Mitevski

Sanu Niraula

Nelly Latino

Kirsty Bouskill

Louis Trypas

Sofea Jazmeen

Jason Wagstaffe

Frederick Martins Pereira Barreto

Myles Stace

Stuart Lackas

Michael McKenzie

Tony Nguyen

Andrzej Czwakiel

Mark Rawlings

Jake Flood

Jason Foster

Zoe Read

Stephen Scott-Higgins

Ashton Bell

Samantha James

Michael Meaney

Kersty Christensen

Rhys Flack

Tom Edwards

Rajiv Paniselvum

Harry Tobin

Enzo De Fazio

Matthew Tighe

Mohammad Shiri

Haani Beswick

Ewan Cummins

Andrea Holloway

Craig Wright

Bridget Ryan

Kathy Ngo

Megan Floyd

Lauren Gajda

Tim Munro

Kate Pember

Jaimie Redman

Toni Worthing

Greg Albert

Craig McCorkell

Laurent Fenouil

Helen Truscott

Monika Buys

Adam Bergman

Owen Gendek

Brigitte Mayes

Kate Gibbs

Rebekah McCutcheon

Mehreen Aamir

Lawrence Lyons

Ash Boss-Handley

Leon Herden

Mohamed Khalafalla

Eve Speyers

Wendy Grotaers

Russell Dickson

Nathan Harvey

Mary Zaljevic

Peter Franchina

Soraya Nusevic

Peter Meredith

Anthony Mcnair

Chris Haddrill

Jacqueline Cox

Egbert Dube

Nissa Holliday

Benjamin Shelton

Jenny Shao

Evelyn Ong

Kiko Sunazuka

Margot Chitty

Antoine Bailleres

Ken Thomas

Michelle Sparrow

Jessica Shawyer

Jhon Quinones Alegria

Jared Barnes

David Macgill

Matt Carroll

David Green

Damien Bucior

Kai Yip Lee

Kevin White

Shane Collins

Olesya Williams

Joshua King

Isaac Patturajan

Rylan Loemker

John Mhazo

James Bracken

Alireza Ranjbar

Katie Blair

Sean Meiklejohn

Evie Nairn

Steven Verpaele

Brian McGuiness

Vijay Vyas

Tyson Lane

Thomas Connell

Megan Howitt

Jess Cooper

Brendan Warrell

Jay Raval

Zoltan Horvath

Heather Gregory

Jill Oldfield

Marie Abela

Klynton Howell

Tanya Daniels

Ned Price

Donna Andresya

Louise Tomlin

James Hockridge

Bebe Sooty Phomsouvanh

Jessica Cowper

Melanie Manser

Gary Chapple

Samantha Bilske

Kerrie Allen

Hayden Gale

Ken Osakwe

Harry Leonard

Ashley Mayor

Isaac Lawrence

Joshua Martin

Jemma Wilcock

Katrina Taylor

Alan Threlfall

Jubin Koshy

Catherine Duncan

Kelly Prior

Lori McLeod-Mills

Darren Schleyer

Shane McDougall

Troy Belshaw

Wayne Sibley

Andrew Brittain

David Black Burn

Sarah Barker

Kenneth Borlongan

Liandi Viljoen

Julie Sullivan

Lauren Stowe

Duane Bester

Yasmin Gomes

Ropafadzo Richards

Meagan Sledge

Chris Bellamy

Jessica Woon

AND THE The recipients of the 2023 AIOH Professional Development Awards were announced at the AIOH23 Gala & Awards dinner, marking a momentous occasion in the field of occupational hygiene.

Congratulations to our 2023 Award winners:

AMCOSH BEST CONFERENCE ELECTRONIC POSTER AWARD WINNER Andrew Wright 3M BEST CONFERENCE PAPER Ian Firth INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC AIOH CONFERENCE PACKAGE AWARD WINNER Paul Baguley EUORFINS INNOVATION AWARD Matthew Owen ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS (AES) POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER Lachlan Anderson Dräger YOUNG HYGIENIST AWARD WINNER Julie Moore AIRMET PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT AWARD WINNER Andrew McCarthy

WINNERS ARE

These awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to the advancement of occupational hygiene practices.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all applicants for their dedication, passion, and commitment to the field.

Without their relentless pursuit of excellence, the strides made in occupational hygiene would not be possible. Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors whose generous support has made these awards possible.

Their commitment to promoting professional development within the field of occupational hygiene is invaluable. Together, we celebrate the winners and their remarkable accomplishments, inspiring the next generation of professionals to continue pushing the boundaries of occupational hygiene.

AIOH CHAPTERS MEETINGS WHAT'S COMING UP & MEET YOUR SLOS State Liaison Officers (SLOs) are appointed by Council to represent the interests of the AIOH in each State or Territory. SLOs liaise with Council on the views of members who reside in that State or Territory, which includes providing opportunities for the professional development of those members.

SLOs are the primary contact point for members, particularly for new and relocated members.

SLOs also coordinate regular local networking and professional development activities such as State Chapter Meetings, site visits, seminars, and other presentations. We would like to thank the SLOs for 2022 who are listed below.

YOUR STATE LIASION Save the Date NSW:

29th May 26th Sept 17th Oct

Save the Dates TAS::

15th May 8th Aug

WHAT'S COMING UP & MEET YOUR SLOS If you're intrigued by the idea of presenting at our chapter meetings or exploring sponsorship opportunities, we welcome your interest and enthusiasm. At AIOH, we value collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our community. Whether you have insights to share, innovative solutions to showcase, or wish to support our mission through sponsorship, your involvement is greatly appreciated. For inquiries regarding presentations or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us at admin@aioh.org.au. We look forward to hearing from you and potentially working together to advance the field of occupational hygiene.

YOUR STATE LIASION

Save the Date NT

TBC

Save the Dates ACT::

TBC

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WHATS COMING UP IN 2024!

Join the AIOH EMERGING HYGEINST GROUP (EHG)

Webinars & Masterclasses Our Monthly Webinar series will continue in 2024. Webinars & Masterclass sessions will be confirmed closer to the date.

APR

FRI 19TH

MAY

FRI 24TH

JUN

FRI 28TH

JUL

FRI 26TH

AUG

THUR 29TH

SEP

FRI 20TH

OCT

THUR 31ST

Edith Cowan University Updates from ECU The ECU OEHS Team

ACCREDITED UNIVERSITIES

Occupational Hygiene Insider: Celebrating Achievements and New Learning Opportunities at ECU! Greetings, Occupational Hygiene enthusiasts! We hope this newsletter finds you in high spirits and excellent health – we sure ended the year that way at the AIOH annual conference in Melbourne! The ECU Master of Occupational Hygiene family has had an exciting 2023, filled with achievements, growth, and success stories. Let's dive into the highlights!

Graduations Galore: Cheers to the Class of 2023!

A resounding congratulations echo through the hallways of the Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Team at ECU as we celebrate the accomplishments of our 2023 graduates.

Our excellent staff and expert guest lecturers have guided and inspired the latest cohort, shaping them into workplace ready graduates, ready to make waves in the field. As we bid farewell to our graduates, we eagerly look forward to the impact they will undoubtedly make in the occupational hygiene world.

The excitement doesn't stop there! We're geared up and ready to build on this success in 2024, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking achievements.

As always, we have listened to our students and as a result are delivering expanded and exciting new content, have changed the offering of practical units to allow for intensive back-to-back workshops (minimising time away from home and work), and have added some additional benefits towards continued professional learning for our students.

You will have to enrol to find out what this is!

Be Part of Groundbreaking Research Projects Our team is part of a number of national and international research projects, including the International Sampling Comparison Group, the Workplace Atmospheric Multi-Sampler (WAM) project, and have recently been awarded $100k for two projects exploring worker health outcomes in Mining through the MARS centre.

Unlock New Skills with Our Short Courses!

Enrich your occupational hygiene toolkit with our revamped short courses, designed to empower professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills.

Respiratory Fit Testing (6hrs) Our newly refreshed Fit Testing Short Course, accredited by RespFit, is now open for enrolments! Comprising a self-paced Theory Component and a hands-on practical workshop, successful completion of this course will elevate you to the esteemed status of an approved Fit Tester. Plus, candidates who complete the course are eligible for an exclusive discount when applying for their RESPFIT exams. Seize this opportunity to advance your career – click here to enrol now!

Ethics for Occupational Hygienist and OHS Professionals (2hrs) Coming soon! Our Ethics for OEHS Professionals course is in its final stages of development and will be available starting March 1st. This two-hour course is not only a valuable addition to your skill set but also earns you 2 CPD points. Stay tuned for the official launch and prepare to delve into the ethical considerations that shape our profession!

Principles of Applied Toxicology (6 months) Embark on a six-month self-paced journey with our Toxicology course, developed in collaboration with, and endorsed by ACTRA. Dive deep into the world of toxicology and emerge with a comprehensive understanding of its applications in occupational hygiene. Ready to take the plunge?

Enrolments will open in June 2024!

The School of Medical and Health Sciences at ECU also offer short courses in related areas including ICAM Lead Investigators, Public Health Law and Ethics, and the Safety Journey: Risk Management Training and Food Microbiology. Click here for further details.

Congratulations 2023 graduates.

Prof Amanda Devine, Dr Gary Dine, Dr Adélle Liebenberg, Dr Edmore Masaka, and A/Prof Marcus Cattani

You can contact any of the following staff to find out more about enrolments into our Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology Graduate Certificate (3 units), Graduate Diploma (6 units) or Masters (12 units), or to get involved in research projects, including PhD enrolment and projects: Dr Adélle Liebenberg Course Coordinator: Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology (I01, J83, J74) E: a.liebenberg@ecu.edu.au Prof Jacques Oosthuizen Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health E. j.oosthuizen@ecu.edu.au A/Prof Marcus Cattani Associate Professor Occupational Health & Safety, Deputy Director MARS Centre E: m.cattani@ecu.edu.au Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep advancing the world of occupational hygiene.

Yours in better worker health outcomes!

The ECU OEHS Team

The University of Wollongong Jane Whitelaw FAIOH, Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH)®, CIH®

Transforming your Career At the 2023 Conference we were challenged to be “Future Ready” and we networked and celebrated with many who are transforming their careers and the lives of others through our post graduate studies.

UOW has offered an accredited Master of Occupational Hygiene for 15 years and equipped many of our current and emerging leaders who not only make a real difference in protecting worker health but volunteer selflessly to build our Institute and the profile of our profession.

July enrolments for 2024 are now open so apply now for the dual accredited Master of Occupational Hygiene. If you have completed the AIOH Basic Principles Course and have workplace experience, you might choose to get started with a Graduate Certificate in Occupational Hygiene.

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for domestic students, making studying very affordable; e.g. a Graduate Certificate of 4 subjects costs under $4,500 in fees and can be completed part-time in 1 year.

Our courses integrate practical hands-on time and networking with practising COHs to focus Occupational Hygiene techniques and apply skills and knowledge to a broad range of workplace issues; AND our support and networking is legendary! Contact Jane Whitelaw for more information.

Research News: Congratulations to Dr Kerrie Burton with successful examination of her PhD thesis on “Do AS/NZS Respiratory Protection Standards for Filter Penetration Ensure that Worker Health is Protected Against Nanoparticle Sized Diesel Particulate Matter?”

Deon Swanepoel also gave an enlightening presentation at AIOH23 on “More Bang for your Buck: Using Emissions based maintenance to save dollars and reduce DPM exposure” that showed us how to use financial metrics when presenting control options.

Contact us if you’d like to join them in exploring new, emerging and complex health and safety problems through collaborative research with University and industry partners.

Photo by Paul Jones

Congratulations to our award winning students and alumni from the AIOH23 conference: Paul Baguley: Industrial Scientific Conference Package Award, Lachlan Anderson: AES Postgraduate Scholarship Award, Julie Moore: Draeger Young Hygienists Award & Andy McCarthy: AirMet Professional Advancement Award

Congratulations to our award winning students and alumni from the AIOH23 conference: Awarded Fellow membership: Kate Cole OAM, Kelly Johnstone

Congratulations also to our presenting students who completed fantastic workplace projects last year and shared great insights with us: Ryan Collins: Exposures to Portland cement and chromium at a cement plant, Jamie Gass: on tool extraction to reduce welding fume exposures

University of Queensland: The Start of a New Teaching Year at UQ

Dr Kelly Johnstone - Program Director

ACCREDITED UNIVERSITIES

The University of Queensland (UQ) is pleased to welcome our new Masters’ students who start their study with us in Semester 1, 2024. At UQ we offer two options for study in occupational hygiene: the Master of Occupational Hygiene, and the dual accredited (AIOH and AIHS) Masters of Occupational Hygiene/ Occupational Health and Safety Science. Both programs offer Commonwealth-supported positions for domestic students and emphasize hands-on learning with a focus on work-integrated experiences.

Each week, students have the opportunity to learn from experienced, AIOH-certified occupational hygienists during lectures, practical classes, and field visits. In semester 2, 2023 students visited the QLD Government Simtars laboratories and were given a guided tour of their facilities. Thank you to the fantastic team at Simtars for hosting our visit. Thanks particularly goes to Deborah van Zanten, Inga Usher, and David Osborne. Here are some photos from the field trip.

The UQ team had a booth at the annual AIOH scientific conference and exhibition in Melbourne 26 December 2023. We had a fantastic time catching up with past students and networking with conference delegates.

Applications are now open for a mid-year start in 2024 studying part-time or full-time in UQ’s Master of Occupational Hygiene and the Dual Master of Occupational Hygiene/ Occupational Health and Safety Science programs. Commonwealth-supported places are available for domestic students.

Program Director – Dr Kelly Johnstone E: k.johnstone2@uq.edu.au P: +61 7 3346 7816

Quick links For more information about studying occupational hygiene at UQ visit our website:

Master of Occupational Hygiene Dual Master of Occupational Hygiene / Occupational Health and Safety Science

THE AIOH BPC

The Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene (BPC) course provides an introduction to occupational hygiene and is an ideal first step for professionals looking to further their knowledge in this area.

Learn how to recognise occupational hygiene hazards, and learn skills to be able to select the appropriate equipment to measure specific occupational hygiene hazards; devise a suitable sampling strategy; present results in a useful format; and recommend suitable control strategies.

Whilst the first course for 2024 has not been run yet, the last course for 2023 was held in Melbourne. There are eight AIOH BPCs planned for this year, and with a bit of luck and enough interest, one of them may also be in Adelaide! If you know of anyone who would like to do the course, the big tip is to book early as spaces fill up fast!

The AIOH has recently called for expressions of interest for facilitators and presenters to assist Jen Hines and Linda Apthorpe to run the Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene course for AIOH. We are delighted to introduce Brisbane based Melanie Cox is our newest facilitator. Melanie has extensive experience in both WA and QLD, and this will serve to enrich these courses even further.

The Professional Development & Education committee are evaluating the EOIs for presenters and we are looking forward to utilising a fabulous pool of capable occupational hygienists to assist with the AIOH BPC throughout 2024 and beyond.

You may have heard there are some changes to the Occupational Hygiene Training Association (OHTA) training courses. The AIOH will be retaining it’s links to OHTA and successful students completing the AIOH BPC will attain the OHTA201 internationally recognised qualification.

Melbourne Course Participants, Luke from 3M demonstrating the ear-fit equipment and software, AIOH BPC attendees receive lots of fantastic resources!

Our students continue to say wonderful things after they do the AIOH BPC. Here is a recent testimonial from recent student Aaron: The AIOH Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene course was a huge insight for me. I did not realise that I would gain so much from this course and ignite such an interest in Occupational hygiene. The course was full of information to absorb and further develop my knowledge and understand the fundamentals of occupational hygiene. One of the most inspiring things for myself, is that as Occupational Hygienists everything can be measured, analysed and data reports prepared that showed factual evidence to support the outcome. In a world of uncertainties, this provides comfort in that we could know, if we so wished. The facilitators that delivered the course provided me with personal growth, sharing stories and giving insight into the world of hygiene and their accomplishments in the industry. I can now say, I am considering if a master’s qualification in hygiene is needed to satisfy my desire of growth within hygiene. I am so astounded by the potential in the occupation hygiene sector and the undefined limits of what can be achieved. I recommend this course to anyone who is engaged in hygiene at any level or has a passion to be. It was an unexpected eye opener to the broad application of hygiene and the vastness of this realm that is constantly evolving.

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The latest IOHA newsletter the Global Exposure Manager (GEM) – is now available.

The GEM features an article from Shigeru Asuka, from the Japan Association for Working Environment, on the recent regulation driving the need for occupational hygienists in Japan.

Samantha Connell, the IOHA President, is sharing IOHA representations and lessons learned at the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene conference and at the World Health Congress hosted in Australia. IOHA member associations had plenty of exciting events, as included in IOHA Member Updates. You will also find details of the PDC’s at the upcoming IOHA2024 Scientific Conference to be hosted in Dublin. Upcoming conferences and events and registration links are also included in the GEM. IOHA recognizes the BOHS for their support in publishing the GEM. For your copy of GEM, click here

THANKS FOR READING If you are interested in adding an article to The Filter in 2024 drop us an email admin@aioh.org.au

AIOH23 IN PICTURES

WELCOME EVENTS

CES SESSIONS 2-3

DECEMBER 2023

DAY 1 - MONDAY

4 DECEMBER 2023

DAY 2 - TUESDAY

5 DECEMBER 2023

DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY

6 DECEMBER 2023

3M THEMED DINNER

BACK TO THE 80'S

HALL OF FAME

VIRTUAL GOLF

GALA DINNER

ADVERTISE WITH US! Coming Soon

CONTACT ADMIN@AIOH.ORG.AU