Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment) Code of Practice 2010 
Disallowable instrument DI 2010 - 233
made under the  
Work Safety Act 2008, section 18 (Codes of Practice)

Explanatory Statement

Section 18 of the Work Safety Act 2008 provides that the Minister may approve a code of practice to provide practical guidance about the Act.  Section 18(2) provides that before approving a proposed code of practice, the Minister must consult with the ACT Work Safety Council.  At its 3rd meeting on 18 June 2010, the Council noted that approval would be sought to have the National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:1003(1995)] notified as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The Code provides guidance to prevent injury and illness to persons exposed to atmospheric contaminants at work.  It provides details, according to current knowledge, of exposure levels to substances that should not cause adverse health effects, nor cause undue discomfort to most workers. 

An employer, an owner of premises used as a workplace, a designer, manufacturer or supplier of places of work or of items for use in a workplace, a health and safety representative, an OHS professional, a worker or anyone else interested in reducing the incidence and severity of exposure to atmospheric contaminants would use this code in respect of monitoring those substances. 

The objects of the Code are to assist in reducing the incidence and severity of injuries, illness or undue discomfort to workers.

Following the Code could produce benefits that include-

•	improved business performance, efficiency and productivity;
•	fewer workers’ compensation claims, which may lead to lower premiums;
•	faster and easier return to work for workers who do sustain an injury;
•	fewer absences from work, and less disruption;
•	retention of skilled workers;  and
•	a safe workplace with a positive safety culture.

This instrument takes effect on 1 October 2010.

An approval under section 18 (1) is a disallowable instrument.