Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (National Code of Practice for the Control of Work - related exposure to Hepatitis and HIV (Blood- borne) Viruses) Code of Practice 2010 
Disallowable instrument DI 2010 - 234
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 Code of Practice for the Control of work-related exposure to hepatitis and HIV (Blood-borne) Viruses [NOHSC:2010 (2203)] notified as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The Code provides guidance to the management of exposure to Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HBC) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and is applicable to all workplaces.  It sets out practical guidance on how to minimise the risks of infection from HBV, HBC and HIV.
 
An employer, an owner of premises used as a workplace, a health and safety representative, an OHS professional, a worker or anyone else interested in minimising the risk of infection will implement the recommended procedures for managing the risks that arise from exposure to these viruses. 

The objects of the Code are to assist in reducing the incidence and severity of illness 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.