Air pollutionCode of Practice 11

Code of Practice 11:• Aims to achieve the cleanest air possible

CoP applies to:• Outdoor ambient environment for workers

and community• Indoor working environments and public

places

Generator of emissions• Measures and reports emissions

to Sector Regulator or Competent Authority as required• Assess impacts of emissions

Emergencies• Emissions may exceed standards in situations

where workers’ lives, plant equipment or property are at risk or other such events

• All emergencies need to have been pre-empted in an Emergency Management Plan which identifies escape, protective clothing etc.

Ambient air quality

• Toxic pollutants to be managed at source

Indoor air quality

• Indoor air environments should not cause ill-effects

• Reticulated air needs to be managed to ensure it does not become contaminated. The ventilation system (AC) must be maintained by the owner with respect to standards of filters and ducting

• CoP recognises that indoor air quality is usually inferior to outdoor air quality

Indoor air quality cont.Sources:• Building products such as paints, adhesives,

carpets, furnishings all emit VOCs• Combustion sources for heating & cooking

leads to CO, CO2 & NOX accumulation• Tobacco smoke• Electrical equipment releases ozone

Indoor air quality cont.

Only in the following cases is ongoing monitoring required:

• Where there is risk of people becoming exposed to hazardous materials , e.g. asbestos

• Where there are odours• Where there are complaints about air quality• New substances that cause air pollution have been

introduced into the building

• The CoP recognises all substances to be potentially harmful.

• As a result, the aim is to keep all substances at low levels.

Vehicles & fuels• Manufacturers & importers must comply

with standards• Promote strategies to change “driver

behaviour”, e.g. infrastructure, public transport, cycling etc.

• Introduce low emission vehicles• Encouragement of less polluting means of

transport

New developments

• New developments to be considered in light of buffer zone (distance) between it and the population who may be affected by resulting pollution

Ozone depleting gases• Restrict / prohibit discharge where

practicable

Occupational air quality• Air should not effect health or wellbeing

(chemical, biological or physical agents)• Every worker is not protected as such – CoP

recognises that some individuals may suffer due to sensitivity etc.

• Good practice to keep all substances at as low an exposure as possible

Workload considerations• Increased physical work, climatic heat &

humidity increase the intake of contaminants into the body

Government involvement• Ensure work approvals & permits are issued

to those in compliance with CoP• Promote community awareness of related

issues• Promote practices that are consistent with

clean air