Research into modelling of occupational inhalation exposures

Overview Safe Work Australia is seeking an external provider with the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to conduct research into the effectiveness of statistical models for characterising occupational inhalation exposure to airborne contaminants and the practical use of these models in the Australian regulatory context. Purpose The research is intended to explore existing models for characterising occupational inhalation exposure to airborne contaminants, the suitability of these models in the Australian regulatory context, and whether modelling can be used for a range of airborne contaminants, including those without a workplace exposure limit (WEL). Scope The scope includes: Conducting research into the latest scientific evidence and technological advances that have led to the development of statistical models for characterising occupational inhalation exposure to airborne contaminants and how these models are used for regulatory and other purposes Determining how workplace airborne contaminant exposure modelling approaches compare with current exposure measurement and monitoring approaches used to demonstrate compliance with WELs in the Australian context Identifying any workplaces where airborne contaminant exposure modelling is not possible or is challenging Examining, for specified substances and workplace scenarios determined in consultation with SWA, which airborne contaminant exposure models and input data requirements produce estimates most consistent with measurement and monitoring outcomes used in regulatory compliance, and their limitations and uncertainties Determining whether airborne contaminant exposure modelling can assist workplaces to determine if their controls are effective Providing monthly project status update reports outlining, where relevant, project tasks completed, started and not started, project delays, resourcing issues, real and emerging risks and risk mitigation strategies Identifying the circumstances in which exposure modelling may be used as a screening, supplementary or alternative approach to measurement and monitoring, and clearly describing any limitations on its use for demonstrating compliance with workplace exposure limits Producing a report for acceptance by the Agency that is technically robust, defensible under peer review, and written so that it is usable and accessible to decision-makers Ensuring the final report addresses all research questions identified in the requirement, is supported by contemporary scientific literature and relevant regulatory information, and includes: an executive summary written in plain English; background and research context; literature review and methodology; identification and description of selected airborne contaminant exposure modelling approaches used in the comparison exercise, including justification for their selection and consideration of their limitations, uncertainties and data requirements; description of current airborne contaminant exposure measurement and monitoring approaches used in the comparison exercise with justification; comparison of identified workplace airborne contaminant exposure modelling approaches with current exposure measurement and monitoring approaches used to demonstrate compliance with WELs in the Australian context; examination of airborne contaminant exposure models that produce estimates most consistent with measurement and monitoring outcomes used in regulatory compliance, including discussion of their limitations and uncertainties; methodology, including justification; results of the comparison exercise; discussion about whether airborne contaminant exposure modelling is comparable to direct measurement; and discussion of which airborne contaminant exposure models or modelling tools are most suitable for reliable and consistent measuring and modelling, including whether there are workplaces for which modelling is not suitable or presents challenges, and potential approaches to addressing these challenges Delivering the project milestones outlined in the requirement Attending the meetings outlined in the requirement The following is out of scope: Examination of regulatory compliance options Examination of the suitability of current measurement approaches Enquiries Contact Officer, Safe Work Australia Email: procurements@swa.gov.au