Identifying airborne contaminants in manufacturing workplaces

Manufacturing work can create airborne contaminants that harm workers’ health. As a PCBU, you must find these hazards and reduce the risks as far as reasonably practicable. Airborne contaminants may be visible, invisible or odourless, and can include dusts, gases, fumes, mists and vapours from everyday manufacturing tasks.

Common airborne contaminants

  • Flour dust from food production
  • Wood and textile dust from cutting, sanding or processing
  • Welding fumes from metal fabrication
  • Chemical vapours from plastics, rubber and chemical manufacturing

Breathing in these contaminants can cause serious illnesses, including asthma, lung cancer and hard‑metal pneumoconiosis.

How to identify airborne hazards

Look around your workplace

Regularly check how work is done and watch for signs of airborne contaminants. Think about:

  • Machinery and equipment being used
  • Hazardous chemicals on site
  • Housekeeping, maintenance and ventilation

Signs of airborne hazards include:

  • Dust or residue on surfaces, machinery or floors
  • Warning lights on tools or extraction systems
  • Workers using — or not using — control measures such as on‑tool extraction or respiratory protection

If you can see or smell something in the air, workers may be breathing it in — but many contaminants have no smell and cannot be seen.

Talk to your workers

Workers and HSRs often know which tasks create dusts or fumes and how often exposures happen. They can also report symptoms like coughing, irritation or feeling unwell.

Check labels and safety data sheets

Materials may contain or produce hazardous chemicals. Safety data sheets and product labels explain the health risks and how to use the materials safely.

Consider everyone in the workplace

Airborne contaminants can affect:

  • Contractors
  • Tradespeople
  • Suppliers
  • Office staff
  • Anyone else working nearby

PCBUs must consider all people who may be exposed.

Get guidance

Your WHS regulator can help you identify and manage airborne hazards. Certified occupational hygienists can provide specialist assessments. Industry associations may also offer support.

Reassess regularly

Airborne contaminants must be reviewed whenever:

  • New materials or processes are introduced
  • Equipment or production methods change
  • Environmental or seasonal conditions shift

If you identify a hazard, complete a workplace risk assessment and put appropriate controls in place.

Further links