Advisory notation for skin absorption in the Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants

The Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list) includes advisory notations for some airborne contaminants, in addition to the mandatory exposure limits. These advisory notations provide information about additional risks that some airborne contaminants pose. 

The WEL for airborne contaminants are generally assigned to protect from health effects from inhalation. However, for some airborne contaminants skin absorption may be a source of significant exposure and contribute to adverse health effects. These chemicals are assigned a ‘Sk’ notation. 

In addition to controls to protect against inhalation of airborne contaminants, extra control measures may be needed for these chemicals to minimise the additional risk from skin, mucous membrane and eye contact.

The main risk of skin absorption comes from direct contact with hazardous chemicals, but contact with contaminated surfaces, including contaminated personal protective equipment, can also contribute to exposures.

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure inhalation AND skin exposure to these chemicals is eliminated or minimised in the workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable. 

For more information on managing the risk of skin absorption, see the model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Related information

• Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list)
• Airborne contaminants
• model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Resources in this collection