Whitelaw, Jane

Top Publications

Year	Title
2019	Noise and vibration
2013	Carbon dioxide rebreathing in respiratory protective devices: influence of speech and work rate in full-face masks Published in Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2018	Do PAPRs adequately filter DPM?
2016	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter: a comparison study using two diesel particulate sources Published in Annals of Occupational Hygiene
2014	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter
2018	Formaldehyde exposure and mortuary workers: A dead cert project!
2017	Evaluation of Waste Isoflurane Gas Exposure During Rodent Surgery in an Australian University Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2015	Have you got your head in the sand? Respirable crystalline exposures of restorative stonemasons

Research Areas

Research Overview

My primary area of research is in the evaluation of controls for prevention of occupational diseases with a particular focus on respiratory illnesses. I am an expert in respiratory protection.

Available as Research Supervisor

Available for Collaborative Projects

Head Of

UOW: Occupational Hygiene Program Co-ordinator 2012 -

Member Of

Centre for Occupational, Public and Environmental Research in Safety and Health (COPERSH) Contributor 2020 -
Wollongong Academy for Tertiary Teaching and Learning Excellence (WATTLE) Associate Fellow 2015 -
Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board Board Member 2014 -
IHMRI Chronic Conditions and Lifestyle Theme Leadership Group Member 2013 -
AIOH Prof Development & Education Committee Member 2008 -
International Society for Respiratory Protection member 1988 -
American Industrial Hygiene Association Member 1983 -
Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Fellow 1982 -

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2022	Re: Letter to the Editor, Regarding the pre-proof of “Implementation of a successful infection prevention and control governance structure and capacity building strategies during COVID-19 pandemic—A brief report” Published In American Journal of Infection Control
2020	PPE unmasked: why health-care workers in Australia are inadequately protected against coronavirus Published In The Conversation
2017	Evaluation of Waste Isoflurane Gas Exposure During Rodent Surgery in an Australian University Published In Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2016	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter: a comparison study using two diesel particulate sources Published In Annals of Occupational Hygiene
2013	Carbon dioxide rebreathing in respiratory protective devices: influence of speech and work rate in full-face masks Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2011	Air Met Trip Report 2011 Published In AIOH occupational hygiene MATTERS

Chapter

Year	Title
2019	Noise and vibration Published In Principles of Occupational Health and Hygiene An introduction Publisher Australia

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2022	Challenging assumptions: Are respirators effective against bushfire smoke?
2022	Evaluation of welders’ exposure to welding fumes in the oil & gas industry
2022	Wake up and smell the alpha-diketones! Could coffee roasting be harmful to workers?
2022	What is the thermoregulatory impact of respiratory protection on RFS volunteer firefighters?
2021	2G.004 P2/N95 V’s masks as protection against public health issues: time for action Published In Injury Prevention
2019	Managing formaldehyde exposure in modern university anatomy laboratories: how low can we go? Published In 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc
2019	Time to recalibrate: incorporating human factors in respirator selection Published In 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc
2018	Determination of Breathing Rates for Respirator Wearers in an Australian Smelter Published In International Society for Respiratory Protection 19th International Conference
2018	Diesel Particulate Matter Penetration through PAPR Filters Published In International Society for Respiratory Protection 19th International Conference
2018	Do PAPRs adequately filter DPM? Published In 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hugienists Inc: 2018 Conference Proceedings
2018	Formaldehyde exposure and mortuary workers: A dead cert project! Published In 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hugienists Inc: 2018 Conference Proceedings
2018	H2O vs LEV: Which is best for reducing RCS in Rock Cutting? Published In 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hugienists Inc: 2018 Conference Proceedings
2017	Exposure to Low-quartz Mineral Dust at Hard Rock Quarries: is there a Risk of COPD? Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Heavy Metals, Arsenic and Cobalt: Using Air and Biological Sampling to Improve Worker Health Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Is your respirator making you hot under the collar? Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Negative Pressure Respirator: Physiological Effects of Use Published In AIHce2017
2017	Prevention of Heat Stress in a Smelter Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Respiratory Protection against Ultrafine Diesel Particulate Published In AIHce2017
2017	Toluene exposure in belt slicers: A correlation of air sampling, passive and active, and biological monitoring of worker exposure Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	What’s that you say? Using threshold shifts for hearing conservation Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2016	Can Noisy Gardeners turn over a New Leaf? Evaluation of Landscapers and Gardeners on a University Campus Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Development and Validation of a Method to Evaluate the Penetration of Diesel Particulate Matter through Respirator Filter Media, at Flow Rates Representative of Moderate to Heavy Work Published In The 18th International Conference of International Society for Respiratory Protection
2016	Does Perception equal Protection? Occupational Noise Exposure & Hearing Protective Device Utilisation for Engineering Trades Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Evaluation of a Personal Data Logger to Measure Real-Time Breathing Cycles Across Varying Work Rates Published In The 18th International Conference of International Society for Respiratory Protection
2016	Evaluation of inorganic arsenic exposure at multi metal processing facility. When air monitoring alone just doesn’t work! Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Heat Stress Assessment in Aluminium Smelting: Making it work in a challenging and changing climate Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Hygiene that works, or makes us work? Examining the "work of breathing" through negative pressure respirators Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Respiratory Protection: Are our standards protecting worker health? Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2015	Have you got your head in the sand? Respirable crystalline exposures of restorative stonemasons Published In 2015 AIOH Conference Proceedings
2015	Particle size penetration of diesel particulate matter through respirator filter media Published In AIHce 2015
2014	Deep underground mines in the tropics: Evaluation of the Heat Stress Risk Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Development of an exposure control plan for diesel particulate matter: A case study in an underground metalliferous mine Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter Published In 17th ISRP International Conference: Moving Forward with Respiratory Protection
2014	From paper to (i)pad: The development of the Thermal Risk App Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Whole body vibration exposure experienced by bauxite mining operators: An evaluation of heavy haulage equipment during varying seasonal conditions (wet & dry seasons) and the potential exposure risk Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2013	Filtering efficiency of respirators against diesel exhaust Published In 2013 AIOH Conference Proceedings
2013	Occupational Hygiene Education Published In What Has Occupational Hygiene Education in Australia Achieved? Five Years on...are we delivering the Goods?
2012	Comparison of OHS course accreditation procedures in Australia Published In 30th Annual Conference and Exhibition: Meeting Global Challenges, 2012 Conference Proceedings
2012	Phonic respiration and Its impact on carbon dioxide re‐breathing in respiratory protective devices Published In Sixteenth Biennial Conference: “A Global View on Respiratory Protection”
2011	Can new technology help an old issue? Promotion of the use of hearing protection devices in an offset printery Published In 2011 AIOH Conference Proceedings
2011	Looking back, moving forward: lessons learnt from accreditation of post graduate occupational hygiene courses Published In 2011 AIOH Conference Proceedings

Other Publications

Year	Title
2019	Respiratory Protection: Do PAPRs adequately protect workers against DPM?
2016	Respiratory Protection - Are our Standards Protecting Worker Health or Providing a False Sense of Security?
2020	Managing formaldehyde exposure in modern university anatomy laboratories
2020	The personal cost of keeping the lights on! An evaluation of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust for coal fired power station fabric filter workers

Investigator On

Year	Title
2020 - 2022	Hazard reduction for our volunteer firefighters: are P2¿s effective against bushfire smoke Awarded by: AIOH Foundation Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2017 - 2018	Respiratory Protection: Do PAPRs adequately protect workers against DPM? Awarded by: Coal Services Health and Safety Trust Funding Scheme: Research Grant
2015	Improving health and safety outcomes in Chilean miners: a lifestyle intervention program to improve wellbeing and decrease musculoskeletal injuries Awarded by: Mutual de Seguridad Funding Scheme: Research Funding
2015	Respiratory Protection -are our standards protecting worker health or providing a false sense of security? Awarded by: Coal Services Health and Safety Trust Funding Scheme: Research Grant
2015	Respiratory Protection: Are our standards protecting worker health or providing a false sense of complacency? Awarded by: Workcover Authority of NSW Funding Scheme: Applied Research Grants
	PiezoSense: Safe and Battery-free Monitoring of Whole Body Vibration using Energy Harvesting and Wireless Systems Awarded by: Coal Services Health and Safety Trust Funding Scheme: Research Grant

Impact Story

Are your respirators adequate to protect worker health?
Summary
Career Pathway for Occupational Hygienists in Australia Launched in 2022, this pathway aids aspiring Occupational Hygienists to become Professionals and leave a legacy: <a href="https://youtu.be/4YkSfnwZKTA" title="AIOH Career Pathway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/4YkSfnwZKTA</a> Questions about Respiratory Protection for Health Care Workers? Meet the Experts: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4-kN2gzTsY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4-kN2gzTsY</a> How do you know if your Respirator is approved? Millions of falsely labelled and counterfeit masks have flooded the marketplace over the last 6 months. Here's an easy to use guide for a complex issue: <a href="https://respfit.org.au/buying-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">P2 purchasing guide</a> and our call for a National Register <a href="https://www.aioh.org.au/static/uploads/files/joint-media-release-national-register-final-003-wflimbofmeri.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aioh.org.au/static/uploads/files/joint-media-release-national-register-final-003-wflimbofmeri.pdf</a>Behind the Scenes with Occupational Hygiene: What are we doing during COVID 19? <a href="%20https:/www.amansw.com.au/advocacy-and-media/the-nsw-dr-magazine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aioh.org.au//?s=aioh+covid&submit= </a> Concerned about Bush Fire Smoke? <a href="https://www.aihs.org.au/news-and-publications/news/media-release-aihs-calls-evaluation-respiratory-protective-equipment-rpe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aihs.org.au/news-and-publications/news/media-release-aihs-calls-evaluation-respiratory-protective-equipment-rpe</a> Results of our AIOH Foundation grant and partnership with the RFS to evaluate the filtration efficiency of commonly used P2's against bushfire emissions are out. <a href="https://www.aioh.org.au/product/conference-2021/" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aioh.org.au/product/conference-2021/</a> Development of Standards on Respiratory Protection: Given the potential for serious health impacts to exposed workers, just how efficient is respiratory protection against acute and chronic chemical agents? Current research being undertaken by Jane Whitelaw and PhD Candidate Kerrie Burton builds on her 30-year industry and standards development experience and previous research into the efficiency of such respiratory protection.In the latest series of studies, exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) is examined. DPM is a major issue in many industrial workplaces including the potential to develop lung cancer and adverse irritant and cardiovascular effects.Personal respiratory protective devices are an accepted safety measure to mitigate worker exposure against the potentially damaging health impacts of DPM.To be protective, they need to act as effective filters against carbon and other particulates. In Australia, the filtering efficiency of respiratory protective devices is determined by challenging test filter media with aerosolised sodium chloride to determine penetration at designated flow rates.However, testing of respiratory protective devices does not account for the differences between characteristics of workplace contaminants like DPM and the test agent sodium chloride, taking into account structure, composition, and particle size.Studies to date suggest that the testing methodology specified for certification of personal respiratory protective devices by Standards Australia may not ensure adequate protection for respirator users against DPM under all circumstances of diesel generated particles.Funding sources for the project have included the Coal Services Health and Safety Trust and WorkCover Authority of NSW. Partners in the project are Safety Equipment Australia, Coal Services and ERP Engineering.

Detail View

Detail View Summary View
Detail of Impact
The Campaign for P2 respirators for Health Care Workers is gaining traction! <a href="https://theconversation.com/ppe-unmasked-why-health-care-workers-in-australia-are-inadequately-protected-against-coronavirus-143751#comment_2295245" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://theconversation.com/ppe-unmasked-why-health-care-workers-in-australia-are-inadequately-protected-against-coronavirus-143751#comment_2295245 </a>An invitation to join the Victorian DHHS taskforce infectious diseases working group has enabled professional OHS input into policy and guidelines. The guidelines for PPE have been updated to include aerosol transmission and P2 for COVID and suspected COVID patient interaction. Ventilation guidelines are currently being upgraded.<a href="https://theconversation.com/ppe-unmasked-why-health-care-workers-in-australia-are-inadequately-protected-against-coronavirus-143751#comment_2295245" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a> Also, a great response to the release of our Respirator Purchasing Guide (with Prof Assoc, Unions and Govt support listed on the cover). <a href="https://respfit.org.au/buying-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://respfit.org.au/buying-guide/</a>The media release has been picked up by many and we have now seen almost 600 products withdrawn from the TGA register! <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-face-masks-cancelled-artg-entries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-face-masks-cancelled-artg-entries</a> The Dept of Fair Trade has been inundated with complaints and with our expert advice on RPE standards and test methods a major hardware retailer is undertaking a national recall of a product as a result of the first claim investigated. We are now supporting Vic DHHD infection prevention group and calling for a National CDC with support from the Senate Select Committee, ASA and the AMA. 
Field of Research
Countries / Regions
Beneficiaries

Beneficiary Quantification Description
External Partners
Evidence of Impact

Evidence Description
UOW Centres / Programs
UOW Researchers / Collaborators

Available as Research Supervisor

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	Do As/NZS respiratory protection standards for filter penetration ensure worker health is protected against nanoparticle sized diesel particulate matter?	Burton, Kerrie

Reviewer Of

OHS Body of Knowledge (Book Section) 2012 -
Principles Of Occupational Hygiene (Book Section) 2018

Organizer Of Event

AIOH 2016 -

Professional Service Activities

Australian Standards Committee SF10 AIHS Representative 2019 -
RESP-FIT Accreditation Panel Chair 2019 -
AIOH Fellow 2015 -
Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board AIOH Representative 2013 -
AIOH Professional Development & Education Committee Member 2009 -

Education And Training

University of Wollongong, PhD Candidate 2015 -
M.Sc. in Environmental Health, University of Western Sydney 1996 - 1998
University of Newcastle, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science: OHS 1988 - 1990

Credentials

Credential Eligibility Attained

Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessment Certificate

Awards And Honors

Best Poster Award, conferred by International Society of Respiratory Protection (ISRP), 2018
Fellow: Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, 2015
3M Best Conference Paper (AIOH 33rd Annual Conference), 2015
AES Post Gradute ScholarsHip, conferred by AIOH, 2015
AirMet Scientific Professional Development Award, 2010
MSA Post Graduate Scholarship, 1993
AIOH Best Conference Poster (9th Annual Conference), 1990

Teaching Overview

Developing the next generation of Occupational Hygiene and Safety Professionals to Protect Worker Health globally.

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2077-9640 (confirmed)

Top Publications

Year	Title
2019	Noise and vibration
2013	Carbon dioxide rebreathing in respiratory protective devices: influence of speech and work rate in full-face masks Published in Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2018	Do PAPRs adequately filter DPM?
2016	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter: a comparison study using two diesel particulate sources Published in Annals of Occupational Hygiene
2014	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter
2018	Formaldehyde exposure and mortuary workers: A dead cert project!
2017	Evaluation of Waste Isoflurane Gas Exposure During Rodent Surgery in an Australian University Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2015	Have you got your head in the sand? Respirable crystalline exposures of restorative stonemasons

Research Areas

Research Overview

My primary area of research is in the evaluation of controls for prevention of occupational diseases with a particular focus on respiratory illnesses. I am an expert in respiratory protection.

Head Of

UOW: Occupational Hygiene Program Co-ordinator 2012 -

Member Of

Centre for Occupational, Public and Environmental Research in Safety and Health (COPERSH) Contributor 2020 -
Wollongong Academy for Tertiary Teaching and Learning Excellence (WATTLE) Associate Fellow 2015 -
Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board Board Member 2014 -
IHMRI Chronic Conditions and Lifestyle Theme Leadership Group Member 2013 -
AIOH Prof Development & Education Committee Member 2008 -
International Society for Respiratory Protection member 1988 -
American Industrial Hygiene Association Member 1983 -
Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Fellow 1982 -

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2022	Re: Letter to the Editor, Regarding the pre-proof of “Implementation of a successful infection prevention and control governance structure and capacity building strategies during COVID-19 pandemic—A brief report” Published In American Journal of Infection Control
2020	PPE unmasked: why health-care workers in Australia are inadequately protected against coronavirus Published In The Conversation
2017	Evaluation of Waste Isoflurane Gas Exposure During Rodent Surgery in an Australian University Published In Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2016	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter: a comparison study using two diesel particulate sources Published In Annals of Occupational Hygiene
2013	Carbon dioxide rebreathing in respiratory protective devices: influence of speech and work rate in full-face masks Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2011	Air Met Trip Report 2011 Published In AIOH occupational hygiene MATTERS

Chapter

Year	Title
2019	Noise and vibration Published In Principles of Occupational Health and Hygiene An introduction Publisher Australia

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2022	Challenging assumptions: Are respirators effective against bushfire smoke?
2022	Evaluation of welders’ exposure to welding fumes in the oil & gas industry
2022	Wake up and smell the alpha-diketones! Could coffee roasting be harmful to workers?
2022	What is the thermoregulatory impact of respiratory protection on RFS volunteer firefighters?
2021	2G.004 P2/N95 V’s masks as protection against public health issues: time for action Published In Injury Prevention
2019	Managing formaldehyde exposure in modern university anatomy laboratories: how low can we go? Published In 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc
2019	Time to recalibrate: incorporating human factors in respirator selection Published In 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc
2018	Determination of Breathing Rates for Respirator Wearers in an Australian Smelter Published In International Society for Respiratory Protection 19th International Conference
2018	Diesel Particulate Matter Penetration through PAPR Filters Published In International Society for Respiratory Protection 19th International Conference
2018	Do PAPRs adequately filter DPM? Published In 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hugienists Inc: 2018 Conference Proceedings
2018	Formaldehyde exposure and mortuary workers: A dead cert project! Published In 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hugienists Inc: 2018 Conference Proceedings
2018	H2O vs LEV: Which is best for reducing RCS in Rock Cutting? Published In 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hugienists Inc: 2018 Conference Proceedings
2017	Exposure to Low-quartz Mineral Dust at Hard Rock Quarries: is there a Risk of COPD? Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Heavy Metals, Arsenic and Cobalt: Using Air and Biological Sampling to Improve Worker Health Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Is your respirator making you hot under the collar? Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Negative Pressure Respirator: Physiological Effects of Use Published In AIHce2017
2017	Prevention of Heat Stress in a Smelter Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	Respiratory Protection against Ultrafine Diesel Particulate Published In AIHce2017
2017	Toluene exposure in belt slicers: A correlation of air sampling, passive and active, and biological monitoring of worker exposure Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2017	What’s that you say? Using threshold shifts for hearing conservation Published In AIOH2017 Connect2Prevent : Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc. 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
2016	Can Noisy Gardeners turn over a New Leaf? Evaluation of Landscapers and Gardeners on a University Campus Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Development and Validation of a Method to Evaluate the Penetration of Diesel Particulate Matter through Respirator Filter Media, at Flow Rates Representative of Moderate to Heavy Work Published In The 18th International Conference of International Society for Respiratory Protection
2016	Does Perception equal Protection? Occupational Noise Exposure & Hearing Protective Device Utilisation for Engineering Trades Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Evaluation of a Personal Data Logger to Measure Real-Time Breathing Cycles Across Varying Work Rates Published In The 18th International Conference of International Society for Respiratory Protection
2016	Evaluation of inorganic arsenic exposure at multi metal processing facility. When air monitoring alone just doesn’t work! Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Heat Stress Assessment in Aluminium Smelting: Making it work in a challenging and changing climate Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Hygiene that works, or makes us work? Examining the "work of breathing" through negative pressure respirators Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2016	Respiratory Protection: Are our standards protecting worker health? Published In Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 34th Annual Conference
2015	Have you got your head in the sand? Respirable crystalline exposures of restorative stonemasons Published In 2015 AIOH Conference Proceedings
2015	Particle size penetration of diesel particulate matter through respirator filter media Published In AIHce 2015
2014	Deep underground mines in the tropics: Evaluation of the Heat Stress Risk Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Development of an exposure control plan for diesel particulate matter: A case study in an underground metalliferous mine Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Efficiency of respirator filter media against diesel particulate matter Published In 17th ISRP International Conference: Moving Forward with Respiratory Protection
2014	From paper to (i)pad: The development of the Thermal Risk App Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2014	Whole body vibration exposure experienced by bauxite mining operators: An evaluation of heavy haulage equipment during varying seasonal conditions (wet & dry seasons) and the potential exposure risk Published In AIOH 2014 Melbourne: Exploring the Boundaries: Conference Proceedings
2013	Filtering efficiency of respirators against diesel exhaust Published In 2013 AIOH Conference Proceedings
2013	Occupational Hygiene Education Published In What Has Occupational Hygiene Education in Australia Achieved? Five Years on...are we delivering the Goods?
2012	Comparison of OHS course accreditation procedures in Australia Published In 30th Annual Conference and Exhibition: Meeting Global Challenges, 2012 Conference Proceedings
2012	Phonic respiration and Its impact on carbon dioxide re‐breathing in respiratory protective devices Published In Sixteenth Biennial Conference: “A Global View on Respiratory Protection”
2011	Can new technology help an old issue? Promotion of the use of hearing protection devices in an offset printery Published In 2011 AIOH Conference Proceedings
2011	Looking back, moving forward: lessons learnt from accreditation of post graduate occupational hygiene courses Published In 2011 AIOH Conference Proceedings

Other Publications

Year	Title
2019	Respiratory Protection: Do PAPRs adequately protect workers against DPM?
2016	Respiratory Protection - Are our Standards Protecting Worker Health or Providing a False Sense of Security?
2020	Managing formaldehyde exposure in modern university anatomy laboratories
2020	The personal cost of keeping the lights on! An evaluation of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust for coal fired power station fabric filter workers

Investigator On

Year	Title
2020 - 2022	Hazard reduction for our volunteer firefighters: are P2¿s effective against bushfire smoke Awarded by: AIOH Foundation Funding Scheme: Project Grant
2017 - 2018	Respiratory Protection: Do PAPRs adequately protect workers against DPM? Awarded by: Coal Services Health and Safety Trust Funding Scheme: Research Grant
2015	Improving health and safety outcomes in Chilean miners: a lifestyle intervention program to improve wellbeing and decrease musculoskeletal injuries Awarded by: Mutual de Seguridad Funding Scheme: Research Funding
2015	Respiratory Protection -are our standards protecting worker health or providing a false sense of security? Awarded by: Coal Services Health and Safety Trust Funding Scheme: Research Grant
2015	Respiratory Protection: Are our standards protecting worker health or providing a false sense of complacency? Awarded by: Workcover Authority of NSW Funding Scheme: Applied Research Grants
	PiezoSense: Safe and Battery-free Monitoring of Whole Body Vibration using Energy Harvesting and Wireless Systems Awarded by: Coal Services Health and Safety Trust Funding Scheme: Research Grant

Impact Story

Are your respirators adequate to protect worker health?
Summary
Career Pathway for Occupational Hygienists in Australia Launched in 2022, this pathway aids aspiring Occupational Hygienists to become Professionals and leave a legacy: <a href="https://youtu.be/4YkSfnwZKTA" title="AIOH Career Pathway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/4YkSfnwZKTA</a> Questions about Respiratory Protection for Health Care Workers? Meet the Experts: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4-kN2gzTsY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4-kN2gzTsY</a> How do you know if your Respirator is approved? Millions of falsely labelled and counterfeit masks have flooded the marketplace over the last 6 months. Here's an easy to use guide for a complex issue: <a href="https://respfit.org.au/buying-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">P2 purchasing guide</a> and our call for a National Register <a href="https://www.aioh.org.au/static/uploads/files/joint-media-release-national-register-final-003-wflimbofmeri.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aioh.org.au/static/uploads/files/joint-media-release-national-register-final-003-wflimbofmeri.pdf</a>Behind the Scenes with Occupational Hygiene: What are we doing during COVID 19? <a href="%20https:/www.amansw.com.au/advocacy-and-media/the-nsw-dr-magazine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aioh.org.au//?s=aioh+covid&submit= </a> Concerned about Bush Fire Smoke? <a href="https://www.aihs.org.au/news-and-publications/news/media-release-aihs-calls-evaluation-respiratory-protective-equipment-rpe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aihs.org.au/news-and-publications/news/media-release-aihs-calls-evaluation-respiratory-protective-equipment-rpe</a> Results of our AIOH Foundation grant and partnership with the RFS to evaluate the filtration efficiency of commonly used P2's against bushfire emissions are out. <a href="https://www.aioh.org.au/product/conference-2021/" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aioh.org.au/product/conference-2021/</a> Development of Standards on Respiratory Protection: Given the potential for serious health impacts to exposed workers, just how efficient is respiratory protection against acute and chronic chemical agents? Current research being undertaken by Jane Whitelaw and PhD Candidate Kerrie Burton builds on her 30-year industry and standards development experience and previous research into the efficiency of such respiratory protection.In the latest series of studies, exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) is examined. DPM is a major issue in many industrial workplaces including the potential to develop lung cancer and adverse irritant and cardiovascular effects.Personal respiratory protective devices are an accepted safety measure to mitigate worker exposure against the potentially damaging health impacts of DPM.To be protective, they need to act as effective filters against carbon and other particulates. In Australia, the filtering efficiency of respiratory protective devices is determined by challenging test filter media with aerosolised sodium chloride to determine penetration at designated flow rates.However, testing of respiratory protective devices does not account for the differences between characteristics of workplace contaminants like DPM and the test agent sodium chloride, taking into account structure, composition, and particle size.Studies to date suggest that the testing methodology specified for certification of personal respiratory protective devices by Standards Australia may not ensure adequate protection for respirator users against DPM under all circumstances of diesel generated particles.Funding sources for the project have included the Coal Services Health and Safety Trust and WorkCover Authority of NSW. Partners in the project are Safety Equipment Australia, Coal Services and ERP Engineering.

Detail View

Detail View Summary View
Detail of Impact
The Campaign for P2 respirators for Health Care Workers is gaining traction! <a href="https://theconversation.com/ppe-unmasked-why-health-care-workers-in-australia-are-inadequately-protected-against-coronavirus-143751#comment_2295245" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://theconversation.com/ppe-unmasked-why-health-care-workers-in-australia-are-inadequately-protected-against-coronavirus-143751#comment_2295245 </a>An invitation to join the Victorian DHHS taskforce infectious diseases working group has enabled professional OHS input into policy and guidelines. The guidelines for PPE have been updated to include aerosol transmission and P2 for COVID and suspected COVID patient interaction. Ventilation guidelines are currently being upgraded.<a href="https://theconversation.com/ppe-unmasked-why-health-care-workers-in-australia-are-inadequately-protected-against-coronavirus-143751#comment_2295245" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a> Also, a great response to the release of our Respirator Purchasing Guide (with Prof Assoc, Unions and Govt support listed on the cover). <a href="https://respfit.org.au/buying-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://respfit.org.au/buying-guide/</a>The media release has been picked up by many and we have now seen almost 600 products withdrawn from the TGA register! <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-face-masks-cancelled-artg-entries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.tga.gov.au/post-market-review-face-masks-cancelled-artg-entries</a> The Dept of Fair Trade has been inundated with complaints and with our expert advice on RPE standards and test methods a major hardware retailer is undertaking a national recall of a product as a result of the first claim investigated. We are now supporting Vic DHHD infection prevention group and calling for a National CDC with support from the Senate Select Committee, ASA and the AMA. 
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Evidence of Impact

Evidence Description
UOW Centres / Programs
UOW Researchers / Collaborators

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	Do As/NZS respiratory protection standards for filter penetration ensure worker health is protected against nanoparticle sized diesel particulate matter?	Burton, Kerrie

Reviewer Of

OHS Body of Knowledge (Book Section) 2012 -
Principles Of Occupational Hygiene (Book Section) 2018

Organizer Of Event

AIOH 2016 -

Professional Service Activities

Australian Standards Committee SF10 AIHS Representative 2019 -
RESP-FIT Accreditation Panel Chair 2019 -
AIOH Fellow 2015 -
Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board AIOH Representative 2013 -
AIOH Professional Development & Education Committee Member 2009 -

Education And Training

University of Wollongong, PhD Candidate 2015 -
M.Sc. in Environmental Health, University of Western Sydney 1996 - 1998
University of Newcastle, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science: OHS 1988 - 1990

Credentials

Credential Eligibility Attained

Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessment Certificate

Awards And Honors

Best Poster Award, conferred by International Society of Respiratory Protection (ISRP), 2018
Fellow: Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, 2015
3M Best Conference Paper (AIOH 33rd Annual Conference), 2015
AES Post Gradute ScholarsHip, conferred by AIOH, 2015
AirMet Scientific Professional Development Award, 2010
MSA Post Graduate Scholarship, 1993
AIOH Best Conference Poster (9th Annual Conference), 1990

Teaching Overview

Developing the next generation of Occupational Hygiene and Safety Professionals to Protect Worker Health globally.

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2077-9640 (confirmed)

Overview

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Affiliation

Available for Collaborative Projects

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Member Of

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Impact Story

Are your respirators adequate to protect worker health?

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Available as Research Supervisor

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Graduate Advising Relationship

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Reviewer Of

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Education And Training

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Awards And Honors

Teaching Overview

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Orcid Id

Overview

Top Publications

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Research Overview

Affiliation

Head Of

Member Of

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Chapter

Conference Paper

Other Publications

Funding

Investigator On

Impact

Impact Story

Are your respirators adequate to protect worker health?

Supervision

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Service

Reviewer Of

Organizer Of Event

Professional Service Activities

Background

Education And Training

Credentials

Credential Eligibility Attained

Awards And Honors

Teaching Overview

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Orcid Id

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