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Tasmanian Industrial Commission

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T4239

 

TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984
s.29 application for hearing of an industrial dispute

Pasminco Metals - EZ
(T.4239 of 1993)

and

Federation of Industrial, Manufacturing and Engineering Employees
Tasmania Branch

 

COMMISSIONER R K GOZZI

HOBART 4 March 1993

Industrial dispute - Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Policy in Cell Room

REASONS FOR DECISION

In this matter Pasminco Metals - EZ (Pasminco) was in dispute with the Federation of Industrial Manufacturing and Engineering Employees, Tasmania Branch. The dispute concerned the adoption of a Sulphur Dioxide policy in the Cell Room. The circumstances were that an earlier Sulphur Dioxide policy, which was endorsed by Cell Room employees, was rejected at a mass meeting held on 13 February 1993.

In the dispute hearing the Commission heard evidence from Dr Bicevskis, Acting Senior Medical Officer with the Department of Health. His evidence was that the Sulphur Dioxide levels had been present in the Cell Room from time to time, were within safety limits set by Work Safe Australia which forms a part of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.

In the proceedings the Commission extensively questioned Dr Bicevskis in order to satisfy itself that employees would not be placed in a situation injurious to their health or well being. Dr Bicevskis, assured the Commission that the threshold Sulphur Dioxide levels, allowing for interaction with Acid Mist, were determined having regard to industry practice and international health guidelines.

Having regard to the foregoing when Sulphur Dioxide is detected through monitoring procedures, the Cell Room will be cleared for differing periods of time depending on the Sulphur Dioxide reading. The threshold levels are set out in the policy endorsed by the Commission which is attached to this decision. Primarily, however, the threshold Sulphur Dioxide levels, when the Cell Room will be cleared of employees, range from 0.3 to 0.8 parts per million. The recommended threshold according to available health data is 1 part per million. Therefore the policy of clearing the Cell Room at levels ranging between 0.3 and 0.8 parts per million are below the recommended level having regard to industry practice and structural health guidelines.

In the circumstances the Commission recommended the adoption of the attached policy. In addition the Commission recommended additional hand held monitoring to be undertaken; further independent monitoring to be carried out by the Mines Department; that training be provided to employees in the use of hand held monitors. Additional fixed monitors will also be installed by the end of July 1993. It is my understanding that capital approval has been gained by Pasminco to purchase those monitors.

I also noted that it is the intention of Pasminco to commission a new Gas Purification Plant later this year and it is expected that this will have a significant impact on Sulphur Dioxide levels.

Subsequent to the hearing the Commission was informed that the foregoing recommendations were endorsed by Cell Room employees.

 

R K Gozzi
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Mr J Long with Mr M Reeves for Federation of Industrial Manufacturing and Engineering Employees, Tasmania Branch.
Mr A Fenech with Mr T Banytis for Pasminco Metals - EZ.

Date and Place of Hearing:
1993
February 16
Hobart