August 2010
Monash University is committed to providing staff and students with a healthy and safe environment for work and study. The University recognises that for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding, precautions in addition to normal safe work procedures and practices may be required. This information sheet provides a summary of potential areas of concern for those who are considering pregnancy, who are pregnant or who are breast-feeding.
Inhalation is the most common route of chemical exposure in the typical working environment. At Monash University, it is a requirement to use safe work practices and facilities such as fume cupboards when working with chemicals. Skin absorption and ingestion are generally less significant routes of exposure, provided skin exposure is avoided.
Exposure to chemicals at levels below recognised exposure limits should not present a risk to you or your unborn child during pregnancy or whilst breast-feeding, however, once you know you are pregnant, you are encouraged to advise your supervisor and consult the Occupational Health Nurse Consultant as soon as possible.
Further information can be found in Protecting unborn and breast-fed children from the effects of maternal exposure to chemical and biological agents and animals (pdf 122kb)
If you work with animals, you may have an increased risk of acquiring infections from animals. While maintaining safe work practices can reduce the risk of infection, special care must be taken to prevent infections that could have serious effects on foetal development. For example, cats may harbour Toxoplasma gondii while pregnant sheep may carry Chlamydia psittaci. If you work with cats or sheep, or with any animal which you feel may adversely affect your pregnancy, you should seek immediate advice from your treating doctor.
Levels of exposure to ionizing radiation that do not harm a pregnant woman may harm the developing foetus, particularly up to 25 weeks gestation. As many women are uncertain of their conception during the early weeks of pregnancy, special consideration must be given to the use of ionising radiation. It is very important for you and your foetus that you notify your Supervisor your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) at Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) as soon as practicable. This will ensure that your work is assessed to determine whether modifications need to be made to reduce radiation exposure.
If your work includes using ionizing radiation and you become pregnant, you have a choice to either continue working with ionising radiation or take on other tasks. OHS can undertake an assessment and define the actions that must be taken to ensure that the risk to you and your foetus is as low as possible. This will include a change in your personal monitoring (TLD badge) to a monthly changeover.
Further information can be found in Protecting the unborn child from the effects of ionising radiation (pdf 50kb)
If you work with non-ionising radiation and you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, then you should seek advice from the university's Radiation Protection Officer or your treating doctor.
Employees in certain work groups are advised to have vaccinations to protect against infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, meningococcal meningitis, typhoid, Q fever and tuberculosis. If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should speak with your doctor about the kind of work you do and your immunization status. Ideally, you should have all the vaccinations you require for your work environment prior to becoming pregnant.
Most vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy but some are regarded as safe while breast-feeding. If you have any concerns about immunization that may be required for your work, you should seek advice straight away.
While physical activity and maintaining fitness is beneficial during pregnancy, excessive physical work or heavy lifting may pose a risk especially towards the end of pregnancy. If your work involves manual handling, prolonged standing, repetitive lifting or maintaining awkward postures, then you should seek advice from your treating doctor.
Contact Occupational Health and Safety on: