OVERVIEW OF
CHEMICAL
HAZARDS IN
THE
WORKPLACE
PREVENTION
WORKSHOP
SERIES
Housekeeping Items
Cell phones
Washrooms / breaks
Fire exits
Evaluation
Introductions
Name
Company
Position / role in OH&S
Ice breaker
The Workplace Health, Safety and
Compensation Commission
Getting to Know Us!
Our Vision
“The vision of the Commission is of safe and healthy
workplaces within a viable and sustainable system
which reduces the impact of workplace injuries by
providing the highest level of service to workers and
employers”
Prevention Services
Field Services
Health and Safety Advisors
Consulting
Mentoring
OH&S program development and implementation
support
Auditing
*Liaise with Department of Government Services (OH&S Division)
Prevention Services
Prevention Programs
Injury trend analysis
Training standards & certification
OH&S committee / WH&S representative / designate
Young workers
Resource development
New OH&S Certification
Training Standards
Traffic Control Person (TCP) – January 1, 2011
Fall Protection – January 1, 2012
Confined Space Entry – January 1, 2013
Workshop Objectives
Common Places for Exposure to Chemicals
Forms of Chemicals
Routes of Exposure
Threshold Limit Value
Legislation – Chemicals (Hazardous Substances)
Chemicals in Occupational Settings
Risk Assessment
Safe Work Practices/Procedures
Common Places for Exposure to Chemicals
When measuring or sampling
Transferring hazardous materials
Packaging & unpacking of hazardous materials
Process operations involving hazardous materials,
such as welding, machining, plating, spray coating,
using cleaning solvents, etc.
Maintenance activities involving hazardous
materials
Spills
Forms of Chemicals
Solids
Liquids
Particles
Dust (formed by grinding/breaking); large particles
Smoke (formed by burning); large particles
Fumes (formed by heating); small particles
Droplets (agitating a liquid)
Gases
Gas
Vapour (gaseous phase of a chemical substance that is
liquid or solid at normal temperature and pressure)
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation- breathing in contaminated air
(dust, fumes, mist, smoke)
Absorption – Involves skin contact. Chemical can
pass through the skin into the blood stream
Ingestion – Digestive system (eating). Swallowed
accidentally if food, cigarettes or hands are
contaminated
Injection – A sharp object (e.g. needle) punctures the
skin and injects chemical into blood stream
Toxic Effect of Chemicals
Effects may be local or systemic
Local injuries involve area of the body in contact with the
chemical and are typically caused by reactive or corrosive
chemicals (e.g. strong acids)
Systemic injuries involve tissues/organs unrelated to or
removed from the contact site when toxins have been
transported through the bloodstream
Certain chemicals may affect a target organ
E.g. The substance lead primarily affects the central
nervous system (CNS), kidney, and red blood cells
Toxic Effect of Chemicals
Acute toxicity results from a single, short exposure
Effects usually appear quickly and are often reversible
Chronic toxicity results from repeated exposure
over a long period of time
Effects are usually delayed and gradual, and may be
irreversible
Signs of Exposure
Dust, mist, smoke in the air
Accumulation of dust or oils
Unusual smells
Unusual tastes
Burning in the eyes
Nose, throat irritation
Feel better when away from workplace
Factors that Influence Susceptibility to
Effects of Chemical Exposure
A small percentage of workers may experience discomfort
from some substances at concentrations at or below the
threshold limit
A smaller percentage of workers may be affected more
seriously if worker has a pre-existing condition, or by
development of an occupational illness
Factors that Influence Susceptibility to
Effects of Chemical Exposure
nutritional habits
physical condition
obesity
medical conditions
drinking and smoking
pregnancy
Threshold Limit Values (TLV)
TLVs (for chemicals) refer to airborne concentrations of
substances, and represents conditions under which it is
believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed
without adverse effects
TLVs are developed as guidelines to assist in the control of
health hazards
Legislation
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System
Legislation – WHMIS Regulations
Under OHS Act
Section 3 (1) “These regulations apply to employers and
workers in respect of controlled products used, stored and
handled at a workplace.”
Section 4 (1) “An employer shall ensure that a controlled
product is not used, stored or handled in a workplace
unless all of the applicable requirements of these
regulations in respect of labels, identifiers, material safety
data sheets and worker education are complied with.”
Employers’ Responsibilities
The WHMIS regulations outline employers’
responsibilities with regards to:
labeling
transportation
placards
production of a controlled product
confidential business information
notice of exemptions
confidentiality of information, disclosures, etc.
* Source:
WHMIS Handbook Danatec Educational Services
Employers’ Responsibilities
Ensure
All controlled products have correct WHMIS labels
MSDS (material safety data sheets) for controlled products
are up to date and easily accessible
Procedure for the safe use, storage, handling, disposal and
emergency plan for controlled product
Workers receive required WHMIS training, and verify they
understand it
Program is reviewed at least annually, or more frequently
if required by a change in work conditions or available hazard
information, and in consultation with OHS committee
Source: WHMIS Handbook Danatec Educational Services
Suppliers, Importers & Distributors
Responsibilities
Classify products they sell or distribute
Place supplier labels on controlled products
Develop and provided MSDS for controlled
products
* Source: WHMIS Handbook Danatec Educational Services
Workers’ Responsibilities
Workers must:
Use WHMIS information to protect themselves from any
hazards
Participate in WHMIS training
WHMIS training will help workers understand the
information found on WHMIS labels and MSDS and
work safely with the controlled product
Procedures for safe use, handling, storage, and disposal
Procedures for emergencies involving controlled products
6 Classes of Controlled Products
Class A - Compressed Gas
Class B - Flammable and Combustible Material
Class C - Oxidizing Materials
Class D - Poisonous and Infectious Material
Class E - Corrosive Material
Class F - Dangerously Reactive Material
Controlled Products
Compressed Gas (Class A)
Explodes if heated or struck, can become a “missile” if
punctured
Contact with the liquid form causes frostbite
Example: compressed air, propane
Controlled Products
Flammable and Combustible Material (Class B)
Catches fire if exposed to a source of ignition or if
sufficiently heated
Direct sunlight can generate enough heat to ignite some
materials
Examples: gasoline, toluene, metallic sodium
Controlled Products
Oxidizing Materials (Class C)
Intensifies a fire
Makes non-flammable materials flammable
Examples: oxygen, calcium nitrate, chlorine
Note: Keep these materials separated from
flammables and combustibles
Controlled Products
Poisonous and Infectious Material (Class D)
Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
(Division 1)
Fast acting poisons with very serious effects
Examples: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide
Poisonous and Infectious Material
(Class D)
Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects (Division 2)
Effects on body organs after long exposure
(asbestos, lead, silica)
Cancer (benzene)
Reproductive toxicity (many anaesthetic gases)
Teratogenicity and embryotoxicity (ethyl alcohol)
Poisonous and Infectious Material
(Class D)
Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects (Division 2)
Mutagenicity (the medical drug diethylstibestrol)
Sensitization of the skin or respiratory tract (formaldehyde
(skin))
Skin or eye irritation (methanol)
Note: the hazards in this division are not described by the
symbol
Poisonous and Infectious Material
(Class D)
Biohazardous Infectious Material (Division 3)
Containers of microorganisms and certain products
extracted from them
Examples: AIDS virus, legionella, rubella virus
Corrosive Material (Class E)
Causes irreparable damage to skin or eyes on
contact
Examples: caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, slaked lime
Dangerously Reactive Material (Class F)
Becomes unstable or reacts with other materials to
cause fires or explosions
Reacts with water to give off toxic gases
Examples: Acetylene, Potassium Cyanide
Legislation
All WHMIS labels have to be:
Clear
Easy to read
Prominently displayed on the product
In English and French
WHMIS Labels
Supplier labels – slash marked border
Product name
Supplier name
Symbols for each class the product belongs to
Main hazards of the product
Precautions that you should take
First aid measures
Reference to the MSDS for more information
WHMIS Labels
Workplace labels are labels applied at the workplace
Name of the product
Information on how to use the product
Reference to the MSDS for further information
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Every controlled
product received from a
supplier must have a
completed MSDS
(not more than 3 years old)
9 Categories of Information
Found on All MSDS
Product name
Hazardous
ingredients
Physical information
Fire or explosion
hazard
Reactivity information
Health hazard
information
Preventative
measures
First aid measures
Preparation
information
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The type of PPE a worker requires in order to work with a
particular chemical is outlined in the MSDS
The following are some common PPE:
There are 4 main ways to control a hazard
(as per the “Hazard Hierarchy of Control”)
PPE should be consider the last level of protection
Hazard Hierarchy of Control
Elimination – remove the hazard from the workplace
Removing the hazard is always the preferred method of
control
Engineering – designs, modifications
Administrative – alter the way work is done, policies,
work practices, operating procedures
PPE- equipment worn to reduce exposure to or
contact with chemicals
Provincial
Occupational Health
and Safety Regulations
(2009)
Part VI
Occupational Health
Requirements
Section 42 - Hazardous Substances
Where hazardous
substances exist,
employers must use
engineering &
administrative controls to
ensure their safe use
Hazardous substances are
very detailed in the
Regulations with reference
to ACGIH
Section 43 - Health Surveillance
Employer must:
(1) Assess the need for and extent of health
surveillance of his or her workers [referring
back to s. 42(2)]
(2) Based on the results, establish and
implement an occupational health
surveillance program using two guidelines
(3) Communicate the program to employees
(4) Keep records and make available to
employee, upon request
Section 45 - Ventilation
Employer must provide:
Clean and wholesome
air circulation
Adequate ventilation
Section 45 - Ventilation
Local exhaust ventilation to be installed, where practicable, to
prevent impurities from entering the workplace air and the
breathing zone of workers
Exhaust must be clear of the workplace and prevented from
re-entering
Requires internal combustion engines (ICEs) that are
operated indoors to be vented to the outdoors (where possible)
Engine serviced/maintained to minimize the concentration of
contaminants in the exhaust to ACGIH standards
Section 45 - Ventilation
Levels of emissions in work area
must be assessed
If overexposure to exhaust gases
can occur, must install
engineering controls
(e.g. scrubbers, catalytic converters)
Section 46 - Silica Regulation
Applies to silica processes
* Compliance must meet
regulations
Section 47 - Silica Medical Surveillance
Role of employer
Re-evaluate assessment of exposures and implement
controls, if required
Inform workers of purpose and procedures for health
surveillance and make arrangements for participation
Keep a log of every worker referred for medical
examination
Section 47 - Silica Medical Surveillance
Role of physician
Give results and explanation to employee
Give general outcome to employer and advice
action
Notify minister of adverse health effects
remedial
Section 48 - Asbestos
Applies only to asbestos in work or
manufacturing processes (not asbestos
abatement)
ACGIH guidelines referenced
Separate Regulations “Asbestos Abatement
Regulations”
Hazmat Officers
Written notification required
Employer must be registered with the
OHS Division in order to carry out
asbestos abatement
Section 49 - Lead Exposure Control Plan
Outlines when a plan is required
and what to include
When:
If possible exposure > TLV for
more than 30 days per year
If exposure could result in
an elevated body burden
Part VII
Personal Protective
Equipment
(PPE)
Sections 70 to 86 - PPE
There are many different CSA
standards that outline requirements
of PPE
Must be properly maintained
Workers must be instructed in proper
use, limitations & maintenance
Must properly address identified
hazards
Sections 70 to 86 - PPE
If using any respiratory
protection, a written program
must be established in
accordance with applicable CSA
Standards
Respiratory protection is to be
maintained & inspected regularly
Part VII Personal Protective Equipment
Section 70 - Definitions
Section 71 – Selection, use and maintenance
Section 72 - Instruction
Section 73 – Personal clothing and accessories
Section 74 – General requirements of safety headgear
Section 75 – Eye and face protection
Section 76 – Prescription safety eyewear
Section 77 – Contact lenses
Part VII Personal Protective Equipment
Section 78 – General requirements of limb and body
protection
Section 79 – Leg protection
Section 80 – Foot protection
Section 81 – High visibility apparel
Section 82 – Flame resistant clothing
Section 83 – Respiratory protection program
Section 84 – Respiratory protection
Section 85 – Respiratory protection equipment
Section 86 – Inspection and maintenance of respiratory
protection equipment
Occupational Health & Safety
Regulations (2009)
Other Relevant Sections
Part VI
Occupational Health Requirements
Section 57 - Permitted quantities
Section 58 - Incompatible substances
Section 59 - Storage of hazardous substances
Section 60 - Dispensing
Section 63 - Emergency washing facilities
Section 64 - Work clothing and accommodations
Section 65 - Eating areas
Section 69 - Painting, coating and working with
plastics/resins
Part V General Health and Safety Requirements
Section 38 - Emergency plan risk assessment
Part XIII Transportation of Workers
Section 283 - Hazardous materials
Part XVI Construction, Excavation and Demolition
Section 398 - Hazardous materials
Part XVIII Excavation, Underground Work and Rock
Crushing
Section 413 - Air quality
Part XXI Welding, Burning and Cutting Operations
Section 454 - Ventilation
Section 455 - Coatings on metals
Section 457 - Respiratory protection
Part XXVII Confined Space Entry
Section 512 - Corrective precautions
Federal
Canada Labour Code Part II
and
Canada Occupational Health
& Safety Regulations Part X
Canada Labour Code Part II
Section 122.(1) - Definitions
“hazardous substance”
Section 125.1 – Duties of employer
Ensure concentrations of hazardous substances in the
work place are controlled
Exposure assessment
Records
Section 139. (1) - Medical Surveillance
Canada
Occupational Health and Safety
Regulations
(Regulations under the
Canada Labour Code Part II)
Part X – Hazardous Substances
Records of hazardous
substances
Hazard investigation
Routes of exposure,
concentration, control
measures, etc.
Medical examinations
Storage, handling and
use
Warning of hazardous
substances
Employee education
Substitution of
substances
Ventilation
Control of hazards
Chemical Hazards in
Occupational Settings
Silica
Asbestos
Lead
Isocyanates
Styrene
Carbon Monoxide
Silica
Silica
Many workplace activities that create dust can
expose workers to airborne silica
Industries include:
Mining, quarrying, tunneling, stone cutting, polishing,
cleaning & monument masonry, sand blasting, glass
manufacturing, fillers, foundry work, ceramics, border
scaling, manufacturing of cultured quartz crystals
Health Effects of Silica
Route of exposure is inhalation of airborne dust
Coughing and mild, temporary irritation following
a short-term exposure to high concentrations of
dust
Silicosis, a disease of the lungs (prolonged or
repeated exposure to fine airborne crystalline silica dust
may cause severe scarring of the lungs)
Also linked to other diseases including bronchitis,
tuberculosis, and lung cancer
Silica
Workers also exposed to
silica dust during cleanup
activities
They may expose their
families to silica dust if
contaminated clothing is
improperly handled
Asbestos
Asbestos
Industries with possible exposure:
Contracting, construction, demolition work, firefighting,
power plants, automotive work, mining, shipyards, oil
refineries, etc.
Health Effects of Asbestos
Route of exposure is through inhalation of airborne
fibers
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma…a rare cancer usually caused by exposure
to asbestos
Non-malignant lung and pleural (lining of chest cavity)
disorders
Asbestosis - restricted use of the lungs due to retained
asbestos fibers
Health Effects of Asbestos
Health effects from
asbestos exposure may
continue to progress
even after exposure is
stopped
Smoking or cigarette
smoke, together with
exposure to asbestos,
greatly increases the
likelihood of lung cancer
Lead Exposure
Home renovation is a frequent source of lead exposure due
to scraping, remodeling, or otherwise disturbing lead-based
paint
Renovation involving lead-based paint should only be
undertaken after proper training, or with the use of certified
personnel
Industries with Possible Lead Exposure
auto repair
battery manufacturing
bridge reconstruction
construction
firing range instruction
gas station (past exposures)
glass manufacturing
lead manufacturing/mining/refining/smelting
Industries with Possible Lead Exposure
plastic manufacturing
plumbing
pipe fitting
law enforcement (police officers)
printing
rubber product manufacturing
shipbuilding
steel welding or cutting
Health Effects of Lead
Route of exposure is through inhalation or ingestion
of fumes or lead dust
Workers may inhale lead dust and lead oxide fumes, as
well as eat, drink & smoke in or near contaminated areas,
thereby increasing their probability of lead ingestion
Health Effects of Lead
Lead accumulates in the body
inorganic lead compounds are well known to cause
significant health effects following long-term (chronic)
exposure
Symptoms may include
headache, fatigue, nausea, abdominal cramps, joint pain,
metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting and constipation or
bloody diarrhea
Case example
moderate exposure to inorganic lead occurred while
sandblasting lead-based paint for twelve hours
Health Effects of Lead
Lead can cause harmful effects on the nervous
system, kidney, blood system
Possible cancer hazard
Based on animal studies
Reproductive hazard
May cause harmful effects to an unborn child and may
have serious effects on the male and female reproductive
systems
Lead is also a mutagen
May cause genetic damage
Lead
Workers can bring lead dust
home on their skin, shoes, and
clothing, thus exposing family
members
Need for showers and
procedures to change/clean
work clothes at worksite
Industries with Possible
Exposure to Isocyanates
Automotive repair, construction &
manufacturing industries
Used in the production of paints
and coatings to create weatherresistant surfaces
(Spray painting and foam blowing)
Industries with Possible
Exposure to Isocyanates
Used to make building
materials
(e.g., Styrofoam, flexible foams,
adhesives, elastomers, &
binders)
Used in production of
manufactured goods
(e.g., bedding, furniture, clothing,
appliances, electronics, tires, &
packaging)
Health Effects of Isocyanates
Exposure mainly through inhalation of airborne
particles
Lungs
Asthma (coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and
chest tightness)
Symptoms can occur soon after exposure or several
hours later
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (inflammation of the lung)
“Sensitizer” – Initial exposure triggers immune response
and subsequent exposures cause more intense response
(Asthma attack)
Health Effects of Isocyanates
Skin
Severe skin rashes, both where the material contacts your
skin and on other parts of your body
Rash can also be caused by inhaling
Eyes, nose and throat
Chemical irritant
Video: Hazard vs Risk
Considerations for Risk Assessment
Hazardous properties
Health effects (MSDS)
Level, type and duration of exposure
Circumstances of the work
Activities with potential for high exposure
ACGIH exposure limits
Prevention and control measures
Exercise
Risk Assessment for
Silica
Risk Identification, Assessment, & Control
Identify the work activities that would put workers at
risk of exposure (key step in developing a silica exposure
control plan)
Work activities that may generate airborne silica
dust
Route of exposure is through the inhalation of airborne
dust
Employer should have a qualified person review the
planned work activities to identify those that may generate
airborne silica
www.worksafebc.com
Risk Identification, Assessment, & Control
Identify workers at risk of exposure
e.g. workers who finish concrete would be at greater risk
of exposure than plumbers or electrical workers
Risk Identification, Assessment, & Control
Amount of exposure
Some work activities generate more dust than others
Amount of exposure should be estimated
Published resources are available that provide air
sampling data and compare silica dust levels from various
construction activities
Duration of exposure
Workers who grind concrete for a full shift would be at
greater risk than workers jack hammering for an hour
Risk Identification, Assessment, & Control
Worker exposure measurements
OHS Regulations (NL) state that dust levels must not
exceed the TLV established by the ACGIH
Concentration to which nearly all workers could be
exposed for 8 hrs/day, 5 days/week, without adverse
health effects
As a suspected carcinogen, crystalline silica is also an
ALARA substance, and exposures must be reduced to
levels as low as reasonably achievable below guidelines
*Source: WorkSafe BC
Risk Identification, Assessment, and Control
Construction work involving drilling, chipping,
grinding, cutting, and sawing of concrete and
concrete products conducted without using effective
dust controls, potentially expose workers to airborne
silica concentrations at levels far above the TLV
guideline
Employer may need to conduct air sampling in order
to ensure that dust control methods are adequate, if
worker exposure data is not available
Risk Identification, Assessment, and Control
The following hierarchy of control measures must
be followed:
Elimination/substitution (e.g., use products with less
silica or use work methods that would eliminate the
need for surface grinding)
Engineering controls (e.g., water, local exhaust
ventilation, enclosure of work area)
Administrative controls (e.g., coordination of tasks with
subcontractors, signage)
PPE (e.g., coveralls, respiratory protection)
Risk Control – Elimination/Substitution
Example: Concrete Form
Work
Efforts taken to identify all
practical approaches to
eliminate or reduce the
need for surface grinding
Risk Control – Elimination/Substitution
Example: Concrete Form Work
Reduce surface grinding:
Select better grades of concrete less susceptible to
imperfection
Use better design/grades of formwork
Use system to identify problem formwork and ensure
action taken to correct
Plan work - complete concrete grinding when wet to
reduce dust released
Engineering Control for Dust
Dust control systems use 3 well-established
techniques:
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
Wet dust suppression (WDS)
Restricting/isolating work activity with barriers or full
enclosures (this may be the only option where LEV or
WDS is not practical or effective)
Engineering Control for Dust
Appropriate control measures depend on the
specifics of the operation
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is more effective at
controlling exposure (e.g., during grinding operations) than
wetting methods
In a different application, wetting may be more effective
(e.g., during cutting operations) than LEV
LEV may reduce the amount of final cleaning required
(silica dust is captured)
Risk Control - Administrative Controls
Involve activities that are not directly related to the
actual physical work
Strategies to support the exposure control plan and
ensure that all workers are protected from exposure
to silica dust
Examples of Administrative Controls
Post warning signs
Reschedule grinding at different times than other
work performed
Relocate unprotected workers away from dusty
work
Safe work practices/procedures
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
Employers must develop written, site-specific work
procedures for controlling risk of exposure to silica
Procedures should be made available to workers
Silica accumulates on hands, clothing, and hair (dust
disturbed, re-suspended in air, and inhaled)
Workers should be able to wash and shower at end of
shift
No smoking, eating, drinking in contaminated areas
Lunches stored in an uncontaminated area
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
SWPP must include task specific instructions such
as:
safe operation of all equipment, including dust control
attachments and related equipment
setting up enclosures
vacuum maintenance
cleanup procedures
worker decontamination procedures (hygiene facilities to
permit proper hand-washing are a basic expectation under
all ECPs)
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
When water spray systems are used, follow these
swps:
Use pneumatic grinders instead of electric-powered
grinders if water is the method of control
Pressure and flow rate of water will be controlled in
accordance with tool manufacturers’ specifications (for
cutting saws, a minimum of 0.5 litres of water per minute
should be used)
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
When water spray systems are used, follow these
swps:
When sawing concrete or masonry, use only saws that
provide water to the blade
Wet slurry will be cleaned from work surfaces when the
work is completed, using a wet vacuum or wet sweeping
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
When LEV is used, employ the following systems and
safe work practices:
Vacuum attachment systems to capture and control the
dust at its source whenever possible
Dust control systems (used regularly and well maintained)
Grinding wheels operated at the manufacturers’
recommended rpm (operating in excess of this can
generate significantly higher airborne dust levels)
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
When LEV is used, employ the following systems and
safe work practices:
Work planning, so that concrete grinding can be
completed when wet (dust release can be significantly
reduced)
Good housekeeping work practices. For example, use
vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters,
or use wet sweeping
Train workers and supervisors on how to properly use
and maintain the equipment
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
When barriers or enclosures are used, follow these
swps:
Site foreman will determine the type/design of
barrier/enclosure (based on the work activity and the work
area)
Barriers may be simple hazard-flagging ribbon or more
restrictive enclosure
Use negative air units when constructing a full enclosure
(maintain negative pressure conditions within enclosure to
contain airborne dust)
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
Establish procedures for housekeeping, restricting
work areas, personal hygiene, worker training, and
supervision
Assess when silica dust may be generated and plan
ahead to eliminate or control the dust at the source
(awareness and planning are key factors in the prevention of
silicosis)
Post warning signs to warn workers about the
hazards of silica and to specify any protective
equipment required (for example, respirators)
Safe Work Practices/Procedures for Silica
Work schedules will be posted at the boundaries of
work areas contaminated with silica dust
Work that generates silica dust will be conducted
after hours, when access to other unprotected
workers cannot be restricted
Risk Control – PPE
Respirators:
Respirators should not be relied on as a primary
means of preventing or minimizing exposure to silica
dust
Select respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
carefully
Different types can give widely varying levels of protection
Employers may be able to rely on available exposure data
to select the appropriate respiratory protection
Improper selection can result in serious worker exposure
Risk Control – PPE
Respirators:
Guidance on the selection and use of RPE can be
obtained from respirator manufacturers and
Occupational hygienists can provide information on
approval and suitability
OHS Regulations require the development of a
respiratory protection program that sets out in detail
how respiratory protective equipment will be
selected, supervised, and maintained
Risk Control – PPE
Protective clothing
Workers will wear protective clothing as specified in
task-specific safe work procedures
(coveralls, gloves, etc.)
Prevent contamination of street clothing
Rod Stickman
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