exposure control - keeping yourself safe

reducing exposure to hazardous materials through safe-handling is an effective way to reduce injuries associated with hazardous materials.

four methods are available to reduce worker exposure to hazards, listed in order of preference and effectiveness:

  1. elimination / substitution
  2. engineered controls
  3. safe work procedures
  4. personal protective equipment

elimination / substitution

elimination or substitution of a hazardous chemical is the most effective way to reduce exposure to the chemical hazard. whenever possible a hazardous chemical must be eliminated from use, or substituted with a less hazardous chemical.

engineered controls

the most important engineered control in the chemical laboratory is ventilation.

fume hood guidelines - draft

if you suspect that your fume hood is not working, contact physical plant at ext. 8273 or by email at work.orders@lakeheadu.ca

safe work procedures

together with the physical barriers we use to limit exposure to dangerous chemicals, safe work procedures must be employed.

personal protective equipment