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:
- elimination / substitution
- engineered controls
- safe work procedures
- 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.
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.
- chemical disposal
- decommissioning laboratories and equipment
- eyewash and emergency shower guidelines
- designated substance policy - draft
- compressed gas and cyrogenic liquids policy
- chemical storage policy
- hazardous waste disposal procedure
personal protective equipment