Guides & Toolkits

Workbook for Designated Substance Assessments 27 366-BPV-01-IMOT © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA GUIDELINES FOR WORKSHEET 2: IS WORKER EXPOSURE LIKELY? QUESTION 1: Indicate the form in which the substance is received in the facility e.g., as a liquid, solid, gas or powder. What is the type or title of the product in which the substance is found? Indicate also how it enters the facility, e.g., in sealed metal containers, loose, in bags, etc., and the size of the containers. QUESTION 2: Consider what happens to the substance after it enters the facility; whether its state is altered in any way during use, e.g., whether it is cut or ground, melted or heated, mixed with other substances or sprayed. As a result of the above action, what form of the substance, is produced (i.e., gas. fume, vapor, liquid, dust)? QUESTION 3: Is there the possibility of escape into the working environment? Consider the adequacy of any existing engineering controls, possible breakdowns, leaks, spills, etc. When considering stages at which potential exposure might occur, think about: can someone inhale the chemical, can they get it on their skin, can they accidently ingest the chemical by transferring it from their hands to their food or cigarette, how is maintenance work being done, and how is construction work being conducted, storage and dispensing, waste disposal and cleaning efforts? QUESTION 4: This number need only be an estimate at this stage. However, consider other workers in the immediate vicinity as well as those directly involved with the activity. QUESTION 5: Knowing the form in which the substance enters the facility as well as how it is altered during the process will help you decide if a worker is likely to be exposed. Note that there may be several possible routes of entry – e.g., lead dust generated during grinding may be inhaled, and ingested. Some other chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin. QUESTION 6: If the substance is used only in a totally enclosed process (e.g., a pipeline), consider whether exposure is likely to occur if there is a breakdown, or during maintenance or repair work. Note that this pipeline forms part of your control and must be suitably maintained to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: If the conclusion reached is that there is no possibility of exposure, no written assessment is required. However, if operations or processes change, the situation must be reviewed. WSPS.CA

• Cover
• SECTION VI: REFERENCES
• SECTION V: CONTROL PROGRAMS
• Guidelines For Worksheet 1: Is The Designated Substance Present?
• Guidelines For Worksheet 2: Is Worker Exposure Likely?
• Guidelines For Worksheet 3: Process Description
• Guidelines For Worksheet 4: Walk Through
• Guidelines For Worksheet 5: Walk Through Conclusions
• Guidelines For Worksheet 6: Is A Control Program Necessary?
• SECTION IV: ASSESSMENT CONCLUSION
• Introduction
• Conclusions Worksheet 6: Is A Control Program Necessary?
• SECTION III: ASSESSMENT
• Introduction
• Assessment – Worksheets 3: Process Description
• Assessment – Walk Through Survey
• Assessment – Worksheet 4: Walk Through
• Assessment – Worksheet 5: Walk Through Conclusions
• SECTION II: APPLICATION
• Introduction
• Application – Worksheet 1: Is the Designated Substance Present?
• Application – Worksheet 2: Is Worker Exposure Likely?
• SECTION I: INTRODUCTION
• Purpose of this Workbook
• ASSESSING DESIGNATED SUBSTANCES
• Decision Diagram For Assessing Designated Substances
• Workbook Format