Page 223 - IGC BOOK

9. Physical and chemical properties – physical, stability and solubility properties.
10. Stability and reactivity – conditions and materials to avoid.
11. Toxicological information – acute and chronic effects, routes of exposure and
symptoms.
12. Ecological information – environmental fate of the chemical and its effects, which could
include patterns of degradation and effects on aquatic, soil and terrestrial organisms,
etc.
13. Disposal considerations – advice on specific dangers and legislation.
14. Transport information – special precautions.
15. Regulatory Information – overall classification of the product and any specific legislation
that may be applicable.
16. Other information – any additional relevant information not captured in preceding
sections (e.g. explanation of abbreviations used, product disclaimers).

Use and Limitations of Information in Assessing Risks to Health
Product labels, safety data sheets and the WELs provide detailed information about the
hazards and risks associated with a wide variety of hazardous substances. They ensure that
users are well briefed on the properties of materials used in the workplace and such essential
requirements as exposure limits, toxicological effects, first aid and safety precautions such as
any personal protective equipment necessary. This is an essential first step towards putting
in place effective control measures necessary to prevent harm.

However, it is important to remember that this information is not all that is required to
establish effective controls. The basis of determining control measures is the risk assessment.
Whilst information from the sources discussed here feeds into a risk assessment, it is only one
part of it. It must be complemented by further information about the nature of the work and
working practices before any evaluation is made about the risks to health posed by substances
used at work.

Remember that product labels, safety data sheets and WELs are general statements of the
hazards. They do not allow for the localised conditions in which the substances are to be used
which affect the risk.

Role and Limitations of Hazardous Substance Monitoring

Role and Hazardous Substance Monitoring

The role of hazardous substance monitoring is to determine the level of likely exposure of
workers to substances in order to establish the likely effects on the worker. Hazardous
substance monitoring can help to identify and assessealth risks in the workplace. It can be

ENSIGN| Unit IG2 – Element 7 – Chemical and Biological 18
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