Page 236 - IGC BOOK

• Controlling exposure at source, for example, by including adequate ventilation systems
and appropriate organisational measures such as reducing to a minimum the number of
workers exposed and the level and duration of their exposure.
• Using personal protective equipment in addition to the previous measures where those
measures alone cannot achieve adequate control.

The selection of protection measures should be determined by the level of the ill-health risk
resulting from exposure to the hazardous substance and the scope for reducing the risk to
a minimum. It is important to ensure that protection measures are put in place that protect
those directly affected by the substance and maintenance workers. Protection measures need
to be supported by the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision to
ensure exposure limits are met and protection measures not undermined. It is essential that
the protection measures are monitored for effectiveness by the provision of workplace and
worker monitoring.

The principles of good practice for the control of exposure to substances hazardous to health
should be followed.

Common Measures Used to Implement Principles of Good Practice
Above

The precautions taken to control risks arising from chemical and biological hazards should
be established following an appropriate risk assessment. This will involve both the analysis of
the nature of the risks present in the workplace and a critical evaluation of existing control
measures. After this, a decision must be made as to what if any improvements or additional
measures are necessary to reduce the level of risk further.

It is widely accepted that the following hierarchy should be followed in choosing control
measures:

• Eliminate the hazard.
• Use physical or engineering controls which reduce the risk at source and provide
protection generally rather than individually.

Control the risks to the person by job design, management, or (as a last resort) personal
protective equipment.

ENSIGN| Unit IG2 – Element 7 – Chemical and Biological 31
Agents