Page 253 - IGC BOOK

• Totally enclosed systems.
• Where total enclosure is not possible, exposure to these-substances must kept to as low
level as possible through the use of appropriate plant and process control measures such
as handling systems and local exhaust ventilation (these measures should not produce
other risks in the workplace).
• Storage of carcinogens/mutagens must be kept to the minimum needed for the process,
in closed, labelled containers with warning and hazard signs, including waste products until
safe disposal.
• Areas where carcinogens/mutagens are present must be identified and segregated to
prevent spread to other areas.
• The number of people exposed and the duration of exposure must be kept to the minimum
necessary to do the work.
• Personal protective equipment is considered a secondary protection measure used in
combination with other control measures.
• Measures should be in place for monitoring of workplace exposure and health surveillance
for work involving carcinogens and mutagens.

Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma is caused by substances in the workplace that trigger a state of specific airway
hyper- responsiveness in an individual, resulting in breathlessness, chest tightness or wheezing.
These substances are known as asthmagens and respiratory sensitizers. Exposure to these
substances should be prevented, and where that is not possible, kept as low as reasonably
practicable. Control measures used should take account of long-term time weighted averages and
short-term peak exposures to the substance. If an individual develops occupational asthma, their
exposure must be controlled to prevent any further attacks. Workers who work with asthmagens
must have regular health surveillance to detect any changes in respiratory function.

ENSIGN| Unit IG2 – Element 7 – Chemical and Biological 48
Agents