Elimination
Remove chemical from site
- Making Safety Simpler
BCCSA Search
Chemical Hazards
Involves exposure to substances that can harm health through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection. Includes gases, liquids, vapors, fumes, dust, and solids. Effects range from minor irritation to serious illnesses.
Construction Industry Examples
- Concrete dust (silica exposure)
- Welding fumes
- Paint solvents
- Adhesives
- Wood preservatives
- Asbestos (in older buildings)
- Lead (in old paint)
- Epoxy resins
- Isocyanates in spray foam insulation
- Fuel vapors from equipment
- Caustic burns
Tips on Identifying
- Chemical Inventory: List all chemicals used or stored, documenting names, quantities, locations, and intended uses.
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Review: Review SDSs for hazard classifications and health effects.
- Process Analysis: Examine processes involving chemicals for reactions or by-products.
- Exposure Routes: Determine potential inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection exposures.
- Assess Health Effects.
- Recognize Physical Hazards.
- Evaluate Storage and Handling.
- Conduct an assessment of the risks posed by hazardous substances from accidental release, fire or other such emergency.
- Develop and implement evacuation procedures appropriate to the risk.
- Develop and implement spill control or hazardous release procedures as needed.
- Provide training and conduct drills for emergency procedures.
Control Method Examples:
More Effective
Substitution
Use a less toxic chemical
Engineering Controls
Implement ventilation and air movement
Administrative Controls
Restrict work area access, WHMIS training, chemical handling procedures, safe work practices
PPE
Use appropriate PPE as per the SDS
Less Effective