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·
OCCUPATIONAL
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Ø
Design
· SMOKING
Worker exposure to a hazardous substance must not exceed the exposure limits specified in the Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances. The chart below is excerpted from the table, and contains some common hazardous substances and their exposure limits. Ceiling refers to the maximum amount a person may be exposed to at any time.
|
Chemical name |
8-hour exposure limit |
15-minute exposure limit |
Notes |
|
Acetic acid |
10 ppm |
15 ppm |
-- |
|
Acetone |
250 ppm |
500 ppm |
-- |
|
Ammonia |
25 ppm |
35 ppm |
-- |
|
Carbon black |
3.5 mg/m3 |
|
Considered to be a carcinogen |
|
Carbon dioxide |
5,000 ppm |
15,000 ppm |
-- |
|
Carbon monoxide |
25 ppm |
100 ppm |
Considered to have a reproductive health effect |
|
Ethyl acetate |
150 ppm |
-- |
-- |
|
Formaldehyde |
0.3 ppm |
-- |
1 ppm ceiling |
|
Hydrogen sulfide |
-- |
-- |
10 ppm ceiling |
|
Hydroquinone |
-- |
-- |
2 mg/m3 ceiling |
|
Isopropyl alcohol |
200 ppm |
400 ppm |
-- |
|
Sulfur dioxide |
2 ppm |
5 ppm |
-- |
If a worker is exposed to two or more substances, the exposure is additive. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.48 – 5.51)
A walkthrough survey of the workplace must be completed to assess the potential for worker overexposure. The workplace must be reassessed whenever there is change in work conditions.
If the assessment indicates that worker exposure may exceed 50 percent of the exposure limit, additional monitoring must be completed to quantify the exposure. Results of the assessment must be provided to workers. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.53)
An exposure control plan must be implemented when a worker is exposed to greater than 50 percent of the exposure limit. The plan must contain the following elements: the purpose of the plan and responsibilities, identification of the risk, assessment of the risk and means to control it, and education and training. When required, the plan must contain the following additional elements: written work procedures, hygiene facilities, health monitoring, and documentation.
The plan must be reviewed annually in consultation with the JHSC. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.54)
The worker’s breathing zone must not be located between the contaminant source and the exhaust. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.65)
An exhaust ventilation system must be inspected and monitored to ensure that it is effective. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.67)
Make-up air must be provided to maintain an effective exhaust system and to prevent air contaminants from being drawn into the work area. Make-up air must not create uncomfortable temperatures or drafts.
Recirculated discharged air must not contain contaminants with a concentration of more than 10 percent of the exposure limit and must not create an objectionable odour. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 5.69)
The ventilation system must be designed, constructed and operated according to established engineering principles and in accordance with ASHRAE standard 62-1989, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
Adequate outdoor air must be supplied in accordance with table 2 of the ASHRAE standard. The outdoor air must be distributed throughout the workplace and the system must be balanced. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.72)
An effective preventive maintenance program must be established for the ventilation system. The program must include the following elements: inspections, corrective actions, repairs, treatment of open water systems, and maintenance of combustion sources. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.78)
An indoor air quality investigation must be conducted
whenever complaints are received, there are changes in occupancy, or
renovations to the facility. The investigation must include an assessment of
the ventilation rate, an inspection of the system, sampling for contaminants,
and retention of records. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
296/97, 4.79)
Exposure to smoke must be controlled by prohibiting smoking or restricting it to a designated area.
A designated smoking area must be identified, in a separate room or outdoors. If necessary, the designated smoking area must be equipped with an exhaust system. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.81 – 4.82)
Check local bylaws to determine whether there are any municipal smoking regulations.
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