Chemical and Biological

Outline the forms of, the classifi cation of, and the health risks from exposure to, hazardous substances ■ Explain the factors to be considered when undertaking an assessment of the health risks from substances commonly encountered in the workplace ■ Describe the use and limitations of Workplace Exposure Limits, including the purpose of long-term and short-term exposure limits ■ Outline control measures that should be used to reduce the risk of ill health from exposure to hazardous substances ■ Outline the hazards, risks and controls associated with specifi c agents ■ Outline the basic requirements related to the safe handling and storage of waste ■

The forms and classifi cation of hazardous chemical and biological agents … The functions of various human body organs and their vulnerability to hazardous substances … The difference between acute and chronic effects … The assessment of health risks and recommended control measures … The defi nitions and limitations of workplace exposure limits … The use of engineering controls (LEV) and personal protective equipment … The health risks and controls associated with asbestos and other specifi c agents … Health surveillance … Emergency and maintenance controls … The safe handling and storage of waste …

Chemical agents Biological agents

• Dusts – including respirable dust (fi ne dust that remains in the lungs)

• Gases

• Vapours – substances very close to their boiling points (e.g. solvents)

• Liquids

• Fungi

• Moulds

• Bacteria

• Viruses

• Mists – similar to vapours but closer to the liquid phase (e.g. paint sprays)

• Fume – condensed metallic particles (e.g. welding fume)

CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

■ Irritant – repeated contact with skin can cause a sensitised or allergic infl ammation

■ Harmful – involves limited health risks

■ Corrosive – may destroy living tissue

■ Toxic – produces serious health risks

■ Infectious – contains micro-organisms known to cause diseases

■ Carcinogenic – may induce cancer

■ Mutagenic – may induce hereditary genetic defects.