ABSTRACT
People in the workplace are often exposed to substances which have the potential to damage their health. Many of these are present as a direct result of their use in a manufacturing process; some are formed by the process itself. Others are used in maintenance activities such as cleaning. Some hazardous substances occur naturally, such as microbiological agents, which can cause diseases like leptospirosis (leptospiral jaundice, also known as Weil’s disease). The original move to control all such substances came as a result of EC Directive 80/1107/EEC on “the protection of workers from the risk related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work”. These Regulations cover all people at work, from quarries to offices, and apply to virtually all substances hazardous to health. If the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (see Part 4 Section 27) also apply to a substance, the employer will have duties to comply with both sets of Regulations.
