SECTION
6: Controlling Chemical Exposures
General
Principles (top)
There are three general methods for controlling one's exposure to hazardous
substances:
- Engineering Controls
- Work Practices and Administrative Controls
- Personal Protective Equipment
In the laboratory, these methods or a combination of them can be used to
keep exposure below permissible exposure limits.
Engineering
Controls
Engineering controls include the following:
- Substitution of a less toxic material
- Change in process to minimize contact with hazardous chemicals
- Isolation or enclosure of a process or operation
- Use of wet methods to reduce generation of dusts or other particulates
- General dilution ventilation
- Local exhaust, including the use of fume hoods
The use of engineering controls is the preferred method for reducing worker
exposure to hazardous chemicals, but with the exception of chemical fume
hoods, may not be feasible in the laboratory.
Work
Practice and Administrative Controls
Using good laboratory work practices, such as those outlined in this manual,
help to reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals.
Administrative controls involve rotating job assignments and adjusting
work schedules so that workers are not overexposed to a chemical. Given
the nature of work in a research laboratory, administrative controls are
not usually a realistic approach to controlling exposure.
Personal
Protective Equipment
When engineering controls are not sufficient to minimize exposure, personal
protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, respirators and
other protective clothing should be used. See Personal Protective Equipment
for more information.
 Section
6B: Fume Hoods and Laboratory Ventilation
 Section
5: Health Hazards of Chemicals
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