Workbook for Designated Substance Assessments
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366-BPV-01-IMOT © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
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SECTION III: ASSESSMENT
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of an assessment is to determine if the designated substance in the workplace may affect the
health of any worker. By now you have already determined that the substance is present in the workplace
and that there is a possibility of worker exposure to it. Other factors have to be considered as well. You
must determine the length of time that workers are exposed to the substance. It is also important to
know the concentration of the substance in the workplace air. The adequacy of existing controls must
be established as well. A clear assessment of all of these factors will enable you to determine more
accurately if a worker's health may be affected.
The assessment of these factors will be made easier by a step-by-step collection of information. You will
want information about the process in which the substance is present. You will also need to consider the
ways by which the substance can be released into the work environment as well as the ways in which
workers may be exposed.
The employer is required by the regulation to consult with the Joint Health and Safety Committee
(or the Health and Safety Representative); the committee may make recommendations with respect to
the assessment.
Note: It may not be necessary for small firms to complete Worksheets 3 and 4. These deal with the
process flows and small firms might find it easier to deal with task-related exposures. They may
therefore proceed to Worksheet 5.
The following is a list of some of internal/external resources that you may want to consult when doing
your assessment:
Workers (for information on worksite conditions, product concerns, personal feelings, opinions
regarding their health at any time)
Production supervisors (for information on the process, reported problems, etc.)
Occupational hygienists, engineers, physicians, nurses
Engineers (for information on existing controls, equipment factors, etc.)
Purchasing agents (for information on product source, quantities purchased. frequency of purchase)
Suppliers (safety data sheets, or SDSs)
Medical personnel (for information on physiological effects of the designated substance)
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