Hazardous Materials
A company requires a “designated substance assessment” when one of the twelve designated substances is used at a workplace. The purpose of the assessment is to determine if employees are exposed to the designated substance and whether their health may be adversely affected.
The Process
An assessment involves a review of safety data sheets (SDS) and processes to determine what level of exposure could occur. Assessments often involve some exposure monitoring to get a better idea of the exposure levels present.
Once the assessment is complete, a formal report is prepared with recommendations and conclusions. The report must conclude whether employee health is likely to be affected or not. Where health is likely to be affected, a company must implement a “Designated Substance Exposure Control Program.”
