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When conducting a chemical risk assessment, one of the key steps is to evaluate handling and exposure.
But how should you interpret the “Number of people exposed”?
In this article you will find the following sections:
- What does exposure actually mean?
- Is it possible to give a general answer?
- Who is considered exposed?
- Should protective equipment be considered?
- Summary
What does exposure actually mean?
Exposure refers to anyone who may come into contact with the chemical during handling, both with and without protective equipment. It’s important to remember that it’s not only the person directly handling the product who may be exposed, but also anyone present in the same area.
Example: If one person is painting with a product in a room where three other people are present, all four individuals are considered exposed.
Is it possible to give a general answer?
Unfortunately not. How far a chemical spreads depends on its physical form:
- Sprays can disperse over large areas.
- Dust spreads differently depending on particle size.
- Vapours spread depending on volatility, temperature, and ventilation.
If the handling takes place in a closed system, exposure may be zero and no one will come into contact with the product.
Who is considered exposed?
- Indoors: Anyone present in the same room during handling is considered potentially exposed, regardless of whether they are nearby or further away. However, room size, airflow, and ventilation must be considered. This means that not everyone will necessarily be exposed, which is why an evaluation must be made.
- Outdoors: Exposure is more affected by wind and air exchange, and the assessment must be based on the specific situation.
Should protective equipment be considered?
At this stage of the risk assessment, you simply note who is exposed, both with and without protection. When you later conduct the actual risk evaluation, you should take into account the protective equipment you recommend.
Summary:
- People exposed = anyone who may come into contact with the product during handling.
- Physical properties and environment affect dispersion.
- Protective equipment is taken into account during the risk evaluation, not when identifying exposed persons.
By keeping this in mind, you can perform more realistic and reliable risk assessments that protect everyone present in the handling area.
While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, this translation may not be entirely error-free. Please consider this when interpreting the information.
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