Dangerous Substances

Substances that are used in many industries and sectors, often on a daily basis, may be hazardous. A substance is hazardous if it can lead to adverse effects on the health of anyone who comes into contact with the substance at the place of work. A hazardous substance may be a component of a product, for example, a glue, paint or cleaning agent. Micro-organisms (such as fungi and bacteria) and flour dust may also be dangerous for the health. Exposure to fungi or flour dust can, for instance, lead to occupational asthma. Hazardous substances may also form during work, like welding smoke and demolition dust.
Whether a substance can or will lead to a health risk (or hazard) for employees depends on the toxicity of the substance, which indicates the possible effect on the health, and the exposure of the employees to the substance in question. The term ‘exposure’ is taken to mean: can a person come into contact with the substance and, if so, a lot or only a little? This section comprises good practical examples of how to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances or prevent it altogether.

The information has been divided into the following sections:

• Measurement and assessment of the exposure (4)
• Substitute substances (6)
• Alternative methods of working and technical measures (14)
• Personal and other protective equipment (4)
• Safe working practices: information and instruction (9)
• Exposure to substances (4)

More information on dangerous substances can be found under ‘Sources of information’.

For a complete description of the relevant ‘good practices’, and the contact details of the organisation that has developed and/or implemented them, follow the links provided.