groups by non-toxicologists. Since hazard banding is a preliminary attempt to categorize relative hazards of a substance to assist
OEHS personnel in assigning the right controls, such as ventilation
and PPE, the inability to categorize hazards can seem insurmountable. Another concern is that, for substances that are solid particles or aerosols, hazard banding confronts the same dilemma that
exists for setting an OEL: insufficient inhalation toxicology data.
But, where hazard data exist, hazard banding compares a substance’s relative hazard risk to other, better characterized substances. Some experts are working to validate aspects of control
banding and hazard banding, including their estimation of exposure limits, prediction of exposures and adequacy of controls.
Verification of these methodologies might build occupational hygienists’ confidence in control banding and hazard banding. In
their current form, control banding and hazard banding will not
reduce the need for OELs, but they can protect workers in situations where guidance is not available.
Hazard banding provides a tool for EHS professionals to anticipate, recognize and evaluate hazards in the workplace. This is the
Volunteers Sought for Control Banding Working Group
AIHA members interested in promoting effective control banding strategies are encouraged to join the Control Banding
Working Group (CBWG). For more information, visit the
CBWG web page at www.aiha.org or contact Susan Ripple,
CBWG chair, at SDRipple@dow.com.
goal we all try to achieve in our practice. The AIHA Control Banding
Working Group and the WEEL Committee believe that providing
the relative hazard bands for the substances under review by qualified and seasoned toxicology and IH specialists will serve the IH
community in the qualitative aspects of risk management.
SusanD.Ripple,MS,CIH,istheNorthAmericaIndustrialHygieneExpertiseCenter
ResourceLeaderandprincipalcoordinatorforoccupational
exposurelimitsatTheDowChemicalCompanyinMidland,Mich.
She can be reached at sdripple@dow.com or (989) 636-5572.
Resources
1. International Labour Organization (ILO): ILO Toolkit.
[Online] Available at www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/
safework/chemsfty/ index.htm (accessed Mar. 9, 2007).
2. International Labour Organization (ILO): ILO Toolkit. [Online]
Available at www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/
ctrl_banding/rm_toolbox.pdf (accessed Aug. 26, 2009).
3. International Labour Organization (ILO): ILO Toolkit.
[Online] Available at www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/
safework/ctrl_banding/toolkit/icct/ sheets.htm (accessed
Aug. 26, 2009).
4. Health and Safety Executive: COSHH Essentials. [Online]
Available at www.coshh-essentials.org.uk/ (accessed Aug.
26, 2009).
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