Abstract for Plenary Talk 4.1

 

Dermal Exposure Risk Assessment Tools

B. Rajan-Sithamparanadarajah, Health and Safety Executive, Bootle, UK

Significant resources have been invested over the last 30 years to develop methodologies to reduce inhalation exposure to substances hazardous to health. This investment has helped to reduce the prevalence of work-related respiratory disease and highlight the relative significance of work related skin disease.

It has been estimated that currently, about 20% of work-related disease is caused by dermal exposure to hazardous substances. The annual cost of this to the UK economy has been estimated at £200 million and a proportionately similar cost can be assumed for other countries in Europe and North America.

During the last decade therefore, regulatory and scientific research agencies in Europe and North America have recognised the need to significantly reduce dermal exposure to hazardous substances and wet work.

This recognition has led to increased activity in the development of dermal exposure risk assessment tools. The armoury of tools now available may be divided into the following categories:

(i) Detailed structured assessment procedures

(ii) Regulatory and standardisation methods

(iii) Simplified hazard assessment methods

(iv) Semi-quantitative exposure assessment / monitoring methods

(v) Simplified assessment and control methods

This paper will introduce and describe how the use of such tools can contribute to exposure and risk reduction by reference to pertinent examples of their use.

It will then explore whether there are validation/impact studies available to measure their potential for application for day-to-day dermal exposure control in the workplace and in particular, consider their usefulness for small and medium sized businesses.

The paper will conclude by assessing their potential for eventual harmonisation and questioning whether we need to develop further studies.

 

Content last modified: 10 April 2005

 

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