Exposure to carcinogens is a significant risk to workers’ health.
A risk assessment can help you, as the PCBU, to identify, assess and control the risks of carcinogens.
Find the hazards
When trying to find the hazards, think about the chemicals you:
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use
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handle
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store, and
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dispose of.
Generally, you can find out if a chemical is a carcinogen from its label or safety data sheet (SDS). The workplace exposure standards might also give you information about whether a chemical is a carcinogen.
WHS regulators, industry associations, unions, technical specialists, occupational hygienists and safety consultants can give you more information.
Assess the risk
When assessing risks of carcinogens, consider:
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how the chemical might get into the body – for example, is it absorbed through skin or inhaled?
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if there is a safe level of exposure and what that level is, for example in the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants.
You use this information to choose the right controls to stop or reduce risk.
Manage the risk
If you identify a risk, there is a hierarchy of controls you can use to manage the risk.
First, consider if the carcinogen is necessary for the work you do. If possible, you should eliminate its use completely. This is the most effective control measure.
If you can’t eliminate its use and the associated risk, you must minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Considering how to use control measures to minimise risk should follow an order of highest effectiveness to lowest, as outlined below.
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SUBSTITUTION, ISOLATION AND ENGINEERING CONTROLS – you might:
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substitute chemicals – for example, using phenoxyethanol instead of formalin to preserve specimens
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substitute processes – for example, use a liquid or pellet instead of a powder to reduce dust
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isolate the carcinogen so it’s separated from the person working with it
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use fume hoods when opening and mixing chemicals
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use local exhaust ventilation to collect vapours from chemical baths.
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ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)– such as:
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scheduling shifts to minimise exposure
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having standard operating procedures for using, storing, handling and disposing of carcinogens safely, and any controls to manage their risks
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selecting the right PPE for the task.
You should use administrative controls and PPE only when other controls are not enough to minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable.
Part 4 of the model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace has more information on controlling risks.