Occupational Hygiene Sampling and Exposure Limits by Rachel Pinto (Mhsc, CIH), Occupational Hygienist, University of Guelph
Occupational Hygiene Sampling and Exposure Limits For Veterinary Practices Disclaimer The following material has been prepared for the information of members of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association as a guideline only relating to various safety issues encountered at a veterinary practice. In all cases, it is the responsibility of individual veterinarians to ensure that their practices and standards comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal by-laws, regulations, and legislation. Nothing contained in this guide suggests or implies complete or proper training or certification of veterinarians or their staff as might be required by legislation. © Ontario Veterinary Medical Association 2019 1 Occupational Hygiene Sampling and Exposure Limits By Rachel Pinto (MHSc, CIH), Occupational Hygienist, University of Guelph What is occupational hygiene? Occupational hygiene, often also referred to as industrial hygiene, is an aspect of health and safety dedicated to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace hazards, to prevent the onset of occupational disease. Workplace hazards may be physical (e.g., noise, radiation), chemical (e.g., anesthetics, chemotherapy drugs, disinfectants, formalin), biological (e.g., zoonotic agents) or ergonomic agents (e.g., lifting patients). Anticipating and recognizing hazards involves reviewing workplace tasks, processes and equipment to identify hazards and stressors that may be present in the workplace. Evaluating workplace hazards involves assessing the degree of risk the hazard poses to the health and safety of workers and often includes taking measurements or conducting occupational hygiene sampling. Prevention and control of exposure involves eliminating hazards or substituting work processes or tasks with less hazardous options, or implementing engineered solutions (e.g., local exhaust ventilation), administrative controls (e.g., warning signs, standard operating procedures), or the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators, gloves).
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