Draft Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents (2018)4

1.

Definitions
In this Schedule a word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Act shall bear themeaning so assigned to it and unless the context other-wise indicates –“air monitoring” means the monitoring of the concentrations of airborne hazardous chemical agents;“Asbestos Regulations” means the Asbestos Regulations published by Government Gazette No. R.155 of 10
February 2002 under section 43(1) of the Act;
“assessment” means a programme to determine any risk from exposure to a hazardous chemical agent
associated with any hazard thereof at the workplace in order to identify the steps needed to be taken to
remove, reduce or control such hazard;“BEI” or “biological exposure index” "‘BEI or “biological exposure index” is a reference value for assessing
biological monitoring results, intended as a guideline for the likelihood of adverse health effects andgenerally represents the level of determinants that are most likely to be observed in specimens collectedfrom healthy employees who have been exposed to chemicals with inhalation exposure at the Occupational
Exposure Limit, as listed in Table 4 of Annexure 2 hereby as revised from time to time and listed in the
Government Gazette;“CAS number” or “chemical identity” means a name that will uniquely identify a chemical, given inaccordance with the nomenclature systems of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or theChemical Abstracts Service, or a technical name;“carcinogen” or “carc” means any agent or mixture which induces cancer or increases its incidence,classified by GHS as:(a) Category 1: known or presumed human carcinogens;(b) Category 2: suspected human carcinogens;“chemical agent” means a GHS aligned agent or mixture;“chief director, provincial operations” means the chief director, provincial operations as defined in the
General Administrative Regulations;“consumer product” means a product containing an HCA that:(a) is packed or repacked primarily for use by a household consumer or for use in an office;and(b) if the product is packed or repacked primarily for use by a household consumer, ispacked in the way and quantity in which it is intended to be used by a household
consumer; and(c) if the product is packed or repacked primarily for use in an office, is packed in the way
and quantity in which it is intended to be used for office work;5

“container” means in relation to an HCA, anything in or by which an HCA is, or has been, wholly or
partly covered, enclosed or packed, including anything necessary for the container to perform its
function as a container;“engineering control measures” means control measures that remove or reduce the exposure of
persons at the workplace by means of engineering methods;“exposed” means exposed to a hazardous chemical agent whilst at the workplace and “exposure” has acorresponding meaning;“GHS classification” means the GHS hazard classes and hazard categories assigned to a hazardous
chemical agent;“hazard category” means a division of criteria within a hazard class in the GHS, where these categories
compare hazard severity within a hazard class and should not be taken as a comparison of hazard
categories more generally;“hazard class” means the nature of a physical, health or environmental hazard under the GHS;
“hazard pictogram” means a graphical composition, including a symbol plus other graphical elements,
such as a boarder, background pattern or colour that is intended to convey specific information, that is
assigned in the GHS to a hazard class or hazard category;“hazard statement” means a statement assigned in the GHS to a hazard class or hazard category
describing the nature of the hazards of a hazardous chemical including, if appropriate, the degree of
hazard;“HCA” or “hazardous chemical agent” means a GHS aligned chemical agent as provided in Annexure 1;“HSG 173” means the Guidance Note EH 42 of the Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom:
Monitoring strategies for toxic substances 2006 HSE ISBN 978 0 7176 6188 6 as revised from time totime and published in the Government Gazette;“importer” means an employer or self-employed person who imports an HCA into the republic by anymeans, that is to be used, or could reasonably be expected to be used at a workplace;“in transit” means in relation to an HCA that:(a) is supplied to, or stored at, a workplace in containers that are not opened at theworkplace; and(b) is not used at the workplace;“Lead Regulations” means the Lead Regulations published by Government Notice No. R.586 of 22
March 1991 under section 43(5) of the Act;
“manufacturer” means an employer or self-employed person manufacturing an HCA that is to be used,or could reasonably be expected to be used, at a workplace;“measurement programme” means a programme according to the monitoring strategy as contemplated in
HSG 173;“monitoring” means the planning, carrying out and recording of the results of a measurement programme;
6

“OEL” or “occupational exposure limit” means a limit value set by the Minister, which represents theairborne concentration for an HCA and where the exposure standard can be of three forms:(a) 8-hour Time-weighted Average;(b) ceiling limit; and(c) short term exposure limit.
“OEL ceiling limit” or “ceiling limit” or “C" means a maximum or peak airborne concentration of an HCA
determined over the shortest analytically practicable period of time which does not exceed 15 minutes;“OEL-ML” or “occupational exposure limit- maximum limit” means an HCA as listed in Table 2 of Annexure
2;“OEL-RL” or “occupational exposure limit- restricted limit” means an HCA as listed in Table 3 of Annexure 2;“OEL-Short Term Exposure Limit” or “STEL” means the time-weighted average maximum airborne
concentration of an HCA calculated over a fifteen-minute period;“OEL 8-hour Time-weighted average” or “TWA” means the maximum average airborne concentration of an
HCA when calculated over an eight-hour working day, for a five-day working week;“OESSM” means the Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual, published by the National Institutefor Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Publication No. 77-173 of 1977, United States of America:
Department of Health, Education and Welfare;“precautionary statement” means a phrase prescribed by the GHS that describes recommended
measures that should be taken to minimise or prevent:(a) adverse effects resulting from exposure to an HCA; or(b) improper storage or handling of an HCA.
“prohibited agent” means a hazardous chemical agent prohibited by the Minister and listed in Table 1 ofAnnexure 2, where the agents prohibited may be revised from time to time, by notice in the Government
Gazette;“retailer” means an employer or self-employed person who supplies consumer products, containing HCA, tomembers of the public, who are not primarily engaged in the further supply of those products;“respiratory protective equipment” means a device which is worn over at least the mouth and nose toprevent the inhalation of airborne hazardous chemical agents and which is of a type, or conforms to a
standard approved by the Minister;“respirator zone” means an area where the concentration of an airborne HCA during normal operations
exceeds the OEL - RL for that HCA;“SDS” or “Safety Data Sheet” means a document aligned to GHS, that provides information on the hazard
classification, properties of hazardous chemicals and procedures for handling or working with hazardous
chemicals in a safe manner and how they affect the health and safety in the workplace, prepared inaccordance with regulation 14A;

7

“sensitizer” including: “DSEN and RSEN” an HCA that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people todevelop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure, which includes Dermal Sensitizer(DSEN), Respiratory Sensitizer (RSEN);“signal word” means the word "danger" or "warning" used on a GHS aligned label, to indicate to the reader
to a potential hazard as well as the relative severity level of a hazard;“skin” means that the HCA might be absorbed in toxicologically significant amounts through direct contact
with skin, or mucous membranes and eyes from airborne exposure to gases, vapour, or liquid, so that
conclusions about exposure and health effects based solely on airborne concentration limits may be
incomplete;“supplier” means an employer or self-employed person who conducts a business or undertaking of supplying
any HCA, including supply to a retailer;“the Act” means the Occupational Health and Safety Act,1993 (Act No.85 of 1993);“UN IMO International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code” means the International Maritime Organisation,
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which was developed as an international code, as anagency of the United Nations, for the maritime transport of dangerous goods in packaged and bulk form,
with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances, as may be updated from time totime;“UN Globally Harmonized System” or “GHS” means the Globally Harmonized System of classification andlabelling of chemicals, a guidance document developed by the United Nations for standardizing andharmonizing the classification and labelling of chemicals globally, as may be updated from time to time,commonly known as the UN Purple Book;“UN Number” means the HCA four figure identification number in the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods
Model regulations, as may be updated from time to time;“UN Proper Shipping Name” means the HCA name in the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods Model
regulations, most accurately describing the goods, as may be updated from time to time;“UN Transport of Dangerous Goods” means the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
Model regulations Volumes 1 and 2 and, which are guidance documents developed by the United Nations toharmonize dangerous goods transport regulations, as may be updated from time to time, commonly known
as the UN Orange Book;

2.

Scope of application(1)

Subject to the provisions of subregulation (2), these regulations shall apply to:(a) an employer or a self-employed person who carries out work at a workplace which may
expose any person to an HCA at the workplace; and(b) a manufacturer, importer, supplier or retailer of chemicals that are intended for use at aworkplace;(2)

The provisions of regulations 3(1), 6 and 7 shall not apply to:(a) a self-employed person; or8(b) a person who visits a workplace as contemplated in subregulation (1).
(3)

The provisions of these regulations shall not apply in the case where the Lead Regulations andAsbestos Abatement Regulations apply.

3.

Information, instruction and training(1)

Every employer who undertakes work which is liable to expose an employee to an HCA shall, before
any employee is exposed or may be exposed, after consultation with the health and safety committee
established for that section of the workplace, provide that employee with suitable and sufficient
information, and training, as well as thereafter informed and trained at intervals as may berecommended by that health and safety committee.

(2)

The information and training shall include:(a) in regard to the HCA regulations:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

that chemical regulations are in place which govern all aspects of HCA use at theworkplace;that legislated OELs are in place; andduties of persons who are likely to be exposed to an HCA, as contemplated inregulation 4;(b) details of the HCA to which the employee is likely to be exposed at the workplace
including:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

the names of the HCAs and where they can be found in the workplace;
information on the potential harmfulness of HCAs at the workplace;the significant findings of the HCA exposure assessment, as required by regulation
5(2); andhow to access the relevant SDSs;(c) the information that each part of an SDS provides;(d) the information that each part of the label on containers provides and why the
information is being provided;(e) the work practices and procedures to be followed in the use, handling, storage,transportation, spillage, disposal, emergency situation, good housekeeping and personal
hygiene for HCA;(f) the necessity of personal air sampling, biological monitoring and medical surveillance;(g) the need for engineering controls and how to use as well as maintain them;(h) the need for personal protective equipment including respiratory protective equipment
as well as the use and maintenance;(i) the precautions to be taken by an employee to protect himself against the health risks
associated with such exposure, including the wearing and use of protective clothing andrespiratory protective equipment.
(j) the necessity, correct use, maintenance and potential of safety equipment, facilities andengineering control measures provided; and(k) the necessity of personal air sampling and medical surveillance;
9(3)An employer shall give written instructions of the procedures to be followed in the event of spillages,
leakages or any similar emergency situation, to the drivers of vehicles transporting the HCA.

(4)

As contemplated in section 37(2) of the Act, the employer must agree in writing to the arrangements
and procedures between them to ensure compliance by the mandatory to information and training
requirements of regulation 3.

4.

Duties of persons who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals
Every person who is or may be exposed, shall obey a lawful instruction given by or on behalf of theemployer or a self-employed person, regarding:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

the prevention of an HCA from being released;
the wearing of personal protective equipment;
the wearing of monitoring equipment to measure personal exposure;
the reporting for health evaluations and biological tests as required by these regulations;the cleaning up and disposal of materials containing an HCA;
housekeeping at the workplace, personal hygiene and environmental and healthpractices; and(g) information and training as contemplated in regulation 3.

5.

Risk Assessment of exposure(1)

An employer or self-employed person shall after consultation with the relevant health and safety
representative or relevant health and safety committee, cause an immediate assessment to be madeand thereafter at intervals not exceeding two years, to determine if any employee may be exposed byany route of intake.

(2)

The employer shall inform the relevant health and safety representative or relevant health and safetycommittee in writing of the arrangements made for the assessment contemplated in subregulation (1),give them reasonable time to comment thereon and ensure that the results of the assessment are
made available to the relevant representatives or committees who may comment thereon.

(3)

When making the assessment, the employer or self-employed person shall keep a record of theassessment and take into account such matters as:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

the HCA to which an employee may be exposed;
what effects the HCA can have on an employee;
where the HCA may be present and in what physical form it is likely to be;
the route of intake by which and the extent to which an employee can be exposed; and(e) the nature of the work, process and any reasonable deterioration in, or failure of, any
control measures.
(4)

If the assessment made in accordance with subregulation (3) indicates that any employee may be
exposed, the employer shall ensure that monitoring is carried out in accordance with the provisions ofregulations 6 and 7 and that the exposure shall be controlled as contemplated in regulation 10.
10

(5)

An employer shall review the assessment required by subregulation (1) forthwith if:(a) there is reason to suspect that the previous assessment is no longer valid; or(b) there has been a change in a process involving an HCA or in the methods, equipment orprocedures in the use, handling, control or processing of the HCA, the provisions ofsubregulations (2) and (3) shall apply.

6.

Air Monitoring(1)

Where the inhalation of an HCA is concerned, an employer contemplated in regulation 5(4) shall ensurethat the measurement programme of the airborne concentrations of the HCA to which an employee is
exposed, is:(a) carried out in accordance with the provisions of these regulations;(b) carried out only after the relevant health and safety representative or relevant healthand safety committee has been informed thereof and given a reasonable opportunity tocomment thereon;(c) carried out by an approved inspection authority; and(d) representative of the exposure of employees to the airborne HCA in accordance with theprovisions of subregulation (2).

(2)

In order to comply with the provisions of subregulation (1)(d) an employer shall;(a) ensure that the measurement programme, in the case of a group measurement, makes
provision for the selection of the number of persons for a sample to be done ascontemplated in chapters 3 and 4 and Technical Appendix A of the OESSM: Provided thatsuch sample size shall be chosen for the top 10% of the group at the 95% confidence
level for an HCA with a control limit and for the top 10% of the group at the 90%
confidence level for an HCA with a recommended limit; and(b) subject to the criteria contained in regulation 6(1), carry out representative
measurements at least every 24 months for an HCA with an OEL RL or an OEL ML aslisted in Table 2 and 3 of Annexure 2(3)

In order to comply with the provisions of subregulation (1)(e), an employer shall obtain the service ofan approved inspection authority who shall, at intervals not exceeding 24 months:(a) verify, by examining the measurement and analysis equipment of the employer andquestioning the person referred to in subregulation (1)(c), regarding the carrying out of
the measurement programme; and(b) enter the results of the investigation and measurements as contemplated insubregulation 6(2)(a) and 6(2)(b) respectively, in the record required by regulation 9.

7.

Medical surveillance(1)

An employer shall ensure that an employee is under medical surveillance if:(a) the employee may be exposed to a agent listed in Table 4 of Annexure 2;
11(b) the exposure of the employee to any agent hazardous to his or her health is such that an
identifiable disease or adverse effect to his or her health may be related to the exposure,there is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or effect may occur under the particularconditions of his or her work and there are techniques to diagnose indications of thedisease or the effect as far as is reasonably practicable; or(c) the occupational health practitioner recommends that the relevant employee should beunder medical surveillance in which case the employer may call on an occupational
medicine practitioner to ratify the appropriateness of such recommendation.
(2)

In order to comply with the provisions of subregulation (1) the employer shall, as far as is reasonably
practicable, ensure:(a) that an initial health evaluation is carried out by an occupational health practitioner
immediately before or within 14 days after a person commences employment, where
any exposure exists or may exist, which comprises:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

an evaluation of the employees medical and occupational history;a physical examination; andany other essential examination which in the opinion of the occupational healthpractitioner is desirable in order to enable the practitioner to do a proper
evaluation.

(b) that subsequent to the initial health evaluation contemplated in subregulation (a) the
relevant employee undergoes examinations as contemplated in subregulation (a)(ii) and(iii), at intervals not exceeding two years, or at intervals specified by an occupational
medical practitioner.
(3)

An employer shall not permit an employee who has been certified unfit for work by an occupational
medicine practitioner to work in a workplace or part of a workplace in which he or she would be
exposed: Provided that the relevant employee may be permitted to return to work which will expose
him or her if he or she is certified fit for that work beforehand by an occupational medicine
practitioner.

(4)

The employer shall record and investigate the incident contemplated in subregulation (3) in compliancewith regulation 8 of the General Administrative Regulations.

8.

Respiratory zone
An employer shall ensure:(a) that any workplace or part of a workplace under his or her control, where theconcentration of an HCA in the air is or may be, such that the exposure of employees
working in that workplace exceeds the recommended limit without the wearing of
respiratory protective equipment, is zoned as a respirator zone;(b) that a respirator zone is clearly demarcated and identified by notice indicating that therelevant area is a respirator zone and that personal protective equipment as
contemplated in regulation 11 must be worn there; and(c) that no person enters or remains in a respirator zone unless he or she is wearing therequired personal protective equipment.
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9.

Records
An employer shall:(a) keep records of the results of all assessments, air monitoring, and medical surveillance
reports required by regulations 5 , 6 and 7, respectively: Provided that personal medical
records shall only be made available to an occupational health practitioner;(b) subject to the provisions of subregulation (c), make the records contemplated insubregulation (a), excluding personal medical records, available for inspection by aninspector.
(c) allow any person subject to personal written consent of an employee, to peruse therecords with respect to that particular employee;(d) make the records of all assessments and air monitoring available for perusal by therelevant health and safety representatives or relevant health and safety committee;(e) keep all records of assessments and air monitoring for a minimum period of 30 years;(f) minimum period of 30 years and if the employer ceases activities, all those records shallbe handed over or forwarded by registered post to the relevant regional director; and(g) keep a record of the investigations and tests carried out in terms of regulation 12 (b) andof any repairs resulting from these investigations and tests, and the records shall be kept
for at least three years.

10.

Control of exposure to HCA(1)

An employer shall ensure that the exposure of an employee is either prevented or, where this is notreasonably practicable adequately controlled, provided that:(a) where there is exposure for which there is a restricted limit, the control of the exposure
shall be regarded as adequate if the level of exposure is below that limit or if the relevant
area is zoned and the level of exposure is reduced to below that restricted limit by meansof adequate personal protective equipment only after the level has been reduced to as
low as is reasonably practicable by any other means than personal protective equipment;or(b) where there is exposure for which there is a maximum limit, the control of the exposure
shall be regarded as adequate if the exposure is at a level as low as is reasonably
practicable below that maximum limit: Provided that in the case of temporary excursions
above the control limit, the employer shall ensure:
(i)
(ii)

that the excursion is without a significant risk from exposure;that the excursion is not indicative of a failure to maintain adequate control; and13

(iii)(2)that during the excursion, the area is temporarily demarcated as prescribed inregulation 8(b); and the provisions of regulation 11 are complied with.

Where reasonably practicable, the employer shall control the exposure of an employee by:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

limiting the amount of an HCA used which may contaminate the working environment;
limiting the number of employees who will be exposed or may be exposed;
limiting the period during which an employee will be exposed or may be exposed;using a substitute for an HCA;
introducing engineering control measures for the control of exposure, which may include
the following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(f)

Process separation, automation or enclosure;the installation of local extraction ventilation systems to processes, equipment
and tools for the control of emissions of an airborne HCA;
use of wet methods; andseparate workplaces for different processes;

by introducing appropriate work procedures which an employee must follow wherematerials are used or processes are carried out which could give rise to exposure of an
employee and that procedures shall include written instructions to ensure:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

that an HCA is safely handled, used and disposed of;that process machinery, installations, equipment, tools and local extraction andgeneral ventilation systems are safely used and maintained;that machinery and work areas are kept clean; andthat early corrective action can be readily identified.

(3)

An employer shall ensure that the emission of an HCA into the atmosphere comply with the provisionsof the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965 (Act No. 45 of 1965).

11.

Personal protective equipment and facilities(1)

If it is not reasonably practicable to ensure that the exposure of an employee is adequately controlled
as contemplated in regulation 10, the employer shall:(a) in the case of an airborne HCA, provide the employee with suitable respiratory protective
equipment and protective clothing; and(b) in the case of an HCA which can be absorbed through the skin, provide the employeewith suitable non-HCA impermeable protective equipment.

(2)

An employer or self-employed person shall(a) provide respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing suitable for protection
against regulated asbestos fibres, to all person who may be exposed to asbestos, where
respiratory protective equipment is provided to supplement engineering controls as
required by regulation 10(2)(d);14

(b) ensure that the respiratory protective equipment provides the appropriate level ofprotection for the type of asbestos work to be undertaken.

(3)

Where respiratory protective equipment is provided, the employer shall ensure:(a) that the relevant equipment is capable of controlling the exposure to below the OEL forthe relevant HCA;(b) that the relevant equipment is correctly selected and properly used;(c) that information, instructions, training and supervision which is necessary with regard to
the use of the equipment is known to the employees; and(d) that the equipment is kept in good condition and efficient working order.
(4)

An employer shall, as far as is reasonably practicable:(a) issue no used personal protective equipment to an employee, unless the relevant
protection equipment is decontaminated and sterilised;(b) provide separate containers or storage facilities for personal protective equipment when
not in use; and(c) ensure that all personal protective equipment not in use is stored only in the placeprovided therefore.

(5)

An employer shall as far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that all contaminated personal protective
equipment is cleaned and handled in accordance with the following procedures:(a) where the equipment is cleaned on the premises of an employer, care shall be taken toprevent contamination during handling, transport and cleaning;(b) where the equipment is sent off the premises to a contractor for cleaning purposes, theequipment shall be packed in impermeable containers;(c) the containers shall be tightly sealed and have clear indication thereon that the contents
thereof are contaminated; and(d) the relevant contractor shall be fully informed of the requirements of these regulations
and the precautions to be taken for the handling of the contaminated equipment.

(5)

Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4)(b) an employer shall ensure that no person removes dirty
or contaminated personal protective equipment from the premises: Provided that where contaminatedpersonal protective equipment has to be disposed of, it shall be treated as HCA waste as contemplated
in regulation 15.

(6)

Subject to the provisions of the Facilities Regulations, an employer shall, where reasonably practicable,
provide employees, using personal protective equipment as contemplated in subregulation (1), with:(a) adequate washing facilities which are readily accessible and located in an area where thefacilities will not become contaminated, in order to enable the employees to meet astandard of personal hygiene consistent with the adequate control of exposure, and to
avoid the spread of an HCA;(b) two separate lockers separately labelled 'protective clothing' and 'personal clothing', andensure that the clothing is kept separately in the locker concerned; and15

(c) separate 'clean' and 'dirty' change rooms if the employer uses or processes an HCA to
the extent that the HCA could endanger the health of persons outside of the workplace.

12.

Maintenance of control measures
An employer shall ensure:(a) that all control equipment and facilities provided in terms of regulations 10 and 11 aremaintained in good working order; and(b) that thorough examinations and tests of engineering control measures are carried out atintervals not exceeding 24 months by an approved inspection authority.

13.

Prohibitions
No person shall as far as is reasonably practicable:
(a)
(b)
(c)

(d)

use compressed air or permit the use of compressed air to remove particles of an HCA
from any surface or person;
smoke, eat, drink or keep food or beverages in a respirator zone or permit any otherperson to smoke, eat, drink or keep food or beverages in that zone;
use statements such as ‘non-toxic’, ‘non-harmful’, ‘non-polluting’, ‘non-hazardous’ orother statements indicating that the HCA is not hazardous or any other statements thatare inconsistent with its GHS classification, should not appear on the label or packagingof any HCA; anduse any prohibited agent, which must not be manufactured, procured, used, handled orstored within the workplace; and OELs are not provided in Table 2 and 3 of Annexure 2,
for the following HCAs:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

14.

prohibited agents;
Ozone Depleting Substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol, which has been
ratified by the Republic of South Africa; andPersistent Organic Pollutants prohibited by the Prohibition on the Import, Export,
Possession, Acquisition, Sale, Use and Disposal Of Agricultural Remedies, under the
Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies And Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No.
36 Of 1947), and published under Government Notice No. R.862 of 29 July 2016.

Classification of an HCA
The manufacturer or importer of a chemical agent shall, before it is supplied to a workplace:
(a)
(b)
(c)

14A.

determine whether the chemical agent is an HCA;
ensure that GHS classification is carried out for the HCA; andreview the GHS classification, should a change in composition be made.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
16

(1)

Subject to section 10(3)(b) of the Act, a safety data sheet, for an HCA shall be:(a)

prepared by an importer or, manufacturer before manufacture and if not reasonably
practicable, immediately after manufacture but before import, provided that thesafety data sheet is:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(v)

(b)

provided by the manufacturer or importer to any person, if the person is:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(c)
(d)
(e)

(2)

GHS compliant;classified for the HCA, in accordance with regulation 14;
reviewed at least once every 5 years;
amended whenever necessary to ensure that it contains correct and current
information, aligned to its GHS classification required in regulation 14(2), which
includes new data regarding the hazard presented by an HCA, that changes its
classification in a category or subcategory of a hazard class, or results in its
classification in another hazard class; andgiven the most recent applicable date which, may be the date of first issue,
review or amendment

likely to be exposed to the HCA;
a medical practitioner who needs the information to treat a person who has
been exposed to the HCA; oran emergency service professional who requires the information to fulfil his or
her duties as an emergency respondent;

provided by the supplier, before first supplying it to a workplace;obtained by the employer before the HCA is first supplied to the workplace; andsubregulations (1)(a) and (b) do not apply to a manufacturer or importer of an HCA who has
not manufactured or imported the HCA in the past 5 years.

The information in the GHS compliant safety data sheet should be presented using the following 16
headings in the order given below, as may be updated from time to time:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)

Section 1: identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking;Section 2: hazards identification;
Section 3: composition/information on ingredients;
Section 4: first aid measures;
Section 5: firefighting measures;
Section 6: accidental release measure;
Section 7: handling and storage;
Section 8: exposure controls/personal protection;
Section 9: physical and chemical properties;
Section 10: stability and reactivity;
Section 11: toxicological information;
Section 12: ecological information;
Section 13: disposal considerations;
Section 14: transport information;
Section 15: regulatory information; andSection 16: other information.
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14B. Labelling of an HCA(1)

With regard to labelling of an HCA:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

a manufacturer or importer of an HCA shall ensure that the HCA is correctly labelled
as soon as practicable after manufacturing or importing;a supplier of an HCA shall not supply an HCA, if it is not correctly labelled;
a retailer of an HCA shall not supply consumer products containing HCAs, to be used
in a workplace, if they are not correctly labelled; andan employer shall:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(iv)

(2)

ensure that an HCA used, handled or stored at the workplace is correctly
labelled;
ensure that a container labelled for a hazardous chemical is used only for theuse, handling or storage of that hazardous chemical;
so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that when an HCA is transferred or
decanted at the workplace, from its original container into a destination
container, the destination container is correctly labelled for that HCA; andso far as is reasonably practicable, that a hazardous chemical in pipe work is
identified by a label, sign or another way on or near the pipe work.

Subject to the provisions of subregulation (1) an HCA is correctly labelled, if the selection and use of label
elements is in accordance with the GHS and is packed in a container that has a label:(a)which shall include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

wording in at least the English language;
the product identifier and where applicable the UN proper shipping name;the chemical identity of all HCA ingredients;
the name, address, business and telephone number of the manufacturer; orthe importer;
an emergency telephone number, where support is available in at least the
English language; andany signal word, hazard statement, precautionary statement and pictogram
consistent with the GHS classification of the HCA, made in accordance with
Regulation 14.

(b) which may include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

the quantity of the HCA in the package, unless this quantity is specified
elsewhere on the package;
the quantity of each HCA ingredient;
any information about the hazards, first aid and emergency procedures
relevant to the HCA, not otherwise included in the hazard statement or
precautionary statement;
18

(iv)
(v)

first aid measures; andan expiry date.

14C.

Packaging of an HCA(1)

Packaging for an HCA shall satisfy the relevant requirements of UN Transport of Dangerous Goods for
packaging and fastenings, or where applicable the UN IMO International Maritime Dangerous Goods
Code, including the following requirements:(a) The manufacturer or importer of an HCA shall ensure that the HCA is correctly
packed, as soon as reasonably practicable after manufacturing or importing, where
correctly packed means:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(v)

is in sound condition;
will safely contain the chemical for the time the chemical is likely to bepacked;is made of material that is compatible with, and will not be adversely affectedby, the chemical;
the packaging and fastenings are strong and solid throughout, to ensure thatthey will not loosen and will meet the normal stresses and strains of handling;anddoes not usually contain food or beverages and cannot be mistakenly
identified as containing food or beverages.

(2)

A supplier, shall not supply the HCA if it is not correctly packed, as contemplated in subregulation (1).

(3)

Where a retailer supplies an HCA in a container that is supplied by the person purchasing the chemical,
then the retailer shall ensure that the HCA is correctly packed as contemplated in subregulation (1).

(4)

The employer or self-employed person shall only receive, use, handle or store an HCA if it is correctly
packed, as contemplated in subregulation (1).

(5)

An employer shall as far as reasonably practicable, ensure that a container or a vehicle in which an HCA
is transported is clearly identified and in compliance with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No.
93 of 1996).

15.

Disposal of Hazardous Chemical Agents
An employer shall, as far as is reasonably practicable:(1)

Ensure that all HCA waste is classified and disposed of as waste in terms of the following legislation, as
updated from time to time:(a) National Environmental Management: Waste Act, no 59 of 2008;(b) Waste classification and management regulations, 2013;(c) National norms and standards for the assessment of waste for landfill disposal, 2013;and19

(d) National norms and standards for disposal of waste to landfill, 2013.
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)

16.

Ensure that all collectable HCA waste is placed into containers that will prevent the likelihood of
exposure during handling.
Ensure that all vehicles, re-usable containers and covers which have been in contact with HCA waste
are cleaned and decontaminated after use in such a way that the vehicles, containers or covers do notcause a hazard inside or outside the premises concerned.
Ensure that all employees occupied in the collection, transport and disposal of HCA waste, who may be
exposed to that waste, are provided with suitable personal protective equipment.
Ensure that if the services of a waste disposal contractor are used, a provision is incorporated into thecontract stating that the contractor shall also comply with the provisions of these regulations.

Offences and penalties
Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of regulation 3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10, 11, 12,
13,14, 14A, 14B, 14C or 15 shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment
for a period not exceeding six months and, in the case of a continuous offence, to an additional fine of R500
for each day on which the offence continues or additional imprisonment of one day for each day on which
the offence continuous: Provided that the period of such additional imprisonment shall in no case exceed 90
days.

17.

Short title
The Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Substances, 1995. published under Government Notice No. R. 1179
of 25 August 1995, are hereby repealed. These regulations shall be called the Regulations for Hazardous
Chemical Agents, 2018.

20

ANNEXURE 1
Table 1:GHS HAZARD CLASSES1 – PHYSICAL HAZARDSHAZARD CLASSES
Flammable gases
Aerosols flammable and nonflammable
Oxidising gases
Gases under pressure
Compressed gas
Liquefied gas
Refrigerated liquefied gas
Dissolved gas
Flammable liquids
Flammable solids
Self-reactive agents and mixtures
Pyrophoric liquids
Pyrophoric solids
Self-heating of agents or mixtures,
Agents or mixtures which in contact
with water emit flammable gases
Oxidising liquids
Oxidising solids
Organic peroxides
Corrosive to metals

CATEGORIES / DIVISIONS / TYPES
Cat 1

Cat 2

Cat 1

Cat 2

Cat 1
Cat 1

Cat 1
Cat 1
Type A
Cat 1
Cat 1
Cat 1

Cat 2
Cat 2
Type B

Cat 3

Cat 1

Cat 2

Cat 3

Cat 1
Cat 1
Type A
Cat 1

Cat 2
Cat 2
Type B

Cat 3
Cat 3
Type CType CType D

Type E

Type F

Type GCat 2

Type D

Type E

Type F

21

GHS HAZARD CLASSES2 – HEALTH HAZARDSHAZARD CLASSES
Acute toxicity
Cat 1
Cat 2
Cat 3
Oral
DermalInhalation
Skin corrosion/irritation
Cat 1
Cat 2
Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Cat 1
Cat 2
Respiratory or skin sensitisation
Cat 1
Germ cell mutagenicity
Cat 1
Cat 2
Carcinogenicity
Cat 1
Cat 2
Reproductive toxicity
Cat 1
Cat 2
Lactation
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single
Cat 1
Cat 2
Cat 3
exposure
Specific Target Organ Toxicity Cat 1
Cat 2
Repeated exposure
Aspiration hazard
Cat 1
Note: where subcategories exist, they are included within the category
1,2
GHS Rev 6 2015

CATEGORIES
Cat 4

22

ANNEXURE 2

Table 1. Prohibited hazardous chemical agentsCAS
number
92-67-1
92-87-5
91-59-8
92-93-3
1336-36-3
61788-33-8

Chemical
4-AMINOPHENYL and its salts
BENZIDINE and its salts
2-NAPHTYLAMINE and its salts
4-NITROPHENYLPOLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCB), except MONO- and DICHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
POLYCHLORINATED TERPHENYLS (PCT)PREPARATIONS with a PCB or PCT content higher than 0.01% by weight

Use category

I
I
I

Use limitation
B
B
B
B
B
B
B

Abbreviations:Use category: I: industrial chemical
Use limitation: B: ban

23

Table 2. Occupational exposure limits- Maximum limits for hazardous chemical agents
AGENT

CAS
NUMBERFORMULARHCAOELppm

A
Acrylamide
Acrylonitrile
Arsenic & compounds, except
Arsine [as As]
Asbestos, all forms. See Asbestos
Regulations
B
Benzene

RHCA- OEL
mg/m'

RHCA - STEL/CRHCA - STEL/
C

ppm

mg/m'

NOTATIONS

79-06-1
107-13-1

CH2=CHCONH2
CH2=CHCN

4

0.06
-

-

-

CARC, SKIN
SKIN

7440-38-2

As

-

0.02

-

-

CARC

1332-21-4

-

-

-

-

-

CARC

71-43-2

C6H6

1

-

5

-

CARC, SKIN

Bis(chloromethyl) ether [BCME]

542-88-1(CH2Cl)2O

0.002

-

-

-

CARC

1,3-Butadiene [Buta-1,3-diene]

106-99-0

CH2=(CH)2=CH2

4

-

-

-

CARC

2-Butoxyethanol [EGBE]

111-76-2

-

40

-

-

-

C

Cadmium and compounds [as Cd]

7440-43-9 (metal)

Cd (metal)

Respirable particulate
Total particulate
Carbon disulphide
Chromium, metal and inorganic
compounds [as Cr]

CARC(cadmium
metal,
cadmiumchloride,fluoride andsulphate)75-15-0

CS2

7440-47-3 (metal)

Cr (metal)

-

0.004

-

-

2

0.02
-

-

-

SKIN

24

Water soluble Cr [VI]compounds
Insoluble Cr [VI] compounds

-

0.1

-

-

-

0.02

-

-

CARC, RSEN,
SKIN
CARC, RSEN,
SKIN

D
1,2-Dibromoethane

106-93-4

BrCH2CH2Br

0.5

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

Dichloromethane
2,2’-Dichloro-4,4’-methylene
dianiline [MbOCA]E

75-09-2

CH2Cl2

100

-

-

-

SKIN, CARC

101-14-4

CH2(C6H3ClNH2)2

0.02

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

2-Ethoxyethanol [EGEE], [Ethylene
glycol monoethyl ether]110-80-5

CH3CH2OCH2CH2O
H

10

-

-

-

SKIN

111-15-9

C2H5OCH2CH2OOC
CH3

10

-

-

-

SKIN

75-21-8

CH2CH2O

2

-

-

-

CARC

50-00-0

HCHO

-

-

0.6

-

CARC, DSEN,
RSEN

-

-

-

8

-

-

RSEN

74-90-8

HCN

-

-

9.4

-

SKIN

See Lead
RegulationsPb

2-Ethoxyethyl acetate [EGEEA],[Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
acetate]Ethylene oxide
F
Formaldehyde
G
Grain dust (oat, wheat, barley,maize, rye)H
Hydrogen cyanide [as CN]
I
KL
Lead and compounds
Tetraethyl lead [as Pb]

78-00-2

See Lead
Regulations

CARC (Leadcompounds,
inorganic)

See Lead
Regulations

SKIN
25

Tetramethyl lead [as Pb]
M
N
Nickel and its inorganic compounds[as Ni]Soluble inorganic
compounds
Insoluble inorganic
compounds
O
P
Q
R
Rubber fumeS
*Silica, crystalline, respirable
particulate:
Cristobalite
Quartz
Tridymite
Tripoli
Styrene, monomer
T
Talc (containing asbestos fibers),
respirable particulate
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
U
V** Vinyl chlorideW

See Lead
Regulations

75-74-1

SKIN

7440-02-0
-

0.2

-

-

CARC

-

0.4

-

-

CARC

-

-

-

0.4

-

-

CARC

14464-46-1
14808-60-7
15468-32-3
1317-95-9
100-42-5

SiO
SiO2
SiO2
SiO2
C6H5CH=CH2

40

0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
-

80

-

CARC
CARC

14807-96-6

Mg3Si4O10(OH)2

71-55-6
79-01-6

CH3CCl3
CCl2=CHCl

700
20

-

See Asbestos
Regulations
900
50

-

CARC, SKIN

75-01-4

H2C=CHCl

2

-

-

-

CARC

CARC
CARC

26

Wood dust species: oak, beech,
birch, mahogany, teak and walnut

-

-

-

2

-

-

CARC, RSENX
YZ
Abbreviations:
Carc: Denotes carcinogenicity, which is based on IARC categorisation including category 1A, 1B and Category 2;
RSEN: Respiratory sensitisation, potential to produce respiratory sensitisation
DSEN: Dermal sensitisation, potential to produce dermal sensitisation
RSEN and DSEN do not imply that sensitisation is the critical effect on which the OEL is based, nor do they imply that this effect is the sole basis for the agents
OEL;
Skin: Danger of cutaneous absorption. Refers to the potential significant contribution to the overall exposure by the cutaneous route including mucous
membranes and the eyes by contact with vapours, liquids and solids. Overexposure may also occur following dermal contact with liquids and aerosols, evenwhen airborne exposures at or below the OEL.
Note:
*All industries handling, manufacturing and producing silica dust are required to submit bi-annual reports that includes the following:§ number of samples taken and analysed§ composition of dust
§ concentration of the constituents and§ whether the employer is complying with the Occupational Exposure Limit, it not, what steps are implemented to comply with the exposure limit.

27

Table 3. Occupational exposure limits- Restricted limits for hazardous chemical agents
AGENT

CAS
NUMBER

ppm

RHCA OEL
mg/m'

CH3CHOCH3COOH(CH3CO)2O(CH3)2CO
CH3CN
CH3COOC6H4CO
OH
CH2=CHCHO
CH2=CHCOOH
C12H8Cl6
CH2=CHCH2OH
CH2=CHCH2Cl
C6H10O2

20
2
500
40

-

50
30
6
1000
-

-

-

10

-

-

4
2
2

0.1
1
-

0.2
4
-

-

Al (metal)

-

2

-

-

FORMULARHCA - OEL

RHCA - STEL/ C

RHCA - STEL/ C

ppm

mg/m'

NOTATIONS

A
Acetaldehyde
Acetic acidAcetic anhydride
AcetoneAcetonitrile

75-07-0
64-19-7
108-24-7
67-64-1
75-05-8

Acetylsalicylic acid [Asprin]

50-78-2

Acrolein [Acrylaldehyde]
Acrylic acid
AldrinAllyl alcohol
Allyl chloride
Allyl glycidyl ether [AGE]
Aluminium metal andinsoluble compounds [asAl], respirable particulate:107-02-8
79-10-7309-00-2
107-18-6
107-05-1
106-92-3
7429-90-5(metal)Aminodimethylbenzene

95-64-7

2-Aminoethanol

141-43-5

NH2CH2CH2OH

Ammonia, anhydrous
Ammonium chloride, fumeAmmonium sulphamate
AnilineAnisidines, o- and pisomers

7664-41-7
12125-02-9
7773-06-0
62-53-3
90-04-0
104-94-9

NH3NH4Cl
NH2SO3NH4C6H5NH2

50
4

20
20
-

70
-

40
-

SKIN

NH2C6H4OCH3

-

1

-

-

CARC, SKIN

CARC

SKIN

SKIN
SKIN
SKIN
SKIN
SKIN

See Xylidine
See Ethanolamine

28

Antimony & compounds[as Sb] except Antimony
trisulphide & Antimony
trioxide & Antimony
hydrideAntimony hydride
ArsineAsphalt, petroleum fumes
Atrazine
Azinphos-methyl
B
Barium & solublecompounds [as Ba]
Barium sulphate,
respirable particulate:
BenomylBenzene-1,2,4,tricarboxylic acid 1,2anhydridep-Benzoquinone
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzyl chloride
Beryllium & compounds[as Be]Biphenyl
Bismuth telluride [asBi2Te3]
UndopedSelenium-doped
Borates, tetra, sodium salts
Anhydrous

7440-36-0

Sb

-

1

-

-

7803-52-3
7784-42-1
8052-42-4
1912-24-9
86-50-0

AsH3
C8H14ClN5
C10H12O3PS2N3

0.01
-

1
4
0.4

See Stibine--

7440-39-3

-

-

1

-

-

7727-43-7

BaSO4

-

5

-

-

17804-35-2

C14H18N4O3

-

2

-

-

552-30-7

C9H4O5

-

0.001

-

0.004

106-51-4
94-36-0
100-44-7

C6H4O2(C6H5CO)2O2
C6H5CH2Cl

0.2
2

10
-

-

-

7440-41-7Be-0.0001--

92-52-4

C6H5C6H5

0.4

-

-

-

1304-82-1-

Bi2Te3

-

20
10

-

-

1330-43-4

Na2B4O7

-

4

-

12

CARC

CARC
DSEN, SKIN

DSEN
DSEN, RSEN,
SKIN

CARC
DSEN, RSEN,
SKIN

29

Decahydrate
Pentahydrate
Boron oxide
Boron tribromide
Boron trifluoride
BromacilBromineBromine pentafluoride
Bromoethane
Bromoethylene
Bromoform

1303-96-4
12179-04-3
1303-86-2
10294-33-4
7637-07-2
314-40-97726-95-6
7789-30-2
74-96-4
593-60-2
75-25-2

Na2B4O7.10H2O
Na2B4O7.5H2O
B2O3
BBr3
BF3
C9H13BrN2O2
Br2
BrF5
CH3CH2Br
CH2=CHBr
CHBr3

Bromomethane

74-83-9CH3Br

n-Butane
2-Butanol [sec-Butyl
alcohol]
tert-Butanol [tert-Butyl
alcohol]trans-But-2-enal

106-97-8

CH3CH2CH2CH3
CH3CH(OH)CH2C
H3

78-92-2
75-65-0(CH3)3COH

0.2
0.2
10

4
4
20
20
-

1

-

1.4
1.4
0.4
See Vinyl bromide
-

12
12
-

See Methyl bromide
-

-

2000

-

200

-

-

-

200

-

-

-

See Crotonaldehyde

n-Butyl acetate

123-86-4

sec-Butyl acetate
tert-Butyl acetate105-46-4
540-88-5

Butyl acrylate141-32-2n-Butylamine

109-73-9

n-Butyl glycidyl ether [BGE]2426-08-6

n-Butyl lactate138-22-7

o-sec-Butylphenol

89-72-5C
Calcium cyanamide

156-62-7

CH3COO(CH2)3C
H3
C6H12O2
CH3COOC(CH3)3
CH2=CHCOOC4H
9
CH3(CH2)3NH2
C4H9OCH2CHCH
2O
CH3CH(OH)COOC
4H9
C2H5(CH3)CHC6
H4OH
CaNC≡N

SKIN

SKIN

100

-

300

-

100
100

-

300
300

-

4

-

-

-

DSEN

-

-

10

-

SKIN

6

-

-

-

DSEN, SKIN

10

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

SKIN

30

Calcium hydroxide
Calcium oxide
Calcium silicate, [naturally
occuring as Wollastonite]
Calcium sulphate[including Plaster of Paris& Gypsum]
Camphor, synthetic
Caprolactum

1305-62-0
1305-78-8

Ca(OH)2
CaO

-

10
4

-

-

1344-95-2

CaSiO3-2--

7778-18-910034-76-1
10101-41-4
13397-24-5
76-22-2

CaSO4

-

20

-

-

C10H16O

4

-

6

-

-

10
10
0.2
10

-

-

CARC, SKIN
DSEN, SKIN
SKIN

Dust only
Vapour
Captafol
Captan105-60-2

NH(CH2)5CO

2425-06-1
133-06-2

Carbaryl

63-25-2

-

1

-

-

Carbofuran
Carbon black
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon tetrabromide
Carbon tetrachloride
CatecholCellulose
Cement [Portland cement],
respirable particulate
Chlordane
Chlorine
Chlorine dioxide
Chlorine trifluoride
2-Chloroacetophenone
Chloroacetyl chloride

1563-66-2
1333-86-4
124-38-9630-08-0
558-13-4
56-23-5
120-80-99004-34-6

C10H9Cl4NO2S
C9H8Cl3NO2S
CH3NHCOOC10H
7
C12H15NO3
C
CO2
CO
CBr4
CCl4
C6H4(OH)2(C6H10O5)n

10000
50
0.2
10
10
-

0.2
6
20

60000
0.6
20
-

-

-

-

-

2

-

-

57-74-97782-50-510049-04-4
7790-91-2
532-27-4
79-04-9

C10H6Cl8
Cl2
ClO2
ClF3
C6H5COCH2Cl
ClCH2COCl

1
0.2
0.1
0.1

1
-

2
0.6
0.2
0.3

-

CARC

CARC, SKIN
CARC, SKIN

CARC, SKIN

SKIN
31

Chlorobenzene
Chlorobromomethane
Chlorodifluoromethane
Chlorodiphenyl [PCBs]
Chlorodiphenyl (42%chlorine)
Chlorodiphenyl (54%chlorine)
1-Chloro-2,3-epoxy
propane
Chloroethane

108-90-7
74-97-5
75-45-653469-21-911097-69-1

C6H5ClCH2BrCl
CHClF2C6H4ClC6H3Cl2(Approx)C6H3Cl2C6H2Cl3(Approx)

20
400
2000

-

-

-

SKIN

-

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

-

2

-

-

CARC, SKIN

-

1

-

-

CARC, SKIN-

CARC, SKIN

106-89-8

C3H5OCl

See Epichlorohydrin

75-00-3

CH3CH2Cl

2-Chloroethanol

107-07-3

CH2ClCH2OH

Chloroethylene
Chloroform
Chloropentafluoroethane
Chloropicrin
beta-Chloroprenealpha-Chlorotoluene
2-Chlorotoluene [oChlorotoluene]
2-Chloro-6(trichloromethyl) pyridine

75-01-4
67-66-3
76-15-3
76-06-2
126-99-8
100-44-7

H2C=CHCl
CHCl3
CClF2CF3
CCl3NO2
CH2=CClCH=CH2
C6H5CH2Cl

20
2000
0.2
20

-

See Ethyl chloride
See Ethylene
chlorohydrin
See Vinyl chloride
See Benzyl chloride

95-49-8

ClC6H4CH3

100-

1929-82-4

ClC5H3NCCl3

2921-88-2

C9H11Cl3NO3PS

Chlorpyrifos-

CARC, SKIN-

See Nitrapyrin
0.2

SKIN

32

Chromium, metal andinorganic compounds [asCr]
Metal and Cr [III]compounds
Coal dust, respirable
particulate:
Anthracite
Bituminous or Lignite
Coal tar pitch volatiles [ascyclohexane soluble
fraction]
Cobalt & cobalt inorganic
compounds [as Co]
Copper:Fume (copper oxide) [asCu]

7440-47-3(metal)Cr (metal)

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

0.8
1.8

-

-

65996-93-2

-

-

0.4

-

-

CARC

7440-48-4(metal)Co (metal)

-

0.04

-

-

CARC, RSEN

1317-38-0

CuO

-

0.4

-

-

7440-50-8(metal)Cu (metal)

-

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.2

-

-

Cresols, all isomers

95-48-7, 106-445,
108-39-4, 131977-3

CH3C6H4OH

-

40

-

-

SKIN

Crotonaldehyde

4170-30-3

CH3CH=CHCHO

-

-

0.6

-

SKIN

CumeneCyanamide
Cyanide salts [as CN]

98-82-8
420-04-2

C6H5CH(CH3)2
NH2CN

100
-

4

-

-

CARC, SKIN
SKIN

Dusts & mists [as Cu]
Cotton dust, raw,
untreated
Cotton dust (less fly)
Cotton dust (thoracic
fraction)-

33

Calcium cyanide
Potassium cyanide
Sodium cyanide
Cyanogen
Cyanogen chloride
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexanol
Cyclohexanone
Cyclohexene
Cyclohexylamine
Cyclonite [RDX]
Cyhexatin
D
DMDT[p,p'Dimethoxydiphenyltrichloroethane]592-01-8
151-50-8
143-33-9
460-19-5
506-77-4
110-82-7
108-93-0
108-94-1
110-83-8
108-91-8
121-82-4
13121-70-5

Ca(CN)2
KCN
NaCN
(CN)2
ClCN
C6H12
C6H11OH
C6H10O
C6H10
C6H11NH2C3H6N6O6(C6H11)3SnOH--

Diacetone alcohol

123-42-2

DiazinonDiazomethane333-41-5
334-88-3

CH3COCH2C(CH3)2OH
C12H21N2O3PS
CH2N2

Dibenzoyl peroxide

94-36-0(C6H5CO)2O2

Diborane

19287-45-7

B2H6

Diboron trioxide

1303-86-2

B2O3

75-61-6

CBr2F2

200

-

-

-

2528-36-1
107-66-4
84-74-27572-29-4

C14H23O4P(C4H9O)2(OH)POC6H4(CO2C4H9)2
ClC=CCl

0.6
-

10
10
-

0.2

-

SKIN
SKIN

95-50-1

C6H4Cl2

50

-

100

-

SKIN

Dibromodifluoromethane[Difluorodibromomethane]
Dibutyl phenyl phosphate
Dibutyl phosphate
Dibutyl phthalate
Dichloroacetylene
1,2-Dichlorobenzene[o-Dichlorobenzene]

200
100
40
600
20
-

1
10

10
0.6
100
-

10
10
10
-

SKIN
SKIN
SKIN

SKIN
SKIN

SKIN
SKIN

See
Methoxyc
hlor
100

-

-

-

0.4

0.02
-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

See Benzoyl peroxide
0.2

-

-

-

See Boron oxide34

1,4-Dichlorobenzene[p-Dichlorobenzene]
Dichlorodifluoromethane[Difluorodichloromethane]
1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethyl
hydantoin
1,1-Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,1-Dichloroethylene
1,2 Dichloroethylene, cis &trans isomers
Dichlorofluoromethane
1,3-Dichloropropene (cisand trans isomers)
1,3-Dichloropropene, cis &trans isomers
1,2Dichlorotetrafluoroethane

106-46-7

C6H4Cl2

20

-

-

-

75-71-8

CCl2F2

2000

-

-

-

118-52-5

C5H6Cl2N2O2

-

0.4

-

0.8

75-34-3
107-06-2
75-35-4

CH3CHCl2
ClCH2CH2Cl
CH2=CCl2

200
20
-

10

-

-

540-59-0

ClCH=CHCl

400

-

-

-

75-43-4

CHCl2F

20

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN
CARC, SKIN

542-74-6
542-75-6

ClHC=CHCH2Cl

2

-

-

-

76-14-2

CClF2CClF2

2000

-

-

-

CARC

SKIN
CARC, SKIN

-

0.2

-

-

77-73-6(CH3O)2POOCH=
CCl2
C10H12

10

-

-

-

102-54-5(C5H5)2Fe

-

20

-

-

60-57-1
111-42-2
109-89-7

C12H8Cl6O(CH2CH2OH)2NH(C2H5)2NH(C2H5)2NCH2CH
2OH
C4H10N2(NH2CH2CH2)2N
H
C6H4(COOC8H17
)2

10

0.2
2
-

30

-

SKIN
CARC, SKIN
SKIN

4

-

-

-

SKIN

Dichlorvos [DDVP]

62-73-7

DicyclopentadieneDicyclopentadienyl iron (asFe)
Dieldrin
Diethanolamine
Diethylamine
2-Diethylaminoethanol

100-37-8

1,4-Diethylenediamine

110-85-0

Diethylenetriamine [DETA]

111-40-0

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate[DEHP]

117-81-7

CARC, DSEN,
SKIN

See Piperazine
2

-

-

-

SKIN

-

10

-

-

CARC
35

Diethyl ketone

96-22-0

Diethyl phthalate

84-66-2

Diglycidyl ether [DGE]
o-Dihydroxybenzene
m-Dihydroxybenzene
p-Dihydroxybenzene

2238-07-5

Diisobutyl ketone

108-83-8

Diisopropylamine

108-18-9

N,N-Dimethylacetamide
Dimethylamine
N,N-Dimethylaniline
1,3-Dimethylbutyl acetate
N,N-Dimethylformamide
Dimethyl phthalate
Dimethyl sulphate
Dinitolmide
Dinitrobenzene, all isomers

127-19-5
124-40-3
121-69-7
108-84-9
68-12-2
131-11-3
77-78-1
148-01-625154-54-5

Dinitro-o-cresol534-52-1

Dinitrotoluene

25321-14-6

1,4-Dioxane

123-91-1

Dioxathion
Diphenylamine

78-34-2
122-39-4
85-00-72764-72-9
6385-62-2-

Diquat [Diquat]
Total particulate
Respirable particulate

108-46-3

CH3CH2COCH2C
H3
C6H4(COOC2H5)2(OCH2CHCH2)2O
C6H4(OH)2
C6H4(OH)2
C6H4(OH)2[(CH3)2CHCH2]2
CO(CH3)2CHNHCH(CH3)2
CH3CON(CH3)2(CH3)2NH
C6H5N(CH3)2
C8H16O2
HCON(CH3)2
C6H4(COOCH3)2(CH3)2SO4
C8H7N3O5
C6H4(NO2)2
CH3C6H2(OH)(NO2)2
CH3C6H3(NO2)2
OCH2CH2OCH2C
H2
C12H26O6P2S2(C6H5)2NH

400

-

600

-

-

10

-

-

0.02

-

See Catechol
See Resorcinol
See Hydroquinone

-

50

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

SKIN

20
10
10
100
20
0.2
0.3

10
2
-

30
20
-

-

SKIN
DSEN
SKIN

-

0.4

-

-

SKIN

-

0.4

-

-

CARC, SKIN

40

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

-

0.2
20

-

-

SKIN

C12H12Br2N2-

CARC, SKIN
CARC, SKIN
SKIN

SKIN
-

1
0.2

-

36

Disulfoton
6,6-Di-tert-butyl-4,4'thiodi-m-cresol
DiuronDivinyl benzene [DVB]
E
Endosulfan
EndrinEnflurane
Epichlorohydrin
1,2-Epoxy-4-epoxyethylcyclo-hexane
2,3-Epoxypropyl isopropyl
ether

298-04-4

C8H19O2PS3

-

0.1

-

-

96-69-5

C22H30O2S

-

-

-

-

330-54-1
1321-74-0

C9H10Cl2N2O
C6H4(HC=CH2)2

20

20
-

-

-

115-29-7
72-20-813838-16-9
106-89-8

C9H6Cl6O3S
C12H8Cl6O
CHFClCF2OCHF2C3H5OCl

150
-

0.2
0.2
1

-

106-87-6

C8H12O2

4016-14-2

C6H12O2

See 4-Vinyl
cyclohexene dioxide
See Isopropyl
glycidyl ether [IGE]

Ethanethiol

75-08-1

CH3CH2SH

Ethanol [Ethyl alcohol]
Ethanolamine
Ethyl acetate64-17-5
141-43-5
141-78-6Ethyl acrylate

140-88-5Ethylamine
Ethyl amyl ketone
Ethyl benzene

75-04-7
541-85-5
100-41-4

CH3CH2OH
NH2CH2CH2OH
CH3COOC2H5
CH2=CHCOOC2H
5
CH3CH2NH2
C8H16OCH3CH2C6H5Ethyl bromide

74-96-4

CH3CH2Br

Ethyl butyl ketone

106-35-4Ethyl chloride
Ethylene chlorohydrin
Ethylene diamine

75-00-3
107-07-3
107-15-3

CH3CH2CO(CH2)
3CH3
CH3CH2Cl
CH2ClCH2OH
NH2CH2CH2NH2Ethylene dibromide

106-93-4

BrCH2CH2Br

SKIN

SKIN
SKIN
CARC, SKIN

See Ethyl mercaptan
6
800

-

2000
24
-

-

10

-

30

-

CARC

10
20
40

-

30
-

-

SKIN
CARC, SKIN

See Bromoethane
100

-

150

-

SKIN

200
20

-

2
See 1,2Dibromoethane

-

SKIN
SKIN

37

Ethylene dichloride
Ethylene glycol, total
particulate
Ethylene glycol dinitrate[EGDN]
Ethylene glycol methyl
ether
Ethylene glycol
monomethyl ether acetate[EGMEA]
Ethyleneimine

107-06-2

See 1,2Dichloroethane

ClCH2CH2Cl

107-21-1

-

-

-

200

SKIN
SKIN

628-96-6

O2NOCH2CH2ON
O2

0.1

-

-

-

109-86-4

CH3OCH2CH2OH

0.2

-

-

-

110-49-6

CH3COOCH2CH2
OCH3

0.2

-

-

-

SKIN

151-56-4

CH2NHCH2

0.1

-

0.2

-

CARC, SKIN

Ethyl ether [Diethyl ether]60-29-7

C2H5OC2H5

800

-

1000

-

Ethyl formate
Ethylidene dichloride
Ethyl mercaptan
4-Ethylmorpholine [NEthylmorpholine]
Ethyl silicate
F109-94-4
75-34-3
75-08-1

CH3CH2OCHO
CH3CHCl2
CH3CH2SH

1

-

200
-

-

100-74-3

C4H8ONCH2CH3

10

-

-

-

78-10-4

Si(OC2H5)4

20

-

-

-

Fenchlorphos

299-84-3

-

10

-

-

Ferbam14484-64-1(CH3O)2PSOC6H
2Cl3[(CH3)2NCSS]3Fe

-

10

-

Ferrocene

102-54-5(C5H5)2Fe

Fluorides [inorganic as F]
Fluorine
Formamide
Formic acidFurfural [2-Furaldehyde]

16984-48-8
7782-41-4
75-12-7
64-18-635796

F
F2
HCONH2HCOOH
C5H4O2

2
20
10
4

5
-

See
Dicyclopentadienyl
iron
4
20
-

-

SKIN

SKIN
SKIN

38

Furfuryl alcoholG
Germanium tetrahydride[Germane]
Glutaraldehyde
Graphite, natural &synthetic, respirable
particulate
GuthionH
Hafnium
Halothane
Heptachlor andHeptachlor epoxide

Heptane, all isomers

98-00-0

OCH=CHCH=CCH
2OH

20

-

30

-

7782-65-2

GeH4

0.4

-

-

-

111-30-8

OCH(CH2)3CHO

-

-

0.1

-

7782-42-5

C

-

4

-

-

86-50-0

C10H12O3PS2N3

-

-

-

-

7440-58-6
151-67-7
76-44-81024-57-3
142-82-5
142-82-5
590-35-2
565-59-3
108-08-7
591-76-4
589-34-4

Hf
CF3CHClBr

100

1
-

-

-

C10H5Cl7

-

0.1

-

-

CH3(CH2)5CH3(for n-Heptane)

800

-

1000

-

2

-

See Ethyl butyl
ketone--Heptan-3-one

106-35-4

Hexachloroethane vapour
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro1,3,5-triazine
Hexamethylene
diisocyanate [HDI]

67-72-1

Hexane, all isomers except
n-Hexanen-Hexane

CH3CH2CO(CH2)3CH3121-82-4

C3H6N6O6

-

-

-

-

822-06-0

OCN(CH2)6NCO

0.01

-

-

-

C6H14

1000

-

2000

-

CH3(CH2)4CH3

100

-

-

-

75-83-2, 79-29-8,
96-14-0, 107-835
110-54-3

SKIN

DSEN, RSEN

CARC, SKIN

CARC, SKIN

SKIN
39

CH3CO(CH2)3CH
3
CH3COCH2CH(CH3)2-

See Methyl-n-butyl
ketoneSee Methyl isobutyl
ketone [MIBK]
See 1,3Dimethylbutyl
acetate
50
4

-

-

-

4

-

HF
H2O2
H2Se
H2S
C6H4(OH)2

1
2
0.1
2
-

2

4
10
-

-

CARC, SKIN

999-61-1

C6H10O3

1

-

-

-

DSEN, SKIN

95-13-6

C9H8

10

-

-

-

7440-74-6

In

-

0.2

-

-

7553-56-2
75-47-8
74-88-41309-37-1
13463-40-6
-

I2
CHI3
CH3I
Fe2O3
Fe(CO)5(CH3)2CHCH2CH
2OH

0.02
1.2
4
0.2
-

10
2

0.2
0.4
-

-

200

-

250

-

(CH3)2CHCH2OH

100

-

-

-

2-Hexanone [Hexan-2-one]

591-78-6

Hexone108-10-1

sec-Hexyl acetate108-84-9

C8H16O2

Hexylene glycol
Hydrazine [Diamine]
Hydrogen bromide
Hydrogen chloride (gas &aerosol mists)
Hydrogen fluoride [as F]
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen selenide [as Se]
Hydrogen sulphide
Hydroquinone
2-Hydroxypropyl acrylate[Propylene glycol
monoacrylate]I
Indene [Indonaphthene]
Indium & compounds [asIn]
IodineIodoform
Iodomethane
Iron oxide fume [as Fe]
Iron pentacarbonyl [as Fe]
Iron salts [as Fe]

107-41-5
302-01-2
10035-10-6

C6H14O2
H2NNH2HBr

0.02-

7647-01-0

HCl

7664-39-3
7722-84-1
7783-07-5
7783-06-4
123-31-9

Isoamyl alcohol

123-51-3

Isobutanol [Isobutyl
alcohol]

78-83-1

CARC, SKINDSENCARC (Indium
phosphide)

SKIN

40

Isooctyl alcohol
Isophorone
Isophorone diisocyanate[IPDI]

26952-21-6
78-59-1

C8H17OH
C9H14O

100
-

-

10

-

4098-71-9

C12H18N2O2

0.01

-

-

-

Isopropyl acetate108-21-4

200

-

400

-

Isopropyl benzene

98-82-8Isopropyl ether

108-20-3

Isopropyl glycidyl ether
[IGE]
J
K
KeteneL

CH3COOCH(CH3)2
C6H5CH(CH3)2(CH3)2CHOCH(CH3)2

See Cumene
500

-

620

-

4016-14-2

C6H12O2

100

-

150

-

463-51-4

CH2=CO

1

-

3

-

-

Asphyxian
t

-

-

-

-

-

0.1

Lithium hydride
M
Magnesium oxide [asMgO], Total particulate

7580-67-8

Mixture: C3H6;
C3H8; C4H10;
C4H8;
LiH

1309-48-4

MgO

-

10

-

-

Malathion
Maleic anhydride
Manganese, elemental,
and inorganic compounds[as Mn]Total particulate
Respirable particulate
and fume
Manganese
cyclopentadienyl
tricarbonyl [as Mn]

121-75-5
108-31-6

C10H19O6PS2
C4H2O3

-

2
0.02

-

-

7439-96-5

Mn

-

-

-

0.2

-

-

-

-

-

0.04

-

-

12079-65-1

C5H5Mn(CO)3

-

0.2

-

-

Liquified petroleum gas[LPG]

68476-85-7

SKIN

CARC, SKIN
DSEN, RSEN

SKIN
41

Mercaptoacetic acid
Mercury and divalentinorganic mercury
compounds including
mercuric oxide andmercuric chloride [as Hg]
Alkyl compounds
Aryl compounds
Elemental and inorganicforms

68-11-1

HSCH2COOH

7439-97-6

Hg

2

-

-

-

SKIN

-

0.02
0.2

-

0.06
-

-

0.05

-

-

30

-

50

-

40

-

-

-

400
-

0.4

500
-

-

-

20

-

-

400
4

-

See Propylene glycol
monomethyl ether
500
-

-

DSEN, SKIN
SKIN

CARC, SKIN
SKIN
SKIN

Methoxychlor

72-43-5

1-Methoxypropan-2-ol

107-98-2

Methyl acetate
Methyl acrylate
Methylacrylonitrile[Methacrylonitrile]
MethylalMethylamine

79-20-9
96-33-3(CH3)2C=CHCOC
H3
CH2=C(CH3)COO
H
CH3OH
C5H10N2O2S(C6H4OCH3)2CH
CCl3
CH3CHOHCH2OC
H3
CH3COOCH3
CH2=CHCOOCH3

126-98-7

CH2=C(CH3)CN

2

-

-

-

109-87-5
74-89-5

2000
10

-

30

-

Methyl n-amyl ketone

110-43-0

100

-

-

-

N-Methylaniline
Methyl bromide

100-61-8
74-83-9

1
2

-

-

-

SKIN
SKIN

Methyl-n-butyl ketone591-78-6

10

-

20

-

SKIN

Methyl chloride

74-87-3

CH2(OCH3)2
CH3NH2CH3CO(CH2)4CH
3
C6H5NHCH3
CH3Br
CH3CO(CH2)3CH
3
CH3Cl

100

-

200

-

SKIN

Mesityl oxide

141-79-7

Methacrylic acid79-41-4

Methanol [Methyl alcohol]
Methomyl

67-56-1
16752-77-5

SKIN
SKIN

42

Methyl chloroform

71-55-6

Methyl 2-cyanoacrylate

137-05-3

Methyl ethyl ketone [MEK]Methylcyclohexane
Methylcyclohexanol

78-93-3
108-87-2
25639-42-3

2-Methylcyclohexanone

583-60-8

Methylene bis(4cyclohexylisocyanate)
Methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl [asMn]5124-30-1

CH2=C(CN)COOC
H3
CH2COC2H5
CH3C6H11
CH3C6H10OH
CH3CHCO(CH2)3
CH2
CH2[(C6H10)NCO]2

12108-13-3

CH3C5H4Mn(CO)34,4’-Methylenebis(2chloroaniline) [MbOCA]

101-14-4

CH2(C6H4ClNH2)
2

Methylene chloride

75-09-2

4,4’-Methylenedianiline[MDA]
4,4’-Methylene-diphenyl
diisocyanate [MDI]
Methyl formate
Methyl hydrazine
Methyl iodide
Methyl isoamyl ketone
Methyl isobutyl carbinol[4-Methylpentan-2-ol]
Methyl isobutyl ketone[MIBK]

See 1,1,1Trichloroethane

CH3CCl3
0.4

-

-

-

400
800
100

-

600
-

-

SKIN

100

-

150

-

SKIN

0.01

-

-

-

-

0.4

-

-

SKIN

See 2,2’-Dichloro4,4’-methylene
dianiline [MbOCA]
See
Dichloromethane

101-77-9

CH2(C6H4NH2)2

0.2

-

-

-

101-68-8

CH2(C6H4NCO)2

0.01

-

-

-

107-31-3
60-34-4
74-88-4
110-12-3

HCOOCH3
CH3NHNH2
CH3I
C7H14O

100
0.02

-

-

SKIN
SKIN

40

-

200
See Iodomethane
100

-

SKIN

108-11-2

C6H14O

50

-

80

-

SKIN

108-10-1

CH3COCH2CH(CH
3)2

40

-

150

-

CARC, SKIN

Methyl isocyanate [MIC]624-83-9

CH3NCO

0.04

-

0.12

-

DSEN, RSEN,
SKIN

Methyl mercaptan

74-93-1

CH3SH

1

-

-

43

Methyl methacrylate

80-62-6

Methyl parathion

298-00-0

Methyl propyl ketone

107-87-9

Methyl silicate
alpha-Methyl styrene
MevinphosMica681-84-5
98-83-97786-34-7

Molybdenum compounds[as Mo]'Soluble compounds,
respirable particulate
Metal and insolublecompounds, total
particulate
Metal and insolublecompounds, respirable
particulate
Monochloroacetic acid
Morpholine
N
Naled
Naphthalene
Nickel and its inorganic
compounds [as Ni]
Elemental
Nickel carbonyl [as Ni]
Nickel, subsulphide [as Ni]
Nicotine
Nitrapyrin
Nitric acid

CH2=C(CH3)COO
CH3
C8H10NO5PS
CH3(CH2)2COCH
3(CH3O)4Si
C6H5C(CH3)=CH2
C7H13PO612001-26-2

100

-

200

-

DSEN

-

0.04

-

-

SKIN

-

-

300

-

2
20

-

See Phosdrin

-

-

6

-

-

CARC

7439-98-7

Mo

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

10

-

-

-

-

-

5

-

-

79-11-8
110-91-8

ClCH2CO2H
C4H9NO

1
40

-

-

-

SKIN
SKIN

300-76-5
91-20-3

C4H7Br2Cl2O4P
C10H8

20

0.2
-

-

-

DSEN, SKIN
CARC, SKIN

Ni(CO)4
Ni3S2
C10H14N2
ClC5H3NCCl3
HNO3

4

3
0.2
1
20
-

0.1
8

40
-

CARC, SKIN
CARC
CARC
SKIN

7440-02-0
13463-39-3
12035-72-2
54-11-5
1929-82-4
7697-37-2

CARC
44

Nitric oxide

10102-43-9

NO

See Nitrogenmonoxide

4-Nitroaniline [pNitroaniline]
Nitrobenzene
p-Nitrochlorobenzene
Nitroethane
Nitrogen monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen trifluoride

100-01-6

NO2C6H4NH2

-

6

-

-

SKIN

98-95-3
100-00-5
79-24-3
10102-43-9
10102-44-0
7783-54-2

2
0.2
200
50
0.4
20

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

Nitroglycerine [NG]55-63-0

C6H5NO2
ClC6H4NO2
C2H5NO2
NONO2
NF3
CH2NO3CHNO3C
H2NO3
CH3NO2C3H7NO2(CH3)2CH(NO2)

0.1

-

-

-

SKIN

40
50
20

-

-

-

CARC

CH3C6H4NO2

4

-

-

-

SKIN

N2O

100

-

-

-

C10Cl8OsO4COOHCOOH.2H2
OO3

0.00040.2-

0.0012

0.6
-

-

2

-

4

0.1
0.16
0.2

-

-

-

0.4

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

-

0.1

-

-

Nitromethane
1-Nitropropane
2-Nitropropane
Nitrotoluene, all isomers
Nitrous oxide
O
Octachloronaphthalene
Osmium tetroxide [as Os]

75-52-5
108-03-2
79-46-9
88-72-2; 99-081; 99-99-0
10024-97-2
2234-13-1
20816-12-0

Oxalic acid144-62-7

Ozone
Heavy work
Moderate work
Light work
Heavy, moderate or
light workloads (<2hrs)
P
Paraffin wax fume10028-15-6

Parathion

8002-74-2
56-38-2(C2H5O)2PSOC6
H4NO2

CARC

SKIN

CARC, SKIN
45

Particles not otherwiseclassified [PNOC]
Total particulate
Respirable particulate
Pentachlorophenol
Pentaerythritol
Pentane, all isomers

Pentyl acetate, all isomers
Perchloryl fluoride
Persulphates, as persulfate
Phenacyl chloride
Phenolp-Phenylenediamine
Phenyl ether vapour--

87-86-5
115-77-5
78-78-4; 109-660; 463-82-1
628-63-7; 62638-0; 123-92-2;
625-16-1; 62441-9; 620-11-1
7616-94-6

C6Cl5OH

-

10
5
1
20

-

2
-

C5H12

2000

-

-

-

CH3COO(CH2)4C
H3

100

-

200

-

6
10
2

0.2
0.2
-

12
4

-

0.2

-

-

-

0.2
0.2

-

-

0.2
0.6
0.2
0.2
-

0.1
0.02
2
2

See alpha-Methyl
styrene2-

Phenyl glycidyl ether [PGE]122-60-1

Phenylhydrazine
Phenyl mercaptan

100-63-0
108-98-5

ClFO3
SO5 /S2O8
C6H5COCH2Cl
C6H5OH
C6H4(NH2)2
C6H5OC6H5
C6H5OCH2CHOC
H2
C6H5NHNH2
C6H5SH

2-Phenylpropene

98-83-9

C6H5C(CH3)=CH2

298-02-2
7786-34-7
75-44-57803-51-2
7664-38-2
10025-87-3
10026-13-8
1314-80-3

C7H17O2PS3
C7H13PO6
COCl2
PH3
H3PO4
POCl3
PCl5
P2S5/ P4S10

PhoratePhosdrin
Phosgene
Phosphine
Phosphoric acid
Phosphorus oxychloride
Phosphorus pentachloride
Phosphorus pentasulphide532-27-4
108-95-2
106-50-3
101-84-8

6
6

CARC, SKIN

SKIN
SKIN
CARC, DSEN,
SKIN
SKIN
SKIN

SKIN
SKIN

46

Phosphorus trichloride
Phthalic anhydride
Picloram
Picric acid
Piperazine and salts [asPiperazine]
Platinum
Metal
Soluble salts [as Pt]
Polyvinyl chloride [PVC],
respirable particulate7719-12-2
85-44-9
1918-02-1
88-89-1

PCl3
C6H4(CO)2O
C6H3Cl3N2O2(NO2)3C6H2OH

0.4
2
-

20
0.2

1
-

-

110-85-0

C4H10N2

0.06

-

-

-

DSEN, RSEN

7440-06-4
-

Pt
-

-

2
0.004

-

-

DSEN, RSEN

-

-

-

2

-

-

Potassium hydroxiden-Propanol [n-Propyl
alcohol]

1310-58-3

KOH

-

-

-

4

71-23-8

CH3CH2CH2OH

200

-

-

-

2-Propanol [Propan-2-ol]

67-63-0(CH3)2CHOH

400

-

800

-

107-19-7

HC≡CCH2OH

2

-

-

-

79-09-4
114-26-1
109-60-4

20
400

1
-

-

-

0.1

-

-

-

SKIN

100

-

200

-

SKIN

8003-34-7
110-86-1
120-80-9

CH3CH2COOH
C11H15NO3
CH3COOC3H7
CH3CHONO2CH2
ONO2
CH3CHOHCH2OC
H3
C5H5N
C6H4(OH)2

2
-

10
-

-

-

106-51-4

C6H4O2

Propargyl alcohol [2Propyn-1-ol]
Propionic acid
Propoxur
n-Propyl acetate
Propylene glycol dinitrate[PGDN]
Propylene glycol
monomethyl ether
Pyrethrum
Pyridine
Pyrocatechol
Q
Quinone6423-43-4
107-98-2

DSEN, RSEN

SKIN

SKIN

See p-Benzoquinone

47

See
Pentachloronitroben
zene

Quintozene

82-68-8

C6Cl5NO2

R
Resorcinol
Rhodium

108-46-3

C6H4(OH)2

20

-

40

-

Metal and insolublecompounds [as Rh]

7440-16-6

Rh

-

2

-

-

-

0.02

-

-

Soluble compounds [as Rh]
Rosin core solder thermal
decomposition products[colophony]
S
Selenium & compounds,
except hydrogen selenide[as Se]Silicon carbide
Total particulate(nonfibrous)
Respirable particulate(nonfibrous)
Fibrous (including
whiskers)
Silicon tetrahydride[Silane]Silver
Metal
Soluble compounds [as Ag]
Sodium azide

SKIN

DSEN

8050-09-07-

Exposure by all routes should be carefully controlled to ALARP

7782-49-2

Se

-

0.4

-

-

409-21-2

SiC

-

-

-

10

-

-

CARC

-

-

-

5

-

-

CARC

-

0.1 f/cc

-

-

CARC

7803-62-5

SiH4

10

-

-

-

7440-22-4

Ag

-

0.2

-

-

-

-

-

0.02

-

-

26628-22-8

NaN3

-

-

-

0.6

SKIN
48

Sodium 2,4dichlorophenoxy ethyl
sulphate [2,4-DES],[Sesone]Sodium fluoroacetate
Sodium hydrogen sulphite[Sodium bisulphite]
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium metabisulphate136-78-7

C8H7Cl2NaO5S

-

20

-

-

CARC

62-74-8

CH2FCOONa

-

0.1

-

-

SKIN

7631-90-5

NaHSO3

-

10

-

-

1310-73-2
7681-57-4

NaOH
Na2S2O5

-

10

-

4
-

Starch, total particulate

9005-25-8

-

-

10

-

-

Stibine [Antimony hydride]7803-52-3

SbH3

0.2

-

-

-

Strychnine
Subtilisins (Proteolytic
enzymes as 100% purecrystalline enzyme)
Sucrose57-24-9

C21H22N2O2

-

0.3

-

-

1395-21-7
9014-01-1

-

-

-

-

0.00012

-

20

-

-

Sulfotep3689-24-5

-

0.2

-

-

Sulphur dioxide
Sulphur hexafluoride
Sulphuric acid (mist)
Sulphur monochloride
Sulphur pentafluoride
Sulphur tetrafluoride
Sulphuryl
fluoride[Sulphuryl
difluoride]
Synthetic vitrous fibres[SVF]:
Continuous filament
glass fibres
Continuous filament
glass fibres

7446-09-5
2551-62-4
7664-93-910025-67-9
5714-22-7
7783-60-0

C12H22O11[(CH3CH2O)2PS]2
O
SO2
SF6
H2SO4
S2Cl2
S2F10
SF4

2000
-

0.4
-

0.5
2
0.02
0.2

-

2699-79-8

SO2F2

10

-

20

-

-

-

-

-

-

2 f/mL

-

-

-

5

-

-

57-50-1

RSEN

SKIN

CARC

49

Glass wool fibres
Rock wool fibres
Slag wool fibres
Special purpose glass
fibresRefractory ceramic
fibresT
Talc (containing noasbestos fibers), respirable
particulate
Tellurium & compounds,
except hydrogen telluride[as Te]Terphenyls, all isomers
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
Tetracarbonyl nickel [as Ni]
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloro-1,2difluoroethane
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloro-2,2difluoroethane

-

-

-

2 f/mL
2 f/mL
2 f/mL---

2 f/mL

-

-

-

-

-

0.4 f/mL--

14807-96-6

Mg3Si4O10(OH)1

-

4

-

-

13494-80-9

Te

-

0.2

-

-

26140-60-3
79-27-6
13463-39-3

C18H14
CHBr2CHBr2
Ni(CO)4

0.2-

See Nickel carbonyl

10-76-12-0

CCl2FCCl2F

100

-

-

-

76-11-9

CCl3CClF2

200

-

-

-

Tetrachloroethylene

127-18-4

Cl2C=CCl2

50

-

200

-

Tetrachloronaphthalene
Tetraethyl orthosilicate
Tetraethyl pyrophosphate[TEPP]
Tetrahydrofuran
Tetramethyl succinonitrile

1335-88-2
78-10-4-

4

See Ethyl silicate

-

-

0.02

-

-

SKIN

100
1

-

-

-

SKIN
SKIN

Tetryl479-45-8

C10H4Cl4
Si(OC2H5)4[(CH3CH2O)2PO]
2O
C4H8O
C8H12N2(NO2)3C6H2N(NO2)CH3

-

3

-

-

-

0.04

-

-

Thallium, solublecompounds [as Tl]

107-49-3
109-99-93333-52-6

-

Tl

CARC

SKIN

SKIN

50

4,4’-Thiobis(6-tert-butyl-mcresol)

96-69-5

C22H30O2S

Thioglycolic acid68-11-1

HSCH2COOH

Thionyl chloride

7719-09-7

Thiram137-26-8

SOCl2(CH3)2NCS2CS2N(CH3)2

2

-

-

-

-

See Mercaptoacetic
acid
0.4

-

-

0.1

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

SKIN

-

-

-

0.2

-

-

SKIN

13463-67-7

-

-

-

20

-

CARC

108-88-3

C6H5CH3

40

-

-

-

SKIN

584-84-9

CH3C6H3(NCO)2

0.002

-

0.01

-

95-53-4
108-44-1
106-49-0
75-25-2

CH3C6H4NH2
CH3C6H4NH2
CH3C6H4NH2
CHBr3

4
4
4

-

See Bromoform-

126-73-8(C4H9)3PO4

-

10

-

-

76-03-9
120-82-1

CCl3COOH
C6H3Cl3

1
-

-

10

-

Tin compounds:
Tin metal
Tin oxide and Inorganic
except SnH4 [as Sn]
Organic except Cyhexatin[as Sn]Titanium dioxide, total
particulate
Toluene2,4-Toluene diisocyanate[TDI]
o-Toluidine
m-Toluidine
p-Toluidine
Tribromomethane
Tributyl phosphate, allisomers
Trichloroacetic acid
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

-

DSEN

744-31-5

CARC, SKIN
SKIN
SKIN

CARC
SKIN
51

1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichlorofluoromethane
Trichloronitromethane
2,4,5Trichlorophenoxyacetic
acid [2,4,5-T]
1,2,3-Trichloropropane
1,1,2Trichlorotrifluoroethane[1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2trifluoroethane]
Tri-o-cresyl phosphate[Tri-o-tolyl phosphate]
Tricyclohexyltin hydroxide
Triethanolamine
Triethylamine
Trifluorobromomethane

13121-70-5
102-71-6
121-44-8
75-63-8(CH3C6H4O)3P=O(C6H11)3SnOH(CH2OHCH2)3N(C2H5)3N
CF3Br

Trimellitic anhydride552-30-7

C9H4O5

Trimethylamine
Trimethylbenzene, allisomers or mixtures
Trimethyl phosphite
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene [TNT]Triphenyl phosphate
Tungsten

75-50-3

Soluble compounds [asW]
Metal & Insoluble [as W]
Turpentine
U

79-00-5
75-69-4
76-06-2

CHCl2CH2Cl
CCl3F
CCl3NO2

20
-

-

2000
See Chloropicrin

-

SKIN

93-76-5

Cl3C6H2OCH2CO
OH

-

20

-

-

CARC

96-18-4

CH2ClCHClCH2Cl

20

-

-

-

CARC

76-13-1

CCl2FCClF2

2000

-

2500

-

-

0.04

-

-

78-30-8

1
2000

10
-

(CH3)3N

10-

See Cyhexatin
2
See Benzene-1,2,4,tricarboxylic acid 1,2anhydride3025551-13-7

C6H3(CH3)3

50

-

-

-

121-45-9
118-96-7
115-86-6(CH3O)3P
CH3C6H2(NO2)3(C6H5O)3PO4

4
-

0.2
6

-

-

7440-33-7

-

2

-

6

8006-64-2

40

10
-

-

20
-

C10H16 (approx)

-

SKIN

-

SKIN
SKIN

52

Uranium (natural). Soluble& insoluble compounds [asU]V
Vanadium pentoxide, total
particulate
Vinyl acetate

7440-61-1

-

-

0.4

-

1.2

1314-62-1

V2O5

0.1

-

-

-

CARC

108-05-4

CH2=CHOOCCH3

20

-

-

CARC

Vinyl benzene

100-42-5

C6H5CH=CH2

Vinyl bromide
4-Vinyl cyclohexene
4-Vinyl cyclohexene
dioxideVinyl toluene
W
Warfarin
Wood dust, all species,
excluding oak, beech,
birch, mahogany, teak andwalnutX
Xylene, o-, m-, p- or mixed
isomers593-60-2
100-40-3

CH2=CHBr
C8H12

1
0.2

-

30
See Styrene,monomer
-

-

CARC
CARC

106-87-6

C8H12O2

0.2

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

25013-15-4

CH2=CHC6H4CH3

100

-

200

-

81-81-2

C19H16O4

-

0.02

-

-

SKIN

-

5

-

-

CARC, RSEN

Xylidine, all isomers
Y
Yttrium & compounds [asY]ZZinc chloride, fumeZinc oxide, fumeZirconium compounds [asZr]-1330-20-7

C6H4(CH3)2

200

-

300

-

SKIN

1300-73-8(CH3)2C6H3NH2

1

-

-

-

CARC, SKIN

7440-65-5

Y

-

2

-

-

7646-85-7
1314-13-2

ZnCl2
ZnO

-

2
4

-

4
20

7440-67-7

Zr

-

10

-

20
53

Abbreviations:
OEL-ML: Occupational Exposure Limit – Maximum Limit
OEL-RL: Occupational Exposure Limit – Restricted Limit
ppm: Parts per million
mg/m3 Milligrams per cubic meter
Carc: Denotes carcinogenicity, which is based on IARC categorisation including category 1A, 1B and Category 2;
RSEN: Respiratory sensitisation, potential to produce respiratory sensitisation
DSEN: Dermal sensitisation, potential to produce dermal sensitisation
RSEN and DSEN do not imply that he sensitisation is the critical effect on which the OEL is based, nor do they imply that this effect is the sole basis for theagents OEL;
Skin: Danger of cutaneous absorption. Refers to the potential significant contribution to the overall exposure by the cutaneous route including mucous
membranes and the eyes by contact with vapours, liquids and solids. Overexposure may also occur following dermal contact with liquids and aerosols, evenwhen airborne exposures at or below the OEL.

54

Table 4. Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) for hazardous chemical agents

SAMPLEMATRIXSAMPLING TIME

VALUE

UNIT

NOTATION

Acetoneurine

End of shift

25

mg/L

Ns

Cholinesterase activity in red cells
Anilinep-Aminophenol
Arsenic, Elemental and soluble
inorganic compounds (excluding
gallium arsenide and arsine)
Inorganic arsenic plus methylated
metabolies
B
Benzeneblood

Discretionary

70% of baseline

Ns

urine

End of shift

50

mg/L

B, Ns, Sq

urine

End of workweek

35

µg/L

B

urine
urine

End of shift
End of shift

25500µg/g creatinineµg/g creatinine

B
B

urine

End of shift

2.5

mg/L

B, Sq

blood

Not critical

2.5

pmol/g Hb

Sq

AGENT/ DETERMINANT

CAS NUMBER

A
Acetone67-64-1

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

S-Phenylmercapturic acid (sPMA)
t,t-Muconic acid (ttMA)
1,3-Butadiene
1,2-Dihydroxy-4-(N-acetylcysteinyl)butane
Mixture of N-1-and N-2(hydroxybutenyl)valine haemoglobin
adducts

62-53-3

7440-38-2

71-43-2

106-99-0

55

2-Butoxyethanol

111-76-2

Butoxyacetic acid (BAA)C
Cadmium and inorganic compounds

End of shift

200

mg/g
creatinine

-

urine
blood

Not critical
Not critical

55µg/g creatinine
µg/L

B
B

urine

End of shift

0.5

mg/g
creatinine

B, Ns

blood
end exhaled

End of shift
End of shift

3.5
20% haemoglobin
ppm

B, Ns
B, Ns

7440-43-9

Cadmium
Cadmium
Carbon disulphide
2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxlyic acid
(TTCA)
Carbon monoxide
Carboxyhaemoglobin
Carbon monoxide
Chlorobenzene

urine

75-15-0

630-08-0

108-90-7

4-Chlorocatechol

urine

p-Chlorophenol
ChromiumVI (Water soluble fume)urine

End of shift at end of
workweek
End of shift at end of
workweek

urine
urine

Total chromium
Total chromium
Cobalt & inorganic compounds,
including cobalt oxides but not
combined with Tungsten carbide

End of shift at end of
workweek
Increase during shift

25
10

µg/L
µg/L

-

urine

End of shift at end of
workweek

15

µg/L

Ns

urine
urine

End of shift at end of
workweek
End of shift

80
8

mg/L
mg/L

Ns, SqNs, Sq100

Ns
Ns

7440-47-3

7440-48-4

CobaltCyclohexanone

20

mg/g
creatinine
mg/g
creatinine

108-94-1
1,2-Cyclohexanediol
Cyclohexanol

D
56

Dichloromethane75-09-2
Dichloromethane

N,N-Dimethylacetamideurine

End of shifturine

End of shift at end of
workweek

0.3

mg/L

Sq

30

mg/g
creatinine

-

15

mg/L

-

40

mg/L

Sq

127-19-5

N-Methylacetamide
N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF)
N-methylformamide
N-Acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)
cysteineE
2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) and 2Ethyxyethyl acetate (EGEEA)

68-12-2urine

End of shift at end of
workweek

100

mg/g
creatinine

-

urine

End of shift

0.15

g/g creatinine

Ns

urine
urine

Prior to shift
End of shift

2
3

mg/L
mg/L

B, Ns
B, Ns

urine

End of shift

200

mg/L

Ns

urine

End of shift

15µg/g creatinine

Ns

urine

End of shift at end of
workweek

0.4

mg/L

-

100-41-4

16984-48-8

Fluoride
Fluoride
Furfuralurine

110-80-5;
111-15-9

2-Ethoxyacetic acid
Ethyl benzene
Sum of mandelic acid and phenlglyoxylic
acid
F
Fluorides

urine

End of shift
Prior to last shift ofworkweek

98-01-1
Furoic acidG
H
1,6-Hexamethylene diisocyanate

822-06-0

1,6-Hexamethylene diamine
n-Hexane

110-54-3
2,5-Hexanedione

57

I
J
K
L
Lead

7439-92-1

Lead
M
Mercury (Elemental)

blood

Not critical

See Lead
Regulations

urine

Prior to shift

20µg/g creatinine

urine

End of shift

15

mg/L

blood

During or end of shift
at end of shift

1.5% haemoglobin

urine

End of shift at end of
workweek

1

mg/g
creatinine

-

urine

End of shift at end of
workweek

0.4

mg/L

-

40
10

ppm
mg/L

Ns, Sq30

mg/L

Ns, Sq

1

mg/L

Ns

2

mg/L

Ns

7439-97-6
Mercury

Methanol-

67-56-1
MethanolB, Ns

Methaemoglobin inducers
Methaemoglobin
2-Methoxyethanol and 2Methoxyethylacetate
2-Methoxyacetic acid
Methyl n-butyl ketone591-78-6

2,5-Hexanedione
Methyl Chloroform

B, Ns, Sq

109-86-4;
110-49-6

71-55-6
Methyl Chloroform
Trichloroacetic acidend exhaled
urine

Total trichloroethanol

urine

Total trichloroethanol
Methyl Ethylketone (MEK)
Methyl ethylketone (MEK)

blood

Prior to last shift ofworkweek
End of workweek
End of shift at end of
workweek
End of shift at end of
workweekurine

End of shift

78-93-3
58

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)

108-10-1

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
N
Nitrobenzene

urine

End of shift

blood

See Methemoglobin
inducers BEI

urine
blood

End of shift
Discretionary

1

mg/L

-

0.5
70

mg/g
creatinine% of baseline

Ns
B, Ns, Sq

B, Ns

98-95-3
Methaemoglobin

O
P
Parathion

56-38-2

Total p-nitrophenol
Cholinesterase activity in red blood cells
Phenol108-95-2

Phenol2-Propanolurine

End of shift

250

mg/g
creatinine

urine

End of shift at end of
workweek

40

mg/L

B, Ns

Ns
-

-

67-63-0
AcetoneQ
R
S
Styrene100-42-5

Mandelic acid + phenylglyoxylic acid
StyreneT
Tetrachloroethylene(Perchloroethylene)
Tetrachloroethylene
Tetrachloroethylene
Tetrahydrofuran

urine
urine

End of shift
End of shift

400
40

mg/g
creatinineµg/L

end exhaledblood

Prior to shift
Prior to shift

3
0.5

ppm
mg/L

127-18-4

109-99-959

Tetrahydrofuran

urine

End of shift

2

mg/L

-

TolueneToluene

blood
urine

Prior to last shift ofworkweek
End of shift

0.02
0.03

-

o-CresolToluene diisocyanate-2,4, or as a
mixture of isomers
Toluene diamine
Trichloroethylene

urine

End of shift

0.3

mg/L
mg/L
mg/g
creatinine

urine

End of shift

5µg/g creatinine

Ns

Toluene108-88-3

584-84-9
79-01-6
15

mg/L

Ns

blood

End of shift at end of
workweek
End of shift at end of
workweek

0.5

mg/L

Ns

urine

End of shift

200

µg/L

-

urine

End of shift

1.5

g/g creatinine-

Trichloroacetic acidurine

Trichloroethanol
U
UraniumB

7440-61-1
UraniumV
W
X
95-47-6:
106-42-3;
108-38-3;
1330-20-7

Xylenes
Methylhippuric acids
Y

Z
Notations:
B - BackgroundThe determinant may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration which could
affect interpretation of the results. Such background concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value.
60

Nq – Non-quantitative
Biological monitoring should be considered for this compound based on the review; however, a specific BEI could not be determined due to insufficient data.
Ns – Non-specific
The determinant is nonspecific, since it is also observed after exposure to other chemicals.
Sq – Semi-quantitative
The biological determinant is an indicator of exposure to the chemical, but the quantitative interpretation of the measurement is ambiguous. These determinants
should be used as a screening test if a quantitative test is not practical, or as a confirmatory test if the quantitative test is not specific and the origin of thedeterminant is in question.

61

ANNEXURE 3
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL AGENT GUIDELINES

Prevention and control of exposure
(1)

(2)

(3)

Exposure of employees to agents hazardous to health should be prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. This is afundamental requirement of the Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents (HCA), 1995. Exposure can occur by inhalation, ingestion or absorption through theskin, but inhalation is usually the main route of entry into the body. Tables 1 and 2 of Annexure 1 list the occupational exposure limits, which should be used indetermining the adequacy of control of exposure by inhalation, as required by the HCA Regulations.
The advice in this document should be taken in the context of the requirements of the HCA Regulations, especially regulation 5 (Assessment of potential exposure)
regulation 10 (Control of exposure), regulation 12 (Maintenance of control measures) and regulation 6 (Air monitoring). Agents hazardous to health are definedin regulation 1. There is separate legislation for lead and asbestos and these agents are not covered in detail in this document. This document also does not apply
to exposure below ground in mines or exposure to micro-organisms.
Adequate control of exposure (when prevention is not reasonably practicable) should be achieved by one or more of a range of control measures described inregulation 10 of the HCA Regulations. Control by personal protective equipment should be applied only when other means are not reasonably practicable.
Medical surveillance
Guidance on Medical surveillance and biological monitoring
Important concepts

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

Notwithstanding the definition in the OH&SA, medical surveillance herein refers to the overall monitoring of employees to identify changes in their healthstatus because of exposure to certain chemical agents. These monitoring activities are not limited to just “medical testing”; they also importantly include themonitoring and analysis of the individual and group outcome data, including historical data, derived from the medical testing.
Medical testing, therefore, is that aspect of medical surveillance that involves the use of interviews, questionnaires and standard clinical assessments to detect
the presence of adverse health effects. This can also include tests like spirometry (lung function), radiography (e.g. chest X-rays) and laboratory tests (e.g. fullblood counts).
Medical surveillance ideally aims to detect symptoms or a disease at an early subclinical or pre-symptomatic stage to enable interventions that may reverse
these effects or to slow their progression. However, medical surveillance is also directed at established occupational disease when the adverse effects haveprogressed to clinical impairment.
Medical surveillance and biological monitoring62

Biological monitoring is discussed in detail in section 4.5 below. It is often incorrectly categorised as a type of medical surveillance. Biological monitoring
provides an additional means to assess the exposure to an HCA, by measuring metabolites of the HCA, or other similar markers of exposure. Therefore, it does
not represent an adverse effect or an occupational disease; it only reflects exposure. A positive finding during biological monitoring does not necessarily meanthat there has been a breach of the safety standard, but is a positive indication of employee-exposure.
(8) The distinction between early biological effects and established disease is not always clear; there tends to be a severity gradient in which one blends into theother. An occupational disease may be said to be present when the adverse biological effect progresses to clinically detectable organ damage requiring
treatment, or permanent impaired function. The categorisation of the condition is therefore sometimes at the discretion of the responsible medical
practitioner. The distinction becomes important when considering a case for statutory reporting. As described below, reporting of cases of establishedoccupational disease is legally prescribed.
(9) The presence of chemical agents in the workplace does not automatically infer the need for medical surveillance; certain criteria must be met for medical
surveillance to be warranted. This principle is addressed in subregulation 7(1)(b) and is further elaborated below.
(10) Work-related adverse health findings identified by medical surveillance not only affect the individual employee’s management in the work place but may also
have important implications regarding the effectiveness of exposure control measures in the workplace, and warrant further steps by the employer.
Indications for doing medical surveillance(11) Medical surveillance must be provided if an employee:(a) is using, handling, generating or storing an HCA that is known to cause adverse health effects, and(b) the level of exposure is such that an occupational disease or adverse effect may reasonably be expected to occur, and(c) valid medical testing techniques are available to detect the adverse effect on the employee’s health.
(12) This means the employer must, with inputs from a competent person, conduct a health risk assessment to determine the likelihood of exposure to an HCA, in
conjunction with the known health effects of the HCA, to decide if a programme of medical surveillance is necessary. These steps are addressed in Regulation 5.
(13) Additionally, medical surveillance should be provided if, in the opinion of an occupational medicine practitioner it is necessary, notwithstanding the above
criteria are not met.
Designing and implementing a programme of medical surveillance(14) The following steps should be included in any programme:(a) Risk assessment. This will determine the potential exposure to and routes of absorption of an HCA and identification of potential targetorgan toxicity, to direct medical surveillance.
(b) Test selection. Tests should have the desirable operating characteristics of appropriate sensitivity, specificity, reliability and predictive
value.
63

(c) Test schedule. The frequency of testing is laid down in general terms by Regulation 7(2), but should in any case be based on anunderstanding of the nature of the hazard and the natural history of any adverse effects that may develop in specific target organs.
(d) Development of action criteria. Criteria for interpreting spirometry have been published in the medical literature. However, in many cases,
the occupational medicine practitioner will have to develop pragmatic criteria in the context of the specific workplace.
(e) Standardisation of test process. Quality control needs to be exercised both at the testing site and in the laboratory contracted to carry out
analyses. Consistency over time should be sought to make longitudinal measurements comparable.
(f) Ethical considerations(i)

Information and training of employees as required by Regulation 3(1) should include the rationale for doing medical surveillance,
and the consequence of abnormal findings.
(ii) Written informed consent should be obtained for medical tests to be conducted, in accordance with requirements prescribed by
the Health Professions’ Council of South Africa. Should an employee refuse to give consent, it should be explained to the employeethat this means the employee cannot be offered the work for which medical surveillance is required, which may impact on his/her
employment.
(iii) An employee must be notified of the results and interpretation of his/her tests and any recommendations made, including, whereappropriate, the need for medical referral for confirmation of diagnosis and related actions.
(iv) The confidentiality of personal medical records is laid down by Regulation 9.
(a) Determination of steps to be taken in the event of identifying a work-related health problem. This is covered in detail below. Co-operationof employees can be best secured by a policy of protection of conditions of service in case of medical removal from a particular job.
(b) Evaluation of controls. An abnormal finding in an employee, or a pattern of findings in a group of employees, may point to inadequate
primary control of exposure(s). In such cases the employer needs to be notified of such details of the medical findings as are necessary toevaluate the workplace problem and take remedial action to prevent continued exposure to the worker as well as yet unexposed workers.
(c) Data analysis. The outcomes of medical surveillance tests should be subjected to analysis monitored for trends over time & place, or groupeffects.
(d) Record keeping. This includes both medical records and exposure information for every employee. While the employer is responsible forrecord keeping in terms of Regulation 9, the contents of personal medical records may be accessible to the occupational healthpractitioner, the employee, and any person nominated by the employee in writing.
(15) Designing a programme of medical surveillance should be done by an experienced occupational health practitioner; where this is an occupational nurse
practitioner it must be in consultation with an occupational medical practitioner.
(16) The medical surveillance programme should be described in a written document (code of practice), in which the key issues listed in 4.5 above are addressed.
The document must be made available to the Health and Safety Committee.
64(17) The employer must provide the occupational health practitioner with the following information about the work to be performed that has triggered therequirement for medical surveillance:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

the work the employee is, or will be, carrying out
if the employee has started that work, how long the employee has been carrying it out
a list of the hazardous chemicals to which the employee is or will be exposed and the relevant SDS’s of or the chemicals
relevant risk assessments reports (compliant to regulation 5) and results of air monitoring carried out at the workplace
the type of PPE being used by the employee

Management of outcomes of medical testing
Work-related versus non work-related outcomes(18) Non work-related findings include various health conditions that may be identified by the medical testing process, such as hypertension, diabetes, etc. Thesefindings should be shared with the employee (preferably in writing) by the occupational health practitioner to enable the employee to take appropriate action
to improve his or her general health. In addition, the occupational health practitioner should refer the employee to his/her own healthcare provider for further
treatment, if necessary.
(19) The presence of non-occupational disease does not require notification to the employer.
Work-related findings include two categories:(a) Occupational Disease
This relates to adverse health effects consequent on exposure to an HCA. It is a legal requirement that those which have progressed tooccupational disease must be communicated to the employee, employer and the Department of Labour. This important process is further
described below.
(b) Medical fitness to work
This relates to identified health conditions that are not caused by the workplace, but which impact on the vulnerability of the employee
who may be exposed to an HCA, and which may be aggravated by workplace exposures. (for example, an employee who has asthma sincechildhood and is performing work that may result in exposure to a respiratory irritant or allergen). In these circumstances, the occupational
nurse practitioner, in consultation with an occupational medicine practitioner, must carefully consider the risks and convey the appropriate
65

task or workplace restrictions to the employer in the form of a written certificate of fitness. The employer may not allow the employee toreturn to normal duties until cleared by an occupational medicine practitioner (see Regulation 7(3))
Important notes:(a) Neither of the above work-related findings are reason to automatically declare that the employee is medically unfit to perform his or her
job. It is an incapacity that should be handled with careful thought, and all options for accommodation should be considered, as prescribedby the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) and Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998).
(b) Informing the employer of a health-related restriction does not mean that disclosure of the specific medical diagnosis is required; suchdisclosure may occasionally be warranted, but then should be done with the consent of the employee, and where such disclosure is in thebest interests of the employee. Should the employee refuse consent despite a necessity to inform the employer, the employee should be
told that the employer will be informed and the details of the information to be provided.
Actions by the employer if an occupational disease is identified(20) The employer must initiate an incident investigation to identify the failures of controls that led to the disease and put into place appropriate corrective actions(subregulation 7(4); also Regulation 8 of the General Administrative Regulations).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

The employer must provide training to the employee, on ways to mitigate further exposure
The employer has a statutory duty to report the incident
The employer must report the case as prescribed by Regulation 8 of the General Administrative Regulations
If the prescribed criteria are met, the employer must notify the Chief Inspector as prescribed in section 24(1)(a) of the Occupational Healthand Safety Act.
(e) The employer has a statutory duty to submit a claim for compensation as contemplated under the Compensation for Occupational Diseases
Act (130 of 1993) by completing the necessary forms and following the procedure prescribed by the Compensation Commissioner.
Legal duties prescribed for a medical practitioner* if an occupational disease is identified(21) The medical practitioner must notify the Chief Inspector as prescribed in section 25 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The prescribed format is theuse of the WCL forms used for the submission of claims for an occupational disease under the Compensation for Occupational Diseases Act (130 of 1993).
66

(22) The medical practitioner must facilitate the submission of a claim for compensation under the Compensation for Occupational Diseases Act (130 of 1993) bycompleting the necessary medical reports and following the procedure prescribed by the Compensation Commissioner. These are described in “Internal
Instruction” documents published by the Compensation Commissioner.
* Note that this legal duty is placed on any medical practitioner, not just an occupational medicine practitioner. However, given the training received byoccupational practitioners, they are best suited to fulfil these duties.
Biological monitoring
Distinction between biological monitoring, biological exposure monitoring and biological effect monitoring.
(23) These terms are often confused with one another. In these regulations, biological exposure monitoring and biological effect monitoring are subsets of theoverarching term, biological monitoring.
(24) 24. Biological exposure monitoring is the measurement and assessment of chemicals or their metabolites (substances the body converts the chemical into, forpurposes of elimination) in exposed workers. These measurements are made on samples of breath, urine, blood, or other biological materials, or any
combination of these. Biological monitoring measurements reflect the total uptake of a chemical by an individual by all routes (inhalation, ingestion, throughthe skin or by a combination of these routes).
Biological exposure monitoring therefore does not represent an adverse effect or an occupational disease; it only reflects exposure. It is often incorrectly listed
as a type of medical surveillance.
(25) Biological effect monitoring is the measurement and assessment of early non-adverse reversible subclinical physiological effects caused by absorption ofchemicals (i.e. prior to established clinical disease). It typically involves measuring biochemical responses (for example, measuring plasma and erythrocytecholinesterase activity in workers exposed to organophosphate pesticides; or measuring increases in urinary protein following exposure to cadmium; orchanges in functioning of enzymes. Hence measuring for changes in blood cell counts following exposure to bone marrow toxins does not constitute biologicaleffect monitoring; this is medical testing). These responses may have potential health implications for the individual, and may also arise from causes otherthan occupational exposure. Consequently, biological effect monitoring should always be carried out with the close involvement of an occupational medicine
practitioner.
Objectives & uses of biological exposure monitoring(26) The main objective of biological monitoring is to provide a complementary technique to air monitoring when air sampling techniques alone may not give areliable indication of exposure. Hence it may be particularly useful in the following ways:
67

(a) to detect and determine absorption via the skin or gastrointestinal system, in addition to that by inhalation(b) to test the efficacy of personal protective equipment and monitor work practices(c) to compliment air monitoring in circumstances when work practices are not normal, such as abnormally long or variable work hours, orvery strenuous work (high breathing rates = increased chemical intake)(d) to detect non-occupational exposures(e) to assess total body burden(f) to reconstruct past exposure in the absence of other exposure measurements for chemicals with long half-lives(g) to assess the effectiveness of medical removal procedures when indicated for certain chemicals (e.g. lead)
Important considerations in biological exposure monitoring(27) In choosing a test to meet the above objectives, it is important to understand the relationship between environmental exposure and the concentration of an
HCA in biological samples. This includes an understanding of the principles of absorption, biotransformation, distribution and excretion of the HCA or its
metabolites.
(28) In addition, there should be analytical methods available of sufficient sensitivity and specificity to detect concentrations of the agent in biological media in therange likely to be encountered in industry. The HCAs listed in Table 4 of Annexure 1 are those for which the above criteria have a reasonable chance of being
met.
Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs)(29) BEIs are reference values intended as guidelines for the evaluation of potential health hazards in the practice of industrial hygiene. They must not be used as
statutory reference values.
(30) A BEI represents in theory the level of an HCA or metabolite most likely to be observed in a specimen collected from a healthy worker who has been exposed
to an HCA to the same extent as the worker with inhalation exposure to an OEL-TWA. BEIs do not represent a sharp distinction between hazardous and nonhazardous exposures. For example, owing to biological variability, it is possible that an individual’s measurements can exceed the BEI without incurring an
increased health risk. Conversely, there may be some susceptible individuals who may be harmed at levels below the BEI.
(31) If measurements in specimens obtained from a worker on different occasions persistently exceed the BEI, or if the majority of measurements in specimens
obtained from a group of workers at the same workplace exceed the BEI, the cause of the excessive values must be investigated and proper action be taken to
reduce the exposure.
(32) BEIs apply to eight-hour exposures, five days a week. However, BEIs for differing work schedules may be extrapolated on pharmacokinetic grounds. BEIs
should not be applied either directly or through a conversion factor, in the determination of safe levels for non-occupational exposure to air and waterpollutants, or food contaminants. The BEIs are not intended for use as a measure of adverse effects or for diagnosis of occupational disease.
(33) Actual exposures can be determined using some of the above methods, but it is important to understand the limitations of results. The level of a hazardous
chemical or its metabolites in the body does not necessarily correlate with exposure to the hazardous chemicals, symptoms or damage to health.
68Legal background to exposure limits(34) Two types of occupational exposure limits are defined in regulation 1 of the HCA Regulations. The two types are occupational exposure limit - control limit (OELML), and occupational exposure limit - recommended limit (OEL-RL), as listed in Tables 1 and 2 of Annexure 1 (Table 1) (Table 2). The key difference between
the two types of limits is that one OEL-RL is set at a level at which there is no indication of a risk to health; for an OEL-ML, a residual risk may exist and the levelset, takes socio-economic factors into account. Further details are given in paragraphs 8 to 16.
(35) Regulation 10 of the HCA Regulations lays down the requirements for the use of an OEL-ML and an OEL-RL for HCA for the purpose of achieving adequate control.
Regulation 10(1) requires that, where there is exposure to a agent for which an OEL-ML is specified in Table 1 of Annexure 1, the control of exposure shall, so
far as inhalation of that agent is concerned, be treated as adequate only if the level of exposure is reduced so far as is reasonably practicable and in any casebelow the OEL-ML.
(36) Regulation 10(1) of the HCA Regulations requires that, where there is exposure to a agent for which an OEL-RL has been approved, the control of exposure shall,so far as inhalation of that agent is concerned, be treated as adequate if(a) that OEL-RL is not exceeded; or(b) where that OEL-RL is exceeded, the employer identifies the reasons for the exceeding of the standard and takes appropriate action to remedy
the situation as soon as is reasonably practicable.
Setting occupational exposure limits
Advisory Council and Standing Technical Committee(37) OEL-RL and OEL-ML are set by the chief inspector on recommendation of the Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety (the Advisory Council),following assessment by the Standing Committee No. 7 (TC7) of the Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety.
(38) TC 7 must first consider what type of limit is appropriate, OEL-RL, or OEL-ML, and secondly, at what concentration the limit should be set. Setting an OEL-RL is
the first option to be considered and TC 7 comes to a decision based on a scientific judgment of the available information on health effects, where TC7 may
consider that an OEL-ML is more appropriate. Following public consultation, new OEL-MLs and OEL-RLs are listed in Table 2 and Table 3 of Annexure 2
respectively.
The indicative criteria(39) For a substance to be assigned an OEL-RL it must meet all the following three criteria:
69

(a) Criterion 1 The available scientific evidence allows for the identification, with reasonable certainty, of concentrations averaged
over a reference period, at which there is no indication that the substance is likely to be injurious to employees if they are exposed byinhalation day after day to that concentration;(b) Criterion 2 Exposure to concentrations higher than that derived under criterion 1 and which could reasonably occur in practice,
are unlikely to produce serious short or long term effects on health over the period that it might reasonably take to identify and remedy thecause of excessive exposure;(c) Criterion 3 The available evidence indicates that compliance with the OEL-RL, as derived under criterion 1, is reasonably practicable.
(40) A agent is to be assigned an OEL-ML if it meets the following criterion:
Criterion 4 The available evidence on the substance does not satisfy criterion 1, or 2, or both for an OEL-RL and exposure to thesubstance has, or is liable to have, serious health implications for workers;
Setting an OEL-RL(41) Criterion 1 sets out the fundamental basis for establishing such a limit: The existence of a threshold above which there may be evidence of significant effects on
health but below which, on existing knowledge, there are thought to be no adverse effects.
(42) Criterion 2 is necessary in order to take account of HCA Regulation 10(1) of the HCA Regulations whereby exposures above an OEL-RL are allowed provided theemployer identifies the reasons for exceeding the standard and takes steps to reduce exposure to that OEL-RL as soon as is reasonably practicable. Clearly, it isnecessary to take account of the likelihood and probable extent of cases in deciding whether an OEL-RL is appropriate. The health effects to be taken into
account include sensory and other effects such as the slowing of reflexes which might result in the impairment of safety.
(43) Criterion 3 takes account of whether industry can reasonably comply with the exposure limit derived under the first criterion. There is no purpose in setting an
OEL-RL which plainly cannot be achieved in practice. Note that industry's ability to comply influences the decision of whether to set an OEL-RL, but does not
influence the level at which that OEL-RL is set.
Setting an OEL-ML(44) To be assigned an OEL-RL, an agent must meet all the first three criteria; if it does not, then it can be considered for an OEL-ML. To be assigned an OEL-ML, there
should be serious implications for the health of workers exposed to the agent. Serious health implications include both the risk of serious health effects to asmall population of workers and the risk of relatively minor health effects to a large population. In practice, an OEL-ML has been most often allocated to70

carcinogens and to other agents for which no threshold of effect can be identified and about which there is no doubt about the seriousness of the effects of
exposure.
(45) An OEL-ML and an OEL-RL, therefore, differ not only in their legal status, but also in the way in which they are set. For an OEL-RL the only consideration in setting
the limits is the protection of the health of the employee; for an OEL-ML this is still the primary consideration but socio-economic factors are also taken into
account. The indicative criteria, provide the framework within which the discussions at the various stages of limit-setting can be conducted.
Applying occupational exposure limits
General(46) The lists of occupational exposure limits given in Table 1 and Table 2 of Annexure 1, unless otherwise stated, relate to personal exposure to agents hazardous
to health in the air of the workplace.
Units of measurement(47) For occupational exposure limits, concentrations of gases and vapours in air are usually expressed in parts per million (ppm), a measure of concentration by
volume, but, may also be expressed in milligrams per cubic metre of air (mg/m³), a measure of concentration by mass. Concentrations of airborne particles(fume, dust, etc.) are usually expressed in mg/m³. In the case of airborne particulates, the limits where applicable in Table 2 and Table 3 refer to the total
airborne particulate fraction unless specifically indicated as referring to the respirable fraction (see paragraphs 37 to 40). In the case of man-made mineral fibres,
the limit is expressed as fibres per millilitre of air (fibres/ml).
Often gases and vapours will be measured in milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m³), whereas the OEL is only available in ppm. In these cases, the OEL in
ppm must be converted to its equivalent in mg/m³. This is to allow for the measured HCA concentration in mg/m³ to be compared to the OEL (note: themeasured HCA concentration must not be converted to ppm).
In order to convert the OEL in ppm to its equivalent OEL in mg/m³ at NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure, NTP - a temperature of 25°C and an
atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa), the following formula is applicable:
OEL in mg/m3=

OEL (in ppm) x molecular weight of the HCA
24.45

Occupational exposure limits - control limits: OEL-ML (table 2)71

(48) An OEL-ML is the maximum concentration of an airborne agent, averaged over a reference period, to which employees may be exposed by inhalation under any
circumstances, and is specified together with the appropriate reference period in Table 2 of Annexure 2.
(49) Regulation 10(1) of the HCA Regulations, when read in conjunction with the Act, imposes a duty on the employer to take all reasonable precautions and to
exercise all due diligence to ensure that exposure is kept as far below an OEL-ML as is reasonably practicable.
(50) To comply with this duty, in the case of agents with a 8-hour reference period, employers should undertake a programme of monitoring in accordance withregulation 6 so that they can show (if it is the case), that an OEL-ML is not exceeded. Such a monitoring programme need not be undertaken if the assessment
carried out in accordance with regulation 5 shows that the level of exposure is most unlikely ever to exceed an OEL-ML. For agents assigned a short-term limit,
such value should never be exceeded.
(51) The assessment should also be used to determine the extent to which it is reasonably practicable to reduce exposure further below an OEL-ML as required byregulation 10(1) In assessing reasonable practicability, the nature of the risk presented by the agent in question should be weighed against the cost and theeffort involved in taking measures to reduce the risk. (Also see the definition of reasonably practicable as defined in the Act.)
Occupational exposure limit-recommended limit: OEL-RL (Table 3)(52) An OEL-RL is the concentration of an airborne agent, averaged over a reference period, at which, according to current knowledge, there is no evidence that it islikely to be injurious to employees if they are exposed by inhalation, day after day, to that concentration.
(53) For an agent, which has been assigned an OEL-RL, exposure by inhalation should be reduced to that standard. However, if exposure by inhalation exceeds the
OEL-RL, then control will still be deemed to be adequate provided that the employer has identified why the OEL-RL has been exceeded and is taking appropriate
steps to comply with the OEL-RL as soon as reasonably practicable. In such a case, the employers objective must be to reduce exposure to the OEL-RL, but the
final achievement of this objective may take some time. The assessment under regulation 5 will determine the urgency of the necessary action, taking into
account the extent and cost of the required measures in relation to the nature and degree of exposure involved.
(54) Control of an OEL-RL as prescribed in regulation 10 (1) (a) can always be regarded as adequate control of that agent for the purpose of the HCA Regulations, so
far as exposure from inhalation is concerned. However, due to the variations in process control and the fluctuations in agent concentrations in the workplace,it will be prudent for employers to reduce exposure below an OEL-RL as to ensure that the exposure of all employees does not exceed that OEL-RL. Similarly, it
is not intended that the statutory requirements under regulation 10 (1) should discourage the further application of good occupational hygiene principles inorder to reduce exposure below the OEL-RL.
Long-term and short-term exposure limits72

(55) Effects of exposure to substances hazardous to health vary considerably depending on the nature of the substance and the pattern of exposure. Some effects
require prolonged or accumulated exposure. The long-term (8-hour TWA) exposure limit is intended to control such effects by restricting the total intake byinhalation over one or more workshifts, depending on the length of the shift. Other effects may be seen after brief exposures. Short-term exposure limits (usually
15 minutes) may be applied to control these effects. For those substances for which no short-term limit is specified, it is recommended that a figure of threetimes the long-term limit be used as a guideline for controlling short-term peaks in exposure. Some workplace activities give rise to frequent short (less than 15
minutes) periods of high exposure which, if averaged over time, do not exceed either an 8-hour TWA or a 15-minute TWA. Such exposures have the potential tocause harm and should be subject to reasonably practicable means of control unless a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment shows no risk to health from such
exposures.
(56) In some situations such as in submarines and saturation diving, the occupational exposure is essentially continuous. In these cases, a continuous exposure limit
should be derived by dividing the 8-hour TWA exposure limit by a factor of 5.
(57) Both the long-term and short-term exposure limits are expressed as airborne concentrations averaged over a specified period of time. The period for the longterm limit is normally eight hours, when a different period is used this is stated. The averaging period for the short-term exposure limit is normally 15 minutes,
such a limit applying to any 15-minute period throughout the working shift. Exposure to substances hazardous to health should be calculated according to theapproved method, which is reproduced in Annexure 4.
Limitations to the application of exposure limits(58) The list of OELs, unless otherwise stated, relates to personal exposure to substances hazardous to health in the air of the workplace. The limits cannot be adapted
readily to evaluate or control non-occupational exposure, e.g. levels of contamination in the neighbourhood close to an industrial plant. OELs are approved only
for application to people at work. OELs are approved only for use where the atmospheric pressure is between 85 kPa and 101.325 kPa. This covers the normal
range of meteorological variations and slightly pressurised workplaces such as clean rooms, but not the hyperbaric conditions which may be encountered in, forexample, tunnelling or diving. To enable OELs to be applied in hyperbaric conditions, the limits should be expressed as a partial pressure or mass/volumeconcentration at higher pressures. Such situations require special assessments.
(59) Occupational exposure limits, as set out in Tables 2 and 3 of Annexure 2, are intended to be used for normal working conditions in workplaces. Employers should
also take into account their duties and the provisions of the Environmental Conservation Act. OELs are not, however, designed to deal with serious accidents or
emergencies, particularly where employees may be exposed to rapidly rising concentrations of gas, as may arise from a major escape due to plant failure. Overand above their responsibilities to ensure that the requirements of the HCA Regulations are met, employers also have a clear responsibility to ensure that theplant is designed, operated and maintained in a way that avoids accidents and emergencies. Where appropriate, detection, alarm and response measures should
be used in order to minimise the effect of any such unplanned events. To help maintain adequate operational control, employers may find it helpful to selecttheir own indicators of control when undertaking investigations or corrective action.
Exposure in mines73

(60) The HCA Regulations and the occupational exposure limits in this publication do not apply to exposure to agents hazardous to health in mines.
Lead and asbestos(61) Work with asbestos or lead is not subject to the HCA Regulations. The exposure limits for various types of asbestos and lead are specified in the Asbestos
Regulations and the Lead Regulations.
Pesticides(62) Agents used as active ingredients in pesticides are listed under their chemical names and/or their common (ISO) names. These names may sometimes be usedas parts of the names of proprietary pesticide formulations. In all cases the exposure limit applies to the specific active ingredients and not to the formulation
as a whole.
Dusts(63) The general approach necessary to control occupational exposure to dusts is as follows: not all dusts have been assigned occupational exposure limits but thelack of such limits should not be taken to imply an absence of hazard. In the absence of a specific exposure limit for a particular dust, exposure should be
adequately controlled. Where there is no indication of the need for a lower value, personal exposure should be kept below both 10 mg/m³ 8-hour time-weighted
average total airborne dust and 5 mg/m³ time-weighted average respirable dust. Such, or greater, dust concentrations should be taken as excessive
concentrations.
(64) Where dusts contain components which have their own assigned occupational exposure limits, all the relevant limits should be complied with.
Particle size selective criteria for sampling of total airborne particulate and respirable particulate(65) Unless specified otherwise, OELs for all airborne particulates (HCAs comprising of airborne particulates) refer to the total airborne particulate fraction of that
substance. Sampling of these airborne particulates must be carried out with a technique specifically designed to collect the total airborne particulate size
fraction of the HCA. Total Airborne particulate matter approximates to the particle size fraction of particulates that can be suspended in air with an upper size
limit of approximately 100 micro metre (µm) in aerodynamic diameter.
(66) Respirable particulate approximates to the the mass fraction of inhaled airborne particles that penetrates to the unciliated airways (lower gas exchange regions/the lower bronchioles and alveolar regions) in the lung. Respirable particulates generally have an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10µm and the median for
the respirable size fraction is 4µm aerodynamic diameter.
74(67) Sampling for respirable airborne particulate must be performed according to a technique that will collect airborne particulates conforming to the following size
fraction distribution:
Particle equivalent aerodynamic
diameter (µm)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10

Respirability (mass percent)
100
97
91
74
50
30
17
9
5
1

Wood dust(68) Wood dust is a general term covering a wide variety of airborne wood dusts. The health effects of wood dust differ between dust generated from the processingof different species of trees. Specific species of both hard and soft woods induce sensitisation and so the categorisation of woods into hard and soft woods toindicate relative toxicity is not useful. For this reason, OELs are indicated by species and not hard/soft wood categorisation. Oak and beech are listed with an
A1 (confirmed human) carcinogenic potential and birch, mahogany, teak and walnut are listed with an A2 (suspected human) carcinogenic potential by ACGIH.
For further information on health effects of woods refer to the Health & Safety Executive UK Woodworking Sheet No 30 as well as ACGIH TLVs & BEIs APPENDIX
D, which provides information on tree species suspected of inducing sensitisation.
(69) Dust is generated by the machining and working of wood and wood-containing materials such as chipboard and fibreboard. Operations such as sawing, turningand routing produce relatively coarse dust, while sanding and assembly operations generate fine dust.
Fume(70) Where a separate OEL has been set for fume, it should normally be applied to solid particles generated by chemical reactions or condensed from the gaseousstate, usually after volatilisation from melted agents. The generation of fume is often accompanied by a chemical reaction such as oxidation or thermal
breakdown.
75

Absorption through the skin(71) In general, for most agents the main route of entry into the body is by inhalation. The OELs given in these regulations solely relate to exposure by this route.
Certain agents such as phenol, aniline and certain pesticides (marked in the Tables with an SK notation) have the ability to penetrate the intact skin and thus
become absorbed into the body. Absorption through the skin can result from localised contamination, for example, from a splash on the skin or clothing, or incertain cases from exposure to high atmospheric concentrations of vapour. Serious effects can result in little or no warning and it is necessary to take special
precautions to prevent skin contact when handling these agents. Where the properties of the agents and the methods of use provide a potential exposure route
via skin absorption, these factors should be taken into account in determining the adequacy of the control measures.
Sensitisers(72) Certain agents may cause sensitisation of the respiratory tract if inhaled or skin contact occurs. Respiratory sensitisers can cause asthma, rhinitis, or extrinsic
allergic alveolitis. Skin sensitisers cause allergic contact dermatitis. Agents which cause skin sensitations are not necessarily respiratory sensitisers or vice-versa.
Only a proportion of the exposed population will become sensitised, and those who do become sensitised, will not have been identified in advance. Individuals
who become sensitised may produce symptoms of ill health after exposure even to minute concentrations of the sensitiser.
(73) Where it is reasonably practicable, exposure to sensitisers should be prevented. Where this cannot be achieved, exposure should be kept as low as is reasonably
practicable and activities giving rise to short-term peak-concentrations should receive particular attention. As with other agents, the spread of contamination
by sensitisers to other working areas should also be prevented, as far as is reasonably practicable.
(74) The Sen notation (marked in the Tables with a Sen notation) has been assigned only to those sensitisers that may cause sensitisation by inhalation. Rememberthat other agents not contained in these Tables can act as respiratory sensitisers.
Other factors(75) Working conditions which impose additional stress on the body, such as exposure to ultra-violet radiation, high temperatures, pressures and humidity, may
increase the toxic response to a agent. In such cases, specialist advice may be necessary to evaluate the effect of these factors.
Mixed Exposures
General76

(76) The majority of OELs listed in Tables 1 and 2 of Annexure 1 are for single compounds or for agents containing a common element or radical, e.g. tungsten andcompounds, and isocyanates. A few of the limits relate to agents commonly encountered as complex mixtures or compounds e.g. white spirit, rubber fume, andwelding fume. However, workers are frequently subject to other mixed exposures involving solids, liquids, aerosols or gases. These exposures can arise as aresult of work with materials containing a mixture of agents, or from work with several individual agents, simultaneously or successively, in a workshift. Mixed
exposures require careful assessment of their health effects and the appropriateness of control standards. The following paragraphs provide a brief summaryof the advice on the application of exposure limits in these circumstances. In all cases of doubt, specialist advice should be sought.
Effects of mixed exposures(77) The ways in which the constituent agents of a mixed exposure interact, vary considerably. Some mixed exposures involve agents that act on different bodytissues or organs, or by different toxilogical mechanisms, these various effects being independent of each other. Other mixtures will include agents that act on
the same organs, or by similar mechanisms, so that the effects reinforce each other and the agents are additive in their effect. In some cases the overall effectis considerably greater than the sum of the individual effects and the system is synergistic. This may arise from mutual enhancement of the effects of theconstituents or because one agent potentiates another, causing it to act in a way which it would not do alone.
Assessment and control(78) With All types of mixed exposures, it is essential that assessments be based on the concentrations of each of the constituents in air to which workers are exposed.
Depending on the nature of the constituents and the circumstances of use, the relative concentrations of the constituents in air may differ considerably fromthose in the liquid or solid source material. The composition of the bulk material should not be relied on for assessment unless there is good evidence for doingso.
(79) Where mixed exposures occur, the first step is to ensure adequate control of exposure for each individual agent. However, the nature and amount of the otheragents in a mixture can influence the level to which it is reasonably practicable to reduce exposure to a agent subject to an OEL-ML. When limits for specificmixtures have been established, they should be used only where they are applicable, and in addition to any relevant individual limits. They should not be
extended to inappropriate situations. It is then necessary to assess whether further control is needed to counteract any increased risk from the agents acting in
conjunction. Expert assessments for some particular mixed exposures may be available and can be used as guidelines in similar cases. In other cases, close
examination of the toxicological data will be necessary to determine which of the main types of interaction (if any) are likely for the particular combination of
agents concerned. The various types should be considered in the following order:(a) Synergistic agents: Known cases of synergism and potentiation are considerably less common than the other types of behaviour in mixed
exposures. However, they are the most serious in their effects and require the strictest control. They are also the most difficult to assess andwherever there is reason to suspect such interaction, specialist advice should be obtained;77

(b) Additive substances: Where there is reason to believe that the effects of the constituents are additive, and where the exposure limits are
based on the same health effects, the mixed exposure should be assessed by means of the formula-Here, Em is the exposure for the mixture and C1, C2, etc. are the time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of constituents in air. OEL1, OEL2, etc. are
the corresponding exposure limits. The use of this formula is only applicable where the additive agents have been assigned OELs, which relate to the samereference period in the list of promulgated OELs. If the equation generates a result that is >1, then the exposure limit for the mixture (Em) has been exceeded.
If one of the constituents has been assigned an OEL-ML, then the additive effect should be taken into account in deciding the extent to which it is reasonably
practicable to further reduce exposure; and(c) Independent substances: Where no synergistic or additive effects are known or considered likely, the constituents can be regarded as acting
independently. It is then sufficient to ensure compliance with each of the OELs individually.
(80) The above steps provide basic protocol for assessment of mixed exposures. It is open to persons responsible for control of exposure to treat all non-synergistic
systems as though they were additive. This avoids the need to distinguish additive and independent systems and can be regarded as the most prudent course,
particularly where the toxicity data are scarce or difficult to assess.
Monitoring mixed exposure(81) Further information on monitoring airborne contaminants is given in paragraphs 52 and 53. The number of components of a mixed exposure for which routine
air monitoring is required, can be reduced if their relative concentrations can be shown to be constant. This involves the selection of a key or marker, which may
be one of the constituents, as a measure of the total contamination. Exposure to the marker is controlled at a level selected so that exposures to all components
will be controlled in accordance with the criteria in paragraphs 48(a) and (b). However, if one of the components has been assigned an OEL-ML, the level of the
exposure to that agent should always be reduced as far as is reasonably practicable. If this approach is to be used, it should take place under the guidance ofsuitable specialist advice.
Complicating factors(82) Several factors that complicate the assessment and control of exposure to individual agents will also affect cases of mixed exposures and will require similar
special consideration. Such factors include78

(a) exposure to a agent for which there is no established limit or for which an OEL-ML has been set;(b) the relevance of factors such as alcohol, medication, smoking and additional stresses;(c) exposure of the skin to one or more agents that can be absorbed by this route, as well as by inhalation; and(d) agents in mixture may mutually affect the extent of their absorption, as well as their health effects, at a given level of exposure.
Monitoring exposure(83) Regulation 5 (4) of the HCA Regulations imposes a duty on the employer to monitor the exposure of employees to agents hazardous to health. Details of routine
sampling strategies for individual agents are outside the scope of this document. However, advice is available in HSG 173, which provides practical guidance on
monitoring agents hazardous to health in air.
Calculation of exposure with regard to the specified reference periods(84) The following guidance is provided as an approved method for the calculation of exposure in relation to the 8-hour, short-term and one-year reference periods.
(85) The 8-hour reference period
85.1. The term '8-hour reference period' relates to the procedure whereby the occupational exposures in any 24-hour period are treated as equivalent to a single
uniform exposure for 8 hours [the 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure].
85.2. The 8-hour TWA may be represented mathematically by:where C(1) is the occupational exposure value (concentration) and T(1) is the associated exposure time in hours in any 24-hour period.
Examples(a) The operator works for 7h20 min. on a process in which he is exposed to a agent hazardous to health. The average exposure during that
period is measured as 0.12 mg/m³.

79

(b) The operator works for eight hours on a process in which he is exposed to a agent hazardous to health. The average exposure during that
period is measured as 0,15mg/m³.
The 8-hour TWA therefore is –(c) Working periods may be split into several sessions for the purpose of sampling to take account of rest and meal breaks, etc. This is illustrated
by the following example:
Exposure is assumed to be zero during the period 10:30 to 10:45, 12:45 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 15:45.

Working period

Exposure {mg/m³)

Duration of sampling (h)08:00 - 10:30

0.32

2.5

10:45 - 12:45

0.07

2

13:30 - 1 5:30

0.20

2

15:45 - 17:15

0.10

1.5

The 8-hour TWA therefore is -80

(d) An operator works for eight hours during the night shift on a process in which he is intermittently exposed to a agent hazardous to health.
The operators work pattern during the working period should be known and the best available data relating to each period of exposure
should be applied in calculating the 8-hour TWA. This data should be based on direct measurement, estimates based on data already available
or reasonable assumptions.

Working
periodTask

22:00 - 24:00 Helping in workshop

Exposure (mg/m³)
1.

10 (known to be the exposure of full-timegroup in the workshop)

24:00 - 01:00 Cleaning elsewhere in factory 0 (assumed)
1.00 - 04:00 Working in canteen

0 (assumed)

04:00 - 06:00 Cleaning up after breakdown 0.21 (assumed)
in workshop
The 8-hour TWA therefore is -(e) The operator works a 12-hour shift each day for five days, and then has seven days’ rest. The exposure limits are based on an 8-hour reference
period in each 24 hours in which an exposure occurs; the seven days’ rest makes no difference. While at work, the operator is exposed to 4
mg.m-3.
The 8-hour TWA =81

= 6 mg.m-3.
(86) The short-term reference period
Exposure should be recorded as the average over the specified short-term reference period, normally 15 minutes, and should be determined by sampling overthat period. For short emissions of less than the reference period, which still may have the potential to cause harm, appropriate action should be taken to ensurethat a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment is carried out to ensure that there is no risk to health from such exposures.
Example where the short-term reference period is 15 minutesa.

Exposure period is less than 15 minutes:

The sampling result should be averaged over 15 minutes. For example, if a 5-minute sample produces a level of 600 ppm and is immediately followed by a periodof zero exposure, then the 15-minute average exposure will be 200 ppm:b.

Exposure period is 15 minutes or longer

Measurements should be taken over a 15-minute period and the result is the 15-minute average exposure. Measurements for periods greater than 15 minutes
should not be used to calculate a 15-minute average exposure, but if the average exposure over the longer period exceeds the 15-minute exposure limit, thenthis limit must have been exceeded over some 1 5-minute period.
Methods of measurement and calculation for determining fibre concentrations of manmade mineral fibre(87) Refractory ceramic fibre (RCF)
RCFs are man-made vitreous (silicate) fibres with random orientation with alkaline oxide and alkali earth oxide (Na2O+K2O+CaO+MgO+BaO) content less or equal
to 18% by weight. The term ‘RCF’ also includes non-oxide ceramic fibre such as boron and silicon carbides and nitrides. Fibre concentrations of RCF must be
measured or calculated by a method approved by HSE.
Cotton dust(88) Cotton is the cellulose fibre that grows inside the seed pods (or bolls) of the cotton plant. When mature, the boll breaks and the cotton appears as a soft wad offine fibres. After picking, the cotton is separated from the seed etc., and is packed and compressed into bales.
82

(89) The OELs, which are based on exposure to dust during the handling of raw and waste cotton including blends containing raw or waste cotton, with the following
exceptions:(a) dust from weaving, knitting, braiding and subsequent processes;(b) dust from bleached or dyed cotton; and(c) dust from finished articles, for example garments.
(Where the OEL does not apply, exposure should still be adequately controlled.)
Two OELs apply:(a) Cotton dust less fly; and(b) Cotton dust inhalable airborne particulate.
(90) Cotton dust less fly
Area concentrations of cotton dust less fly must be measured using a vertical elutriator in accordance with OSHA Analytical Method Appendix A 29 CFR 1910.1043,
as updated from time to time.
(91) Cotton dust inhalable airborne particulate
Personal exposure concentrations must be measured by means of an Institute of UK Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable dust sampler in accordance with
MDHS14/3 or any other sampler giving equivalent results, as updated from time to time.

Asphyxiants(92) Some gases and vapours, when present at high concentration in air, act as simple asphyxiants by reducing the oxygen content by dilution to such an extent thatlife cannot be supported. Many asphyxiants are odourless, colourless and not readily detectable. 68. Monitoring the oxygen content of the air is often the bestmeans of ensuring safety. The oxygen content of air in the workplace should never be allowed to fall below a minimum of 19% by volume under normal
atmospheric pressure. Particular care is necessary when dense asphyxiants, e.g. argon, are used, since very high localised concentrations can arise owing to theircollecting in pits, confined spaces and other low-lying areas where ventilation is likely to be poor.

83

Particular care is necessary when dense asphyxiants, eg argon, are used since localised very high concentrations can arise due to their collecting in pits, confined
spaces and other low-lying areas where ventilation is likely to be poor. Many asphyxiants present a fire or explosion risk. The concentration at which these risks
can arise are liable to be well below those levels at which asphyxiation is likely to occur and should be taken into account when assessing the hazards.

Rubber fume and rubber process dust(93) Rubber fume is fume evolved in the mixing, milling and blending of natural rubber or synthetic elastomers, or of natural rubber and synthetic polymers combinedwith chemicals, and in the processes which convert the resultant blends into finished products or parts thereof, and including any inspection procedures where
fume continues to be evolved.
(94) Rubber process dust is evolved during the manufacture of intermediates or articles from natural rubber and/or synthetic elastomers. This definition does notinclude dusts, which, for occupational purposes, can be dealt with individually. In each case the relevant OEL will apply.
(95) Dust produced by the abrasion of cured rubber should be dealt with as Particles not otherwise classified [PNOC], i.e. dust of any kind when present at a substantial
concentration in air.
Flour dust(96) Flour dust is taken to be finely ground particles of cereals or pulses (including contaminants) that result from any grinding process and from any subsequent
handling and use of that ‘flour’. Any additives (e.g. flour improvers) are included in this definition only after they have been added to the final product mix.
Grain Dust
(97) Grain dust is taken to be dust arising from the harvesting, drying, handling, storage or processing of barley, wheat, oats, maize and rye, including contaminants.
Halogeno-platinum compounds(98) These are co-ordination compounds in which a platinum atom or ion is directly co-ordinated to one or more halide (i.e. fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide) ions.
These compounds are subject to a OEL and cause sensitisation.
(99) For substances which, although they contain platinum and halide ions, the halogen is not directly co-coordinated by a chemical bond to the platinum, the OEL forsoluble platinum compounds is applicable.
84

Fume
(100)

The word ‘fume’ is often used to include gases and vapours. This is not the case for exposure limits where ‘fume’ should normally be applied to solid particles
generated by chemical reactions or condensed from the gaseous state, usually after volatilisation from melted substances. The generation of fume is often
accompanied by a chemical reaction such as oxidation or thermal breakdown.
Globally Harmonised System (GHS)(101)

As SANS 10234 is aligned with the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS), SANS 10234 may be used as alternate guide to HCA classification, preparation of Safety
Data Sheets and Labelling. However, it is noted that version differences may exist between SANS 1024 and GHS, Purple Book that is updated biennially. By
implication, if SANS 10234 is used by the manufacturer or importer of chemical agent for the classification of an HCA or preparation of a SDS or labelling, therequirement for conformance to the latest version of GHS remains. The GHS requirements for classification, labelling and SDS are not applicable to foodstuffs,
cosmetics or pharmaceutical in their final form.

UN Number and Proper Shipping Name(102)

The UN proper shipping name is the standard technical name to describe the hazard properties and the composition of dangerous goods. You need to choose a
UN number (usually, 4 digits) and a proper shipping name from UN Transport of Dangerous Goods, Dangerous Goods List that can most accurately describe yourdangerous goods. They will be used to label dangerous goods. They also need to be included in Dangerous Goods Declaration and the section 14 of Safety Data
Sheets.

85