Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
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up the workplace.
    * Grouping similar work - Workers performing similar work or using similar substances
      may be grouped together if it has been established that their exposures are representative
      of their group. These are referred to as similarly exposed groups.  In this way, you can avoid having to repeat exposure assessments for each and every worker.
  If the work involves a large number of different hazardous chemicals, they may be grouped on the basis of their form, properties and the way they are used or handled. This kind of grouping may be appropriate for example, where:
       * a range of solvent-based paints containing a number of different solvents and additives are used in the same or similar way (for example, sprayed, brushed or applied with a roller)
       * solvent-based liquid pesticides are used in the same or similar way (for example, decanted, mixed or sprayed)
    * Examining work practices and conditions - Once you have divided the workplace into manageable units, you should observe and consult with workers to find out how the job
      is actually done. Workers may sometimes not adhere strictly to standard operating procedures for certain tasks. This could be because they have devised a more efficient and/or safer method for performing that task, or because the control measures or PPE provided make
      it cumbersome and difficult. Workers should be encouraged to share their views and concerns on working practices and be involved in discussions on how to improve working methods.
      Also, it is good practice to find out what changes in workplace activities occur during cleaning, maintenance, breakdowns and during staff absences or shortages.
  You should take account of any information about incidents, fires, spills, illnesses or diseases that may be related to the use of the hazardous chemical. Check your accident/incident records. Ask those doing the work if they have experienced symptoms listed on the SDS.
  This information will help you to determine if exposure has been significant.

Considering both health and physicochemical risks
Hazardous chemicals may present an immediate or long term risk to human health through their toxicological properties, or a risk to safety of persons and property as a result of their physicochemical hazards. In some cases, chemicals may present both health and physicochemical hazards, for example solvents such as benzene, toluene and xylene.
There are many common elements to assessing risks from health and physicochemical hazards, but also several key differences in the way these risks are assessed. As a consequence, the assessment of health and physicochemical risks are discussed separately in this chapter.

3.3 Things to consider in assessing health risks
The assessment of health risks from hazardous chemicals involves gaining an understanding of the situations where people can