Carcinogenic substances

In connection with the use of carcinogenic substances, a written statement must be prepared outlining considerations concerning substitution in connection with working with these substances and naming of users in case of a risk of exposure. Certain substances require special permission from the Danish Working Environment Authority. See "A: Applicability/Regulatory information" on the data sheet from Kemibrug to establish if special permission is required.

 

When working with carcinogenic substances and materials, substitution must generally take place where possible. When assessing where substitution is possible, several factors must be considered. If a substance is used frequently and/or in large quantities, attempting substitution is very relevant. However, even in individual situations where only a small quantity of a substance is used, the obligation to seek substitution still applies. Always consider whether you could use a less hazardous chemical for your experiment.

 

Teachers responsible for training courses for students are obliged to substitute where possible, but no additional documentation is required concerning students’ use of carcinogenic substances.

 

If substitution is not possible, the form and handling of the substance must be considered carefully. For example, it might be possible to buy the chemical in the exact quantities required or as a solution, thereby avoiding unnecessary handling. For example, some have decided to buy precast acrylamide gels rather than making them themselves.

Always find out if it is possible to buy the hazardous substances in a more expedient form.

 

When assessing the need to register users, emphasis is placed on whether or not the person in question has worked with a particular substance as his or her primary task, or whether he or she has only done so occasionally. Registration is recommended of users working with such substances as their primary task, whereas registration is only recommended for short-term use if it is deemed that this is necessitated by the nature, degree and duration of the exposure. For example in case of accidents, spillages etc. Remember to contact your occupational health and safety group if you think you might have been exposed to a carcinogenic substance or if an experiment cannot be carried out without exposure to a carcinogenic substance.

So registration of users is only required when it is deemed that there is a risk of exposure, or where actual exposure has taken place. Special forms are available for registering persons working with carcinogenic substances and for stating considerations concerning substitution. Ask your occupational health and safety group.

 

Regardless of the carcinogenic substance involved, an extended workplace assessment (Chemical APV) for the work process must be carried out. This will include looking at substitution and the working environment of pregnant employees. If in doubt as to whether a risk assessment has been made of your experiment, you should ask your superior. It may be necessary for you to review the process together with a view to preventing accidents. Risk assessment tools can be found under the menu item Chemical APV .  

Please direct any questions to occupational health and safety consultant Maj-Britt K. Stærfeldt, mbks , or at extension no. 32087