Substitution

Substitution occurs when, instead of another chemical, a new chemical or substance that is less
dangerous is used. It is sometimes grouped with elimination because you remove the first substance or
hazard from the workplace, in effect. Obviously, the objective is to choose a fresh chemical that is less
dangerous than the original.

Instead Of: Consider:

carbon tetrachloride (causes liver damage, cancer) 1,1,1-trichloroethane, dichloromethane

benzene (causes cancer) toluene, cyclohexane, ketones

pesticides (causes various effects on body) "natural" pesticides such as pyrethrins

organic solvents (causes various effects on body) water-detergent solutions

leaded glazes, paints, pigments (causes various effects on versions that do not contain lead
body)

sandstone grinding wheels (causes severe respiratory illness synthetic grinding wheels such as
due to silica) aluminium oxide

Another type of substitution includes using the same chemical but to use it in a different form. For
example, a dry, dusty powder may be a significant inhalation hazard but if this material can be
purchased and used as pellets or crystals, there may be less dust in the air and therefore less exposure.

Substitution may also occur to replace machine that used higher energy with the one with the lower
consumption of energy, for instance:

 Environmental: Increased efficiency can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other
pollutants, as well as decrease water use.
  Economic: Improving energy efficiency can lower individual utility bills, create jobs, and help
stabilize electricity prices and volatility.

 Utility System Benefits: Energy efficiency can provide long-term benefits by lowering overall
electricity demand, thus reducing the need to invest in new electricity generation and
transmission infrastructure.

 Risk Management: Energy efficiency also helps diversify utility resource portfolios and can be a
hedge against uncertainty associated with fluctuating fuel prices.

Enclosure

An enclosure keeps a selected hazard "physically" away from the worker. Enclosed equipment, for
example, is tightly sealed and it is typically only opened for cleaning or maintenance. Other
examples include "glove boxes" (where a chemical is in a ventilated and enclosed space and the
employee works with the material by using gloves that are built in), abrasive blasting cabinets, or
remote control devices. Care must be taken when the enclosure is opened for maintenance as
exposure could occur if adequate precautions are not taken. The enclosure itself must be well
maintained to prevent leaks.

Examples of enclosures for fumes/vapours

No Enclosure Partial Enclosure Full Enclosure

Machine guarding is another form of enclosure that prevents workers from coming into contact
with dangerous parts of machines. Workers should receive training on how to use guarded machines
safely. Some of the areas of a machine that can injure are: the point of operation (which is the area on a
machine where work is actually being performed); pinch-points; sharp areas, such as blades; exposed
electrical components, which can cause electrical shock or burns; presses, which can crush; rotating
parts; flying chips and sparks.

Enclosure guards: prevent from coming into contact with the dangerous moving parts of a machine by enclosing
the parts or forming a barrier around the dangerous parts. This type of guard also prevents broken and flying
machine parts from hitting.
Interlocking guards: prevent from operating the machine if the guard is not in place, or automatically stop the
machine if part of body enters a dangerous area. Photoelectrical or mechanical-sensing devices (such as a
photoelectric eye) are examples of interlocking guards.
Automatic guards: actually pull or push the hands, arms, or body away from the danger zone.

Wet Method

Wet method involves spraying water into a production process to reduce dusts and other airborne
particulate matter in the working environment, with the goal being to keep employees from inhaling
polluted air. The use of these methods is often more economical and safe then requiring workers to
constantly wear respiratory equipment. Wet methods are often used in large plants that manufacture
fertilizer, cement, and other powdered products.

For factories that perform infrequent brake work and clutch repair work. Facilities in which five or fewer
brake or 5 clutches, or some combination totaling 5, are inspected, disassembled, reassembled and/or
repaired per week, the mechanic/technician may control potential asbestos exposure through the use of
a spray bottle, hose nozzle, or any implement capable of delivering a fine mist of water or amended
water at low pressure to wet down the drum or clutch housing before removing it and to control
asbestos fiber release during subsequent activities. However, any wastewater generated must be
captured and properly disposed of without allowing it to dry on any surfaces.

The wet method requires the following steps:

1. Brake and clutch parts must be wetted with water or amended water before taking any other
action.

2. Wipe the brake and clutch parts clean with a cloth.

3. Place contaminated cloth into an impermeable, properly labeled container, and then dispose of
it as asbestos waste. Alternatively, the cloth can be laundered to prevent the release of asbestos
fibers in excess of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air, expressed as an 8-hour time-weighted
average.

4. Any spilled water or amended water or asbestos-containing waste material must be cleaned
immediately with a cloth or HEPA-filtered vacuum and not allowed to dry.

5. Do not dry brush.

The simplicity of the wet control does not eliminate the need for correct work practices. For example,
holding the spray nozzle too close to the brake surface may cause asbestos fibers to become airborne.
Brake components should be sprayed to saturate the parts as they are removed from the assembly.