Good Practices

Dust in the workplace is often viewed as a painful reality, whether it is the dust in the office, the dust in the quarry, in…

This document describes the best available techniques for surface treatment of metals and plastics. Substitution possibilities for EDTA, PFOS, zinc cyanide, copper cyanide and hexavalent…

This document describes how a large portion of the halocarbons used and manufactured in Sweden were phased out during the late 1980´s and early 1990´s.…

The substitution of methyl chloroform (1,1,1 trichloroethane) by isopropanol and heptane for spot-washing has been carried out by a textile company, as part of a…

The company produces metal parts by high precision cutting. Manufacturing includes the use of cutting fluids as coolants and lubricants that facilitate the process and…

Formaldehyde is an organic compound used as a tissue fixative for microscopy and histology. In this case study, formaldehyde was substituted by a product containing:…

A printing vocational training facility used trichloroethylene for the cleaning and washing of printing rolls. Trichloroethylene is a known carcinogen and neurotoxicant. Several options were…

A hospital laundry establishment located in Madrid dry-cleaned sheets, towels, working clothes, etc. for several healthcare facilities. Perchlorethylene was used only to remove persistent stains.…

Trichloroethylene is used in quality control laboratories to determine the amount of bitumen in asphalt mixtures. Bitumen is a hazardous substance whose elimination or substitution…

In this study 1-methyl-3-octyloxymethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate proved to be a very good tissue fixative. Compared to fixation with formalin, it resulted in comparable quality of preparations.…

A company specialized in bus bodyworks substituted a finishing compound based on epoxy resins. The introduced change was the use of a water-based compound of…

Lithium ion batteries are an alternative to those based on nickel and cadmium (NiCd). Medical equipment, like portable defibrillators, is still allowed by EU legislation…

A cooperative cleaning company decided to try to substitute all products containing hazardous chemicals by safer alternatives. A deodorizing product used in bathroom cleaning that…

A study was carried out within the scope of a project carried out by CCOO for the prevention of toxic hazards for reproduction, pregnancy and…

In Denmark, the certification of "Green hairdresser's shop" restricts the use of hazardous chemicals, especially hair dyes. The transition to a "Green hairdresser's shop" made…

A study had the aim to determine the suitability of biocides used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry to preserve biological specimens. The biocide was…

A study aimed to use a systematic approach to evaluate the biomolecular status of a number of clinical tissue specimens processed through a non-formalin fixation…

Adhesives used in the manufacture of wood particle boards (chipboard) contain, among other hazardous chemicals, formaldehyde (carcinogen and sensitizer). Employees are exposed to high concentrations…

A manufacturer of accumulators for sanitation of water used vitrification furnaces covered with fireproof ceramic fibres of aluminosilicate. These fibres are carcinogen and workers, by…

Chromium trioxide is used to stop bleeding, especially in heavy nosebleeds in a process known as cauterization. It was found that silver nitrate in the…

Several natural materials are used as alternatives to cement in vertical sidings. Commercial cement may contain hazardous substances as crystalline silica dust (carcinogen and endocrine…

Macroinvertebrate bioindicators are used in evaluating the biological quality of water. Traditionally, the biological material of the samples is preserved using formaldehyde, which is both…

Formaldehyde is a common preservative but is a carcinogen and a skin sensitizer. An alternative product made of sodium chloride and compounds extracted from berries…

The restoration of a several centuries old manor called for materials matching the historic ambiance. Casein paints were used for interior wall decoration. When restoring…

The restoration of well-known historic monuments in Prague included façade cleaning using dry ice blasting. Technical experts, architects and historians were pleased with the results…

Many of the pleasure boats in the archipelago of the Swedish west coast have two-stroke engines with bad combustion, resulting in emissions of polycyclic aromatic…

A well-known waste disposer and energy supplier from Germany substituted hydrocarbon solvents with a heated aqueous cleaner on a wash stand. This cleaning method is…

Sulfochromatic mixtures may cause cancer by inhalation, is very toxic to aquatic life, is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects and may…

Urea-formol adhesives are largely used in the wood products industries. Construction materials are the main source of formaldehyde emissions in the indoor environment. Therefore, it…

By introduction of new production equipment, the pipe producing company Logstor, have been able to phase out dimethylformamide (DMF) as a cleaning solvent. Instead, most…

In surface treatment in the wood and furniture industry acid-cured primer and top-coating can be substituted with a water based primer and an UV-cured top…

In surface treatment of panels for walls and ceilings (MDF-plates), an acid-cured primer and top-coating can be substituted with a water-based primer and an UV-cured…

In surface treatment of plywood, an acid-cured primer and top-by 94% and reduces the amount and number of classified ingredients with carcinogenic and reprotoxic effects.…

Filter packs made from crushed recycled glass can replace filters made of crystalline silica containing materials such as sand or zeolites. The producer recommends the…

Lead and chromate are known for their hazards and efforts are made to eliminate them from various applications where they have been used on a…

An alternative method for the analysis of formaldehyde in commercial products replaces concentrated sulfuric acid by magnesium sulfate. The method was applied in a laboratory…

The emerging solvent Parachlorobenzotrifluoride, is increasingly being used as a substitute for xylene. Since it is not considered to be an ozone depleting compound, it…

Sterisol is a Swedish company manufacturing skin care products. By manufacturing the products in a very clean environment and then using a special package that…

Using enzymatic processes instead of chemical processes may result in substitution of hazardous substances. Fewer steps during synthesis and low solvent use are the major…

Floor cleaning in hospitals is often done using cleaning agents containing disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium chlorides, formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. Microfiber cleaning demonstrates a superior…

Coating systems used for military aircraft generally consist of a hexavalent chromium conversion coating in direct contact with the metallic substrate, followed by a strontium…

Cobalt organic salts are very good driers for paints but increasing concern about the hazard of cobalt compounds is arising, in general, made producers look…

In a shoe manufacturing company located in the region of La Rioja, Spain two solvents were used for the tanning of leather for shoe manufacturing.…

Cosmetic formulations are prone to contamination due to their high water content, pH and temperature range and ingredients used, which can act as nutrients. In…

Upon testing effluents of a Chinese textile dyeing mill, traces of chlorophenols and chlorobenzenes were detected by Primark. In collaboration with the mill and the…

Chromium trioxide was placed on the REACH Authorisation List in 2013 and its use has needed a specific authorisation in the EU since 2017. Instead…

Chromium trioxide was placed on the REACH Authorisation List in 2013 and its use has needed a specific authorisation in the EU since 2017. Instead…

Chromic acid was added to the REACH authorisation list in 2013 and its use has required authorisation in the EU since 2017. As a technical…

Chromic acid was added to the REACH authorisation list in 2013 and its use requires authorisation in the EU since 2017. Extreme high-speed laser material…

Offering a wide range of metalworking services, a company used grinding equipment, which required the use of a lubricating-cooling emulsion. The emulsion was expected to…

BOMAG GmbH from Boppard developed the Ion Dust Shield, a road milling machine with an electrostatic precipitator. This cold milling machine for asphalt enables dust-reduced…

Basic Training Module for National Labour Inspectorates (NLIs) This training package was developed by SLIC to raise awareness of the subject of hazardous substances for…

The GDA Hazardous Substance Check is a service available to all parties involved in occupational health and safety within a company. Its aim is to…

More than 1 million European workers are exposed to formaldehyde (1B carcinogen), being the main sectors concerned the following ones: production and transformation of wood…

Approximately 2.000.000 welders work in the EU, according to the European Welders Association. There is a high potential for exposure to hazardous substances associated with…

In 2015 and 2016, the state of Hesse, Germany, measured the exposure to Trichloroethylene among workers in asphalt laboratories and evaluated the RMMs (risk management…

On 10 November 2020, the winners of the 13th German Hazardous Substance Protection Award (Deutscher Gefahrstoffschutzpreis) were announced in Dortmund, Sterigenics Germany GmbH was one…

On 10 November 2020, the winners of the 13th German Hazardous Substance Protection Award (Deutscher Gefahrstoffschutzpreis) were announced in Dortmund, Germany. URSA Chemie GmbH was…

The objective of this management regime is to provide everyone with guidelines for the safe processing and removal of coatings containing hexavalent chromium. It is…

The Austrian Workers' Compensation Board (AUVA) has translated two of their short instructional videos on carcinogenic substances and hygiene in the workplace to English. This…

Mansholt shows that also in smaller companies, it is possible to make big steps when it comes to the reduction on exposure to hazardous substances.…

Dutch employee and employers organisations in construction worked together on the reduction of diesel motor emission (DME). Knowledge centre and consultant Volandis acted as an …

We all know the image of asbestos removers, completely packed in white overalls and with masks. Due to the method developed by Batteryspray, it is…

In order to control weeds in grassland, chemical products are used. Unfortunately, these products are not only hazardous to weed, but also to the employees…

In order to get the right information to employees that work on location, this facilities and technical services provider developed the Stoffenscanner (scanner of substances).…

Is you workplace affecting your breathing? This quiz is for people who are worried that their workplace might be affecting their breathing or lung health.…

The "Fiches d'Aide au Répérage des Cancérogènes" (FAR) and the "Fiches d'Aide à la Substitution des Cancérogènes" (FAS) have been created by the French Prevention…

The Estonian National Institute for Health Development published this guide about carcinogens in different work environments and work areas. What are possible effects of working…

This case study details how the manager of DEKRA, a small independent company, part of a larger franchise, took action to prevent exposure to carcinogenic…

BG BAU is the statutory accident insurance for the construction industry and construction-related services in Germany. They have a website dedicated to dangerous substances in welding. On the website,…

Workers in the construction industry are exposed to many risks, including exposure to dangerous substances. Many of these dangerous substances derive from new products or…

JSC Grindeks, the Latvian pharmaceutical company on which this case study focuses, found that involving workers in the identification of occupational safety and health problems…

The brochure "Asbesto Plaušelių, Identifikavimo, Nustatymo ir Poveikio Prevencijos" (Identification, Detection and Effect of Asbestos Fiber) provides information and practical recommendations on asbestos: identification of…

This guidance introduces health risks which are connected with asbestos work. In the guidance, work methods and measures are presented what may minimise or eliminate…

Cancer is the primary cause of death in Québec (Canada) and in the majority of industrialized countries. Carcinogenesis is a complex process, and researchers estimate…

Team Styria is one of the biggest Austrian sheltered employers with about 380 employees, among whom 70% are disabled. The site in Kapfenberg/Styria alone has…

Barlinek S.A. produces domestic and exotic wood flooring products. Roughly 1400 people are employed in this timber company. In 2000, it launched a programme to…

Kiilto OY develops and manufactures adhesives and related products and systems for all kinds of construction, renovation, and industrial purposes and produces cleaning chemicals. Kiilto uses numerous…

Ursa Slovenija d.o.o. manufactures insulation products using mineral glass wool and has 120 workers employed. The production of mineral glass wool is a process that requires…

Workers in the cleaning sector undertake various activities and perform those in different work environments. How much workers are exposed to chemicals (i.a. Formaldehyde) depends on…

The Austrian enterprise “Urtel Diamantwerkzeuge Gmbh” produces diamond tools, parts thereof or use-ready tools by the means of sintering. A necessary part of the process…

The Irish Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have completed two dedicated campaigns addressing occupational carcinogens on Irish construction sites. Over 600 inspections in total were…

Welding of large workpieces, such as tanks and silos, makes it difficult and often impossible to use local exhaust ventilation. Kremsmüller Industrieanlagenbau KG combined layer…

Exposition against stainless steel dust (Chromium- and Nickel compounds) formed during grinding or polishing and fumes formed during welding can be well reduced using local…

Good illumination is one of the crucial factors for good quality when welding. Integrating lights in the hoods of local exhaust ventilations increases ergonomics and…

In the first half of 2017, the Romanian Labour Inspection conducted a control campaign aimed at preventing occupational cancer by controlling the way of implementation…

Setting and problem The European Lung Foundation (ELF) was founded by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2000 with the aim of bringing together patients,…

Setting and problem Marking, drilling and filling holes in ceilings causes many occupational safety hazards for construction workers. It causes a repetitive strain on the…

Intro/Setting/Problem Sibelco has been carrying out dust exposure monitoring for many years, both to ensure compliance with national Workplace Exposure Limits and as part of…

Breathe Freely is a British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) initiative that focuses on mitigating occupational lung diseases. These conditions lead to severe health impairments and…

Setting and problem 5 times better (in Dutch: 5xbeter) is a cooperation between five parties: Koninklijke Metaalunie, FME, FNV Metaal, CNV Vakmensen and De Unie. 5…

Setting and problem Agriculture in Europe is faced with increasing challenges and problems. Some of them cannot be controlled, like world economy, weather extremes and…

Setting and problem The emission from diesel motors (DME) consists of many substances. These substances are released when the fuel in the engine is burned.…

In Germany, occupational safety and health (OSH) is embodied in and shaped by numerous laws, regulations, and ordinances with a view to ensuring the safety…

CASE 3: At Rohm & Haas Italia Mozzanica plant, transfer of carcinogenic material from road bulks is done via dry disconnect coupler that are designed…

CASE 2: Sodium dichromate, a carcinogenic substance, is used in the manufacturing of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer beads, which are intermediates in the production of ion exchange resins…

CASE 1: Dow uses EDC as a sulphonation agent of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer beads in the production of resins. EDC does not take part in the reaction, but…

In France, at the current rate, more than 40 years will be needed to eradicate asbestos. For example, in 2015: 25,000 operations to remove or…

In Germany, occupational safety and health (OSH) is embodied in and shaped by numerous laws, regulations, and ordinances with a view to ensuring the safety…

Goal The goal of this solution was to minimize air pollution for workers at Copenhagen airport in Denmark. Target population and setting The target population…

The trade union confederation of worker commissions in Spain (CCOO) has launched the campaign ‘zero cancer in the workplace’. They also initiated a petition to…

The goal of this solution was to find a non-chemical protection against insects that is acceptable economically as well as environmentally by all stakeholders involved…

Cytostatic and cytotoxic agents prevent cell replication or growth, which makes them both useful anti-cancer drugs and extremely toxic. To determine which collective and personal…

To monitor the implementation of rules on carcinogens and to strengthen the knowledge about the risks of these chemical agents, Austrian’s labour inspectorate will conduct…

Intro and problem setting In order to eliminate the risk of the exposure to hazardous substances, substitution of these hazardous chemicals is needed. However, finding…

Setting and problem Measuring the dangers of working with hazardous substances in your company is very important. Yet, to measure all dangers that come from…

Introduction and problem setting Working at the fire department is dangerous. Not only due to the fires that are encountered, also the exposure to for…

Case Study: HSE supports small/medium size chemical company’s innovative solution to reduce the risk to workers health. Background Lansdowne Chemicals is a small/medium size specialist…

Introduction and problem setting Within the graphic industry the use of harmful diluents is widespread. Nevertheless, many companies do not use the information available specifically…

Introduction and problem setting Hundreds of thousands employees are exposed to hazardous, and sometimes even carcinogenic substances nowadays. Some industries have already taken the necessary…

In the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam a cytostatic robot has taken over a large part of the preparation of chemotherapy from the pharmaceutical assistants. The…

Introduction and problem setting There is still room for improvement in making the world a cleaner, safer and healthier place, and in protecting people and…

Asbestos is one of the carcinogens causing many deaths. The Dutch Demolition Association (VERAS), the Association for Removal of Toxic Construction materials (VVTB) and the foundation for…

BOHS is the British Occupational Hygiene Society, an organisation whose aim is to achieve a healthy working environment for everyone in the UK. Breathe Freely…

Introduction and problem setting Every year at least 100.000 people die due to exposure to carcinogens. Legislation forces companies to substitute CMR-products, and often companies…

Setting and problem The hazardous substances toluene and nitrogenous NMP are used worldwide at a very large scale as solvents in for example paints, coatings…

Dust awareness campaign – ‘Stof? Pak’t aan!’ Dust is known to contain hazardous substances, and is present in the agricultural sector and the processing industry.…

Proposal from the chemical industry to do more than legally required The VNCI (Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry) initiated a proposal to improve the…

The Construction Dust Partnership (CDP) is an industry collaboration from Great Britain directly involving many organizations, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The aim…

NEPSI is the acronym for the ‘ European Network for Silica’ formed by the Employee and Employer European sectoral associations. They have signed the Social…

Setting and problem In the ideal world, hazardous or dangerous substances should not be used at work. However, it is the combination of hazard and…

ChemSec, the International Chemical Secretariat, is a non-profit organization dedicated to work towards a toxic free environment. ChemSec strives to bridge the gap between decision-makers,…

Introduction and problem setting Ensuring the safe use of hazardous substances is an integral part of the REACH Regulation. Manufacturers or importers of chemical substances…

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from Great Britain plays the role of national regulator and catalyst when it comes to preventing death, injuries and…

CUMELA Netherlands is a branch organization for entrepreneurs working in the agricultural or infrastructural sector. In cooperation with the Dutch Lung Alliance (LAN) and the…

Interpave is the precast concrete paving and kerb association, promoting and developing concrete block paving, paving flags and kerbs - ranging from domestic uses to…

EASCR is the European Association for Safe Coatings Removal. EASCR represents the interest of producers of innovative products for safer coatings removal. Up until the…

Setting and problem In 2014 the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment in the Netherlands has started a campaign to create more awareness about hazardous…

The dust released during construction work often contains fine particulate matter. This is harmful for health, especially when it contains carcinogens. In collaboration with TNO,…

Stoffenmanager® is a validated web-based instrument intended to support both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large organisations in prioritising and controlling the risks of…

Strādā vesels, the Latvian organisation for occupational safety and health, has developed self-tests for employees to test their knowledge on carcinogens, asbestos, dust and other…

Employers are often motivated to minimise the exposure of their employees to hazardous substances, but often don’t know where to start. Therefore, the Dutch Labour…

IOSH No Time to Lose campaign pledge signatory MTS Cleansing Services Ltd put in place initiatives to reduce diesel engine exhaust emissions in the workplace.…

Occupational hygienist Erik van Deurssen has developed a multidimensional intervention to reduce quartz exposure in the construction industry. The goal of this intervention is to…

You would like to substitute dangerous substances in your company? How to know about the impact and what aspects require attention? Find out more in…

The European Commission’s Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee (SLIC) launched its Guidance for National Labour Inspectors on Thursday 27 October 2016 in The Hague, the Netherlands.…

Silica is found in many resources used in construction. In and of itself, that is not a problem, until you wish to drill, mill, saw,…

Guidance for health and safety representatives. In many workplaces dust is a major problem. However dust can be more than just a nuisance – it…

Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer affecting different parts of…

Fine particulate matter is harmful to health, particularly when it contains carcinogens like respirable crystalline silica (RCS), hardwood, chromium and nickel. Workers coming into contact…

IOSH’s No Time to Lose campaign aims to get the causes of occupational cancer more widely understood and help businesses take action. To achieve this…