The Hierarchy of Workplace Controls

The above aspects are covered in more detail in Table 16.3.1 It should be kept in mind that Table 16.3 discusses general facility designs to consider when developing a containment strategy for highly potent compounds. However, each consideration is subject to rigorous risk assessment. Practically, this means a determination of whether the consideration or practice is required or is a nice extra to control exposures to an appropriate level. 

Once the precautions that are needed to control exposures are determined, the next step is to compare the level of controls needed against what controls are already in place. There frequently are multiple control strategies that will minimize the potential for exposure. The determination of which control strategy is the best to use is determined by the hierarchy of control principle. Our particular approach to managing risk is to use this hierarchy to evaluate possible risk management approaches for a specific project in conjunction with a modified layer of protection analysis (LOPA) approach.5 

TABLE 16.3 General Considerations to Make in Determining What Precautions are Needed for Handling a High-Potency, Low-Dose Compound 

General handling philosophy Open handling of product not permitted. Keep containers closed. Avoid open handling on the bench. Use fume hoods, biological safety cabinet (BSC), or other ventilated control device for all aerosol generating activities 

Access Restricted access to work area required to authorized, properly trained personnel with medical clearance as applicable 

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