If preventing exposure to hazardous substances is not reasonably practicable, what should you consider first?

When preventing exposure to hazardous substances is not reasonably practicable, the primary focus should be on finding ways to minimize risk and control exposure. This approach adheres to the hierarchy of control measures, which aims to reduce the risk of harm to health and safety as effectively as possible.

Minimizing risk and controlling exposure can involve implementing various control measures such as engineering controls (like ventilation systems), administrative controls (like changing work procedures), and personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures are designed to ensure that, even when elimination of the hazard is not achievable, the risk is managed to the lowest possible level, thereby protecting the safety and health of workers.

Eliminating the hazardous substance may not always be feasible, and while disposing of the substance safely and training workers are also important safety considerations, they are secondary to the immediate need to manage exposure in a practical and effective manner. Training workers is essential, but it is part of a broader strategy that follows the establishment of control measures.