New ANSI A10.49 – Chemical Hazards in Construction and Demolition

ANSI A10.49, “Control of Chemical Health Hazards in Construction and Demolition Operations,” has just been released.  It’s also known as ANSI/ASSE A10.49-2015 since it was developed by ASSE, the American Society of Safety Engineers.  It has been written in response to the concerns raised by the fact that more construction workers die from exposure to hazardous chemicals like asbestos and lead than from safety hazards.  The new standard is a practical guide to identifying chemical hazards, rating them and developing a chemical control plan for handling them.

Who should be using the ANSI A10.49?  Those in the construction and demolition industries will be using this standard.  Adoption by OSHA is also expected.  So those of you who are construction owners, project constructors, contractors and workers should be getting a copy.

What is the approach of ANSI A10.49?  The new publication relies on the updated OSHA hazard communication standard, which will be requiring revised safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous materials.  When you are preparing for a job-site, you’ll assess potential chemical hazards.  The ANSI standard gives you the tools to determine both the hazard level and the exposure level for these chemicals.  It also provides you with a flowchart for then matching both levels to the appropriate action.

Will you have to use outside experts to follow this standard?  In most cases, no.  You’ll only need professional help (like an industrial hygienist) for the most hazardous conditions.  But you may be required to provide training in order to have a person on staff who meets the qualifications to handle more routine chemical hazard situations.

Does the ANSI A10.49 require monitoring?  No, in most cases you will not be required to monitor your job site.  Instead, you’ll use a system of implementing exposure controls and assessments by task.

What’s covered in the standard?  It has the usual introductory clause, referenced documents and definition sections.  Then there’s a review of roles and responsibilities.  Clause 5 will show you how to do a Pre-Job Health Hazard Analysis.  Clause 6 covers implementation and ongoing assessment.

Again, the approach for ANSI A10.49 is to develop a practical strategy encouraging a focus on the long-term health hazards posed by exposure to hazardous chemicals and minimizing these dangers.

How can you get a copy of ANSI A10.49?  The standard is a copyright document and must be purchased from an authorized distributor.  Document Center Inc. is a choice that thousands have made.  We’re a woman-owned small business based in Silicon Valley, and we’ve been selling standards since 1982.  You can order the publications you need at our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Or use this link for the order page for ANSI A10.49.  ASSE standards are available in both paper and pdf formats.  Have questions?  Contact our staff directly by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).

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