Designated substance self-check
Work down the list. If you answer yes to the first two items and no to any after them, you have a gap an inspector would find.
- Is a designated substance present, used, handled or stored at your workplace?Asbestos, acrylonitrile, arsenic, benzene, coke oven emissions, ethylene oxide, isocyanates, lead, mercury, silica or vinyl chloride.
- Is a worker likely to be exposed to it?If so, the regulation applies. It does not apply on construction projects; dental practices are excluded for mercury and pumping gas is excluded for benzene.
- Do you have a written exposure assessment made with your JHSC?Each committee member gets a copy, and it is redone after any change that could significantly affect exposure.
- If health may be affected, do you have a written control program?Engineering controls, work and hygiene practices, monitoring, records and training.
- Is air monitoring done by or under a qualified industrial hygienist?Results posted for 14 days, given to the JHSC, and kept for 5 years.
- Is medical surveillance in place where required?Required for asbestos, benzene, coke oven emissions, isocyanates, lead, mercury and silica.
- If respirators are used, is there a respiratory protection program?The most common gap in the Ministry's 2024–25 chemical exposure campaign.
- Are other employers' workers protected at your site?Contractors are told about the substance and follow joint procedures.
This checklist is general guidance, not legal advice. Ontario regulations referenced: O. Reg. 278/05, OHSA section 30 and O. Reg. 490/09.
Want someone to check it for you?
A paid gap audit walks your site against this list. The fee is credited if you join a program.