Exposure control plans

An occupational exposure is when an individual comes into contact with health hazards in the workplace, which can result in an illness or disease. The symptoms may occur immediately or sometime after exposure occurs. A health hazard can be chemical, biological, or physical in nature. Contact may happen via inhalation (airborne), ingestion, or dermal(skin) routes.  

Examples of hazards in the workplace include:  

Institutional exposure control plan

The UBC Exposure Control Plans, ECP’s, are comprehensive descriptions of how the University will identify, assess, and control exposure risks to significant health hazards to ensure faculty, staff, and student health and well being is protected.  

The information required in an ECP is prescriptive and must include at minimum the requirements outlined in Section 5.54  of the OHSR.  

How do Institutional ECPs apply to my work area? 

Faculties and departments must work within the framework provided in an institutional ECP to develop site specific (aka local) safe work procedures, programs, and practices for their work areas and tasks. 

How and when are they created 

The BC OHSR requires an ECP be developed if there is a risk of exposure to a hazardous agent where health protection can be compromised.  

Specific situations under which an ECP is needed is outlined in Section 5.54 of the OHSR.  

What is an Exposure Limit? 

Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL’s) are established by WorkSafeBC to set maximum acceptable exposure levels to hazardous agents to prevent adverse health effects. OEL’s are based on scientific and toxicological studies for those specific agents and consider the exposure levels needed to cause harm as well as the potential health consequences.  

Current Library  

Chemical  

• Lead ECP 
• Silica ECP
• Isocyanates ECP
• Hazardous Drugs ECP 
• Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins and Sensitizers ECP 

Biological  

• Blood & Bodily Fluids ECP
• Lab Animal Allergens ECP
• Mould ECP 

Physical  

• Heat Stress ECP