Scope and purpose

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1. Scope and purpose
1.1. Scope
1.1.1. This code applies to all exposures of workers to fibres and dust from
synthetic vitreous fibre insulation wools (glass wool, rock wool, slag wool)1
during
manufacture, transport and storage, use, maintenance, removal, recycling and disposal of
insulation wools.
1.1.2. This code is a reference document for the development of workplace
strategies, policies and mechanisms for dealing with safety in the use of insulation
wools.
1.1.3. This code is not intended to replace international or national laws or
regulations, or accepted standards.
1.2. Purpose
1.2.1. This code addresses occupational hazards due to insulation wools. Its
purpose is to protect workers’ health by ensuring safety in the use of insulation wools
taking into account the preventive and protective measures listed in paragraphs 2.1.3 and
2.2.1.
1.2.2. The provisions of this code are aimed at:
(i) minimizing exposure to fibres and dust from insulation wools at work;
(ii) preventing the mechanical irritation and discomfort known to be associated with
these materials, and averting the potential for long-term health effects; and
(iii) providing practical control measures for minimizing occupational exposure to
fibres and dust from insulation wools during manufacture, transport and storage,
use, maintenance, removal, recycling and disposal of insulation wools.
1.2.3. The provisions of this code should be considered as the basic requirements
for protecting workers health.2
1 In the following sections of this code, the expression “insulation wools“ means synthetic vitreous
fibre insulation wools (glass wool, rock wool and slag wool) and products or materials containing such
fibres. Definitions are given in Chapter 9 (Glossary).
2 The evaluation of intrinsic properties of substances, products and materials (hazard assessment) and
risk assessment of potential adverse effects on health may show that these are so low that they are of no
regulatory concern. This may result from technological development and product improvement (section
3.4). In such cases, the competent authority often considers the possibility of adopting exemption criteria.
Such criteria usually apply to the protection of both workers and the public. The exemption resulting from
these criteria may be from the regulatory framework as a whole or from specific provisions such as
classification of hazards and labelling (section 2.3). An example of criteria used for exemption from
classification is give n in Appendix A, section 3.10.

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