Control Banding is a complementary approach to protecting worker health by focusing resources on exposure controls. Since it is not possible to assign a specific Occupational Exposure Limit to every chemical in use, a chemical is assigned to a "band" for control measures, based on its hazard classification according to international criteria, the amount of chemical in use, and its volatility/dustiness. The outcome is one of four recommended control strategies:

1. Employ good industrial hygiene practice
2. Use local exhaust ventilation
3. Enclose the process
4. Seek the advice of a specialist

Industrial hygiene expertise is not replaced - specific operating knowledge and professional judgment are required for implementation of the best "reasonably practicable" combination of controls to minimize risks to workers.

Become the first in your organization to be skilled in this innovative approach to protecting worker health, particularly in small and medium enterprises. This approach has been incorporated by the United Kingdom into the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Increasingly being applied worldwide, this approach has been internationalized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).