The purpose, elements, current and potential applications, and other features of control banding are described in a new NIOSH Web topic page introduced on May 26.

Control banding is a process in which a single control technology (such as general ventilation or containment) is applied to one range or band of exposures to a chemical (such as exposures in the range of 1-;10 milligrams per cubic meter of air) that falls within a given hazard group (such as skin and eye irritants or severely irritating and corrosive materials). A very developed model for control banding has been established by the Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom. NIOSH is currently evaluating its utility for the United States.