Routes of Entry
Another important task when assessing the workplace for chemical hazards is to determine the route(s) of entry the chemicals may take.
Various PPE can help reduce the chances hazardous chemicals can enter through common routes of entry.
If we know the route(s) of entry, we can then determine appropriate engineering, administrative, and PPE controls to eliminate or reduce the exposure. Below are the four common routes of entry.
- Ingestion - Do we eat or drink it?
- Inhalation - Do we breathe it in? The most common route of entry of hazardous chemicals.
- Absorption - Does it pass through the skin, eyes or other membranes?
- Injection - Does it enter through a puncture or cut?
We'll be talking more about the physical characteristics, routes of entry, and toxicity of hazardous chemicals later in the Safety Data Sheet module.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. What is the most common route of entry for hazardous chemicals?
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