Overview
EN ISO 13977-1:2026: Workplace Air - Assessment of Dermal Exposure - Part 1: Framework for Dermal Exposure Assessment provides a comprehensive framework for assessing dermal exposure to chemical substances in workplace atmospheres. Developed through collaboration between CEN and ISO, this standard guides occupational health professionals, safety officers, and industrial hygienists in evaluating and managing risks associated with skin exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Focusing solely on the dermal route, this document offers structured guidance for conducting both qualitative and quantitative assessments, helping organizations recognize potential health risks and implement appropriate control measures. It is explicitly not applicable to inhalation, oral, ocular, or mucous membrane exposures, biological agents, wet work, or mechanical stressors.
Key Topics
- Framework for Dermal Exposure Assessment: The standard sets out a step-by-step process for identifying, evaluating, and reporting skin exposure to workplace chemicals.
- Information Gathering: Guidance on collecting detailed information about substances, the at-risk workforce, affected workplace areas and processes, and existing risk management measures (RMMs).
- Identification of Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs): Ensures systematic assessment by grouping workers with comparable exposure profiles based on activities and environments.
- Dermal Hazard Assessment: Evaluates substance-specific hazards by considering relevant health hazard classifications from safety data sheets (SDS), including corrosion, irritation, sensitization, and systemic effects.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment: Differentiates when to apply observational, questionnaire-based approaches versus measurement and modeling methods for more precise exposure estimation.
- Establishment of Limit Values: Considers available dermal limit values (DLVs), Derived No Effect Levels (DNELs), and other substance-specific benchmarks for compliance and risk management purposes.
- Periodic Reassessment: Recommends regular review and updates of assessments, especially when workplace conditions change.
Applications
- Industrial Hygiene: Supports risk identification, hazard control, and reduction of chemical-related skin diseases in occupational settings such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and research laboratories.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists organizations in meeting legal obligations for workplace health and safety under European and international regulations, particularly regarding assessment and documentation of dermal exposures.
- Control Measures Evaluation: Enables evaluation of the effectiveness of existing interventions (e.g., personal protective equipment, engineering controls) intended to minimize skin contact with hazardous substances.
- Epidemiological Studies: Facilitates the collection and analysis of exposure data for research into occupational skin diseases and chemical-related health effects.
- Risk Communication: Provides a standardized approach for communicating risks and preventive actions to stakeholders, including workers, management, and regulatory authorities.
Related Standards
- ISO 18158: Workplace air - Terminology
- ISO 20581: Workplace air - General requirements for the performance of procedures for the measurement of chemical agents
- EN 689: Workplace exposure - Measurement of exposure by inhalation to chemical agents - Strategy for testing compliance with occupational exposure limit values
- EN 1540: Workplace exposure - Terminology
- ISO 78-2: Chemistry - Layouts for standards - Methods of chemical analysis
These related documents provide definitions, measurement strategies, and procedural requirements that complement the dermal exposure assessment framework outlined in EN ISO 13977-1:2026.
By implementing EN ISO 13977-1:2026, organizations benefit from a harmonized, evidence-based approach to assessing workplace dermal exposure, supporting proactive management of occupational health risks and demonstrating commitment to worker safety and regulatory compliance. Use of this standard aligns with best practice in occupational hygiene and enhances workplace chemical safety management systems.