ISO 13977-1:2026 PDF

Overview

ISO 13977-1:2026, Workplace air - Assessment of dermal exposure - Part 1: Framework for dermal exposure assessment, is an international standard published by ISO that establishes a comprehensive framework for assessing the risks associated with dermal (skin) exposure to chemical substances in workplace environments. Focusing exclusively on the dermal route, this standard provides stepwise guidance for both qualitative and quantitative assessments, equipping industrial hygienists, safety professionals, and occupational health experts with practical tools to control and minimize health risks. This standard is not applicable to exposures via inhalation, oral, ocular or mucous membranes, nor does it address biological agents, wet work, or mechanical stressors.

Key Topics

ISO 13977-1:2026 addresses the following key aspects of workplace dermal exposure:

• Information Gathering

  • Identification of all chemical substances present in the workplace, including by-products and impurities.
  • Evaluation of substance properties affecting dermal absorption, such as molecular size and skin notations.
  • Assessment of the population at risk, considering individual susceptibility and workplace health histories.
  • Examination of workplace conditions, tasks, and risk management measures.
  • Grouping similar exposure groups (SEGs) based on comparable exposure scenarios.

• Dermal Hazard Assessment

  • Identification and characterization of adverse effects from chemical agents via the dermal route using health hazard (H) statements and substance label information.
  • Assessment of local (site-specific) and systemic (whole-body) effects following skin contact.

• Exposure Assessment

  • Qualitative assessment: Broad evaluation of workplace processes, agent properties, and potential risks, suitable where specific exposure measurements are not available.
  • Quantitative assessment: More precise evaluation using modeling and measurement techniques when applicable dermal limit values (DLVs) exist.

• Risk Characterization and Reporting

  • Determining acceptability of risk, considering existing controls and recommending further measures as needed.
  • Structured documentation and periodic reassessment, encouraged at least annually or when workplace changes occur.

Applications

The framework provided by ISO 13977-1:2026 supports a wide range of practical workplace safety applications, including:

• Risk assessment for identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazardous agents that can cause adverse skin reactions or systemic health effects, tailored for industrial processes and chemical handling.
• Evaluation of exposure reduction measures and the effectiveness of existing personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and workplace procedures.
• Regulatory compliance, allowing organizations to compare local exposure findings with dermal limit values (such as DNELs, TLVs, action levels, and in-house limits).
• Epidemiological and occupational health studies requiring robust characterization of dermal exposure scenarios.

ISO 13977-1:2026 is particularly relevant for occupational hygienists, EHS (environment, health and safety) professionals, human exposure scientists, and regulatory bodies responsible for workplace safety assessments.

Related Standards

A number of international and regional standards complement the guidance offered by ISO 13977-1:2026:

• ISO 18158: Workplace air - Terminology Defines key terms relevant to workplace air and exposure assessments, ensuring consistency across documents.
• EN 1540: Workplace exposure - Terminology Offers clarifying definitions and harmonized vocabulary for European context.
• ISO/IEC Guide 98-3: Uncertainty of measurement Provides methodologies for evaluating and reporting measurement uncertainty, relevant for quantitative dermal exposure assessments.
• EN 689:2018+AC: 2019 Addresses measurement strategies for exposure to chemical agents via inhalation, with some principles applicable for group exposure strategies (SEGs).

Organizations implementing comprehensive occupational health and safety management systems are encouraged to integrate ISO 13977-1:2026 with these and other risk assessment standards to promote safer, healthier workplaces.

For more information, refer to the ISO official website or consult national standards bodies.