Table 8 Small Business Exposure Index Area Summary Scores: Explanation and Observed Frequencies (N = 149)

Material Potential low: Because the materials used have low inherent toxicity, Process Potential and Human Interface are of minimal concern.

• Minimal

Material Potential medium or high, but Process Potential low: Because there's limited potential for exposure from the process in question, then there's minimal potential for worker exposure at the Human Interface.

• Reduce Material Potential

• Improve Engineering Controls

Material Potential medium or high, Process Potential medium or high, but Engineering Controls high: Material and Process Potential are significant or of concern, but well-addressed by permanent exposure controls.

• Reduce Material Potential

• Reduce Process Potential

Material Potential medium or high, Process Potential medium or high, Engineering Controls low or medium, but Human Interface low: Material and Process Potential significant or of concern, but offset by low potential for exposure at the Human Interface.

• Reduce Material Potential

• Reduce Process Potential

• Improve Engineering Controls

Material Potential medium or high, Process Potential medium or high, Engineering Controls low or medium, Human Interface medium or high, but PPE high: Material and Process Potential significant, and matched with inadequate permanent exposure controls and an over-reliance on control at the worker through PPE.

• Reduce Material Potential

• Reduce Process Potential

• Improve Engineering Controls

• Reduce Human Interface Potential

• Rely less on PPE

All Potentials medium or high, and Engineering Controls and PPE low or medium: Exposure potential likely to be inadequately matched by protective measures.

• Reduce Material Potential

• Reduce Process Potential

• Improve Engineering Controls

• Reduce Human Interface Potential

• Rely on PPE only as a temporary stopgap measure