The Ingenieur Vol 59 July-Sept 2014 The Ingenieur Vo. 59, July-Sept 2014 | Page 47

Control of hazardous chemicals in the workplace Because of the complexity of assessing mixtures, Governments and organisations have tended to focus on individual chemical substances when developing strategies to prevent exposures harmful to workers health in the use of chemicals at work. Occupational Exposure Limit values (OEL) are standards developed as guidelines to assist in the control of health hazards and used by industrial hygienists in making decisions regarding safe levels of exposure to various chemical and physical agents found in the workplace when establishing control measures. Deriving and implementing OEL for individual chemicals has been the primary approach. property damage to the facility, and in the worst case situation, impact on surrounding parts of the community and the general environment. The physical characteristics of chemicals are often related to health issues. Aspects such as volatility rate, for example, can determine the potential for exposure in a workplace. The proper control of such hazards requires knowledge of the potential effects of the chemicals, as well as how such effects might be made worse if chemicals are not handled or stored properly. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) also has a list of classification criteria for the physical hazards of chemicals. Physical hazards are generally regarded as inherent properties of the chemical involved, but in many cases, a precipitating factor is required to trigger an effect. Therefore, a highly flammable liquid that is handled and stored away from sources of ignition is not likely to result in any harm. Control of such adverse effects requires extensive knowledge of workplace conditions, the chemicals involved, and the possible synergistic effects of the chemicals being handled or stored in the same areas. Monitoring the situation, as well as regular maintenance, are key to successful control. Effects of physical hazards of chemicals in the workplace In addition to the potential for serious injuries and diseases to workers handling the chemicals in the workplace, there is significant potential for Achieving sound management of chemicals in the workplace The overall strategy to achieve the sound management of chemicals in the workplace and in protecting the general environment can be simply Spray painting a car in a workshop or 2.02 million correspond to occupational and workrelated diseases; the annual global number of cases of nonfatal work-related diseases is estimated to be 160 million. In 2013, the report for the World Day on Safety and Health at Work addressed the prevention of occupational diseases. While the focus was not limited to those caused by chemical exposure, the theme was entirely consistent with this year’s topic of safety and health with the use of chemicals. The number of physical, chemical, biological and psycho-social factors affecting workers’ health is constantly on the rise. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has been responding to the challenge of preventing occupational diseases with, among other tools, the elaboration of an International Reference List of Occupational Diseases revised periodically by an international tripartite meeting of experts. 45 ingenieur 2014-July-FA.indd 45 7/9/14 10:37 AM