The Ingenieur Vol 59 July-Sept 2014 The Ingenieur Vo. 59, July-Sept 2014 | Page 48

INGENIEUR described as follows: 1. First step is to identify what chemicals are present; classify them as to their health, physical, and environmental hazards; and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazards and associated protective measures. Without such information, it is not possible to go further in terms of an evaluation of impact, and determination of appropriate preventive measures and controls. Information provides the underlying structure needed to achieve the sound management of chemicals. 2. The second step is to evaluate how the identified and classified chemicals are used in the workplace, and what potential exposure could result from this use. 3. The third and last step is to use this information to design an appropriate preventive and protective programme for the workplace. This would include various types of preventive and control measures, including installation and use of engineering controls; substitution by less hazardous chemicals; and use of respiratory protection, and other personal protective equipment when necessary Impact of chemicals on the environment Chemicals in the environment have been proven to have significant impact, from climate change to the destruction of wildlife species and contamination of drinking water. 6 46 ingenieur 2014-July-FA.indd 46 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. Clearly, a more judicious use of chemicals, and controlled release and disposal of them, is critical to ensuring our future environmental safety and health. It must also be done with clear regard for the safety and health of workers. For many years, the chemical waste of facilities was indiscriminately disposed of in the ground, air, and water sources in the area. This situation has changed to a large extent in those countries where appropriate controls and practices to clean up are in place to prevent their recurrence. However, there are other countries that are still dealing with significant pollution. In some cases, environmental effects are seen as a necessary adjunct to increased development and economic growth. The longterm costs to society need to be adequately addressed when decisions are made regarding what is acceptable in terms of the impact on the environment. For developed countries, much of the emphasis has been on correcting mistakes of the past, and establishing and implementing policies to prevent them in the future. Developing countries and economies in transition have the opportunity to learn from mistakes made in developed countries, and the experiences of having to correct them, by applying prevention through design principles to new facilities. One important aspect of this situation is the realization that pollution crosses borders. While one