occupational Health and Safety in Chemical IndustryThe chemical sector is a discipline that appeals to every industrial organization as a business area. Especially in all areas where this sector is closely related to chemistry, in order to ensure that all production processes that are closely related to chemistry are carried out in a healthier and more efficient way. work
health and safety issues need to be addressed and examined from the very beginning. Especially before a facility starts production, risk factors should be identified and determined by experts. Necessary precautions and possible situations should be considered for these risks before production.
Industrial organizations that practice in the field of chemistry include the production, processing, transfer and storage of hazardous chemicals. If these are considered occupational health and safety importance can be understood more clearly. It is important to fulfill the requirements to prevent work accidents and occupational diseases. These practices, which are also specified in legal frameworks, are of great importance for industries. In particular, the chemical industry is the sector where the most precautions need to be taken.
Chemical sectorThere are different risk factors that can occur. These are generally possible risk factors as a result of chemical reactions. They have chemical, physical and biological effects. For example, biological and chemical risk factors are dominant in the production of a chemical that releases toxic gas. For this, procedures must be carried out in accordance with legal regulations. Another example of a risk factor is heat-generating reactions. Thermal reactions also bring physical risk factors. OHS measures are mandatory for such chemical processes. Necessary measures save lives and make production processes more efficient. In general İSG experts and workplace physicians manage these processes and take the necessary measures.
What are the Occupational Health and Safety Measures in the Chemical Industry?
It is mandatory for every organization producing in the field of chemistry to conduct risk analyses and manage production processes accordingly, as in other places. Occupational health and safety Every precaution taken to ensure that both the worker and the production processes are carried out more accurately. For this, all chemicals must be recorded and regularly updated. In this way, the accidental use of undefined products is prevented. The risks of possible wrong chemical reactions are also prevented. All containers must be stored in accordance with international standards and regulations. This prevents spillage and reactions in a possible situation. On the other hand, instructions for use of the chemicals used and the need for personal protective equipment must be given. For example, gloves, aprons, masks and goggles should be used when working with acid. This kind of safety measure is responsible for minimizing possible risks.
Personal protective equipment must be used as required. These have been made compulsory by legal regulations in industrial organizations where production is carried out. In addition, experts check whether these personal protective equipment are used. Another measure is to eliminate it in the workplace environment, i.e. at the source. For this, toxic gases are extracted by suction furnaces and ventilation systems. In this way, the air in the room conditions can be made healthier and less dangerous. In addition to these, maintenance teams also need to perform process control to anticipate possible risks. In this way, malfunctioning equipment is repaired and maintained. A possible accident can be prevented in this way.
What are the Health Risks to which Workers in the Chemical Industry are Exposed?
Chemical sectorThe production, transportation and processing of hazardous chemicals can expose workers to a variety of health risks. These risks differ according to the type of chemicals used and the physical conditions of the reaction. It is possible to raise awareness by listing the following risks;
1-Chemical Risk Factors
- The chemicals used can come into contact with the skin. They can also release gases into the atmosphere as soon as the lids are opened. Therefore, toxic substances can enter the body through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. This can lead to acute or chronic poisoning. Some chemicals can have a carcinogenic effect in case of long-term exposure. Corrosive chemicals such as acids and bases, which have a wide range of uses, can cause skin and eye irritation. Some chemicals can cause allergic reactions on the skin or in the respiratory tract.
2-Physical Risk Factors
- Depending on the pressure and temperature, chemicals may explode and ignite. This increases the risk to workers' lives.
- There are physical risk factors, such as exposure to loud noises. This can lead to hearing loss, as well as potentially preventing people from hearing voices.
- Chemical reactions or production processes involving vibration can damage the muscular system.
3- Risk Factors Affecting Respiration
- Vapors and dusts resulting from chemical reactions enter the upper respiratory tract and reach the lungs. This leads to many different diseases in the medical field. Especially occupational health and safety measures are important in this part.
4-Ergonomic Risks
- Chemical industry If the work performed is not done with attention to body harmony, it carries an ergonomic risk factor. In the future, deterioration in body integrity may occur. For example, lifting heavy loads brings the danger of negatively affecting lumbar health. It also causes posture disorders.
Chemical industry In order to prevent or minimize health and occupational risks to which employees are exposed, employers and employees must comply with safety measures. The most important way to ensure this is to comply with these measures.
How are Occupational Health and Safety Trainings Provided in the Chemical Industry?
Chemical industry industrial establishments operating in the sector, each new worker is hired occupational health and safety to educate about the use of chemicals. Information should be provided on the properties and potential hazards of chemicals. Drills should be organized for situations such as fire, leakage or explosion. In this way, they are both informed about what they use and prevent risks by knowing and applying protective measures.
One important point is to review emergency plans. These plans help workers to protect their lives in case of fire, flood and earthquake. In accordance with the necessary legislation, both training and drills should be carried out to see the practical application of these trainings. In this way, the risks of production processes and can be foreseen. Chemical industry These practices must comply with legal regulations and international standards. These quality standards and legal regulations are renewed through specific audits. For this, staff should be trained.
Chemical industry occupational health and safety measures are critical for the protection of workers, the environment and society. These measures both prevent work accidents and occupational diseases and increase productivity. Employers need to create an OHS culture in line with legal regulations and best practices. This approach is essential for a sustainable chemical sector is a basic requirement. Processes can also be improved by the conditions and training provided by raw material producers. Work performance is increased with satisfied workers. Awareness and culture formation is supported to prevent it from happening again by intervening quickly in possible accidents and similar situations. It is expected that especially industrial organizations provide these conditions and attach importance to trainings. The basis of business culture and sustainability passes through all kinds of training.
