Chemical hazard

Chemical hazards are a priority in both European and French legislations, with various directives and regulations having been issued over the past few years. The European directive 89/391/EEC, issued on June 12, 1989, defined nine basic principles of preventing chemical hazards. Risk evaluation is a must and should be presented in one single document that lists all health and safety risks. Here are some of the European directives regarding this issue:

• Directives 67/548/EEC and 88/379/EEC relate to the classification, packaging and labelling for substances and preparations respectively, followed by many adaptations to technical progress.
• Directive 90/492/EEC relates to hazard communication, including material safety data sheets for users to implement control methods for employee protection.
• Directive 98/24/EC, relates to protection of safety and health against chemical hazard at the workplace. The main points in the directive are as follows: – update on definitions for occupational exposure levels and for biological limit values – update on general principles related to hazardous chemicals and on exposure assessment – update on specific control means and protective devices need to inform and train workers – detailed information about medical surveillance
• Directive 2000/39/EC relates to the first list of occupational exposure levels.

All these regulations introduce new concepts in risk management at work. The complexity of their introduction are a real nightmare for site managers, especially for those who are not aware of the changes. Because of this there is a need for more competent personnel in risk management. For chemical hazards and its impact on employee welfare, an industrial hygienist can control the situation with the appropriate methods and tools. Hazard recognition begins with an inventory of all chemicals used on site. Listed chemicals are associated with their hazardous characteristics – hazard symbol, R phrases (according to European regulation), occupational exposure limits, physical form, routes of entry in the body and toxicological data. The type of work performed at the facility then needs to be evaluated, leading to identifying risk factors. This allows qualification and quantification of personal exposure to chemicals, depending on quantities handled, duration and frequency of usage. For each task, engineering controls already in place and personal protective equipment (PPE) used are carefully documented in terms of efficiency and proper use. Quantification consists of evaluating exposure by inhalation, by measuring the concentration of pollutants in the work atmosphere. Additional measurements can be made to evaluate skin contact or skin penetration of chemicals by the wipe test. Analytical results are then compared to related occupational exposure limit values, when available. Evaluation allows the performance of controls already in place to be judged and sets priorities for an improvement of the situation, if required. When relevant, medical surveillance by an occupational doctor is even part of the evaluation process. The industrial hygienist will suggest the most efficient solution to any problems and help implement administrative controls including operating procedures, information and training of the workforce. Other types of training should be undertaken at all levels, as key messages should be understood and shared before becoming company policy. The industrial hygienist's job is also to recommend PPE and training in its use. To guarantee continued risk control, there must be a management system for chemicals. A follow-up and update of evaluations and action plans should be audited periodically. Annual action plans for improvement should be shared to involve everybody in preventive action. Risk prevention at the design level for a new machine or production line is also a driving force. In this area, the industrial hygienist can make the difference on costs and efficiency in hazard prevention. If laws and regulations force the objectives to be reached, the industrial hygienist must be both available and economically affordable.

For more information contact: Guy Bourgeoisat tel: +33 1 48 68 93 25; email: gbourgeoisat@dgt.loreal.com *SOciété Française des HYgiénistes du Travail (French Occupational Hygiene Society)