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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the use of nitrile gloves with a minimum thickness of 5.0 ± 2.0 mil [0.127 ± 0.051 millimeters] in situations where it is suspected or known that fentanyl or other illicit drugs are present. However, there is limited data available on fentanyl permeation through gloves. Current test methods used to measure fentanyl permeation do not consider the effect of glove fit and flexion. Furthermore, first responders need to have PPE readily available in the field, and storage conditions may affect the protective performance of the gloves. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glove stretch and storage temperatures on glove durability and barrier performance against fentanyl. Nine nitrile glove models previously shown to be resistant to fentanyl permeation were selected for this investigation. These nine models were stretched 25% in one linear direction, to consider glove fit and flexion, and tested against fentanyl hydrochloride permeation. Additionally, four of the nine glove models were stored at 48 °C, 22 °C, and −20 °C, and evaluated for tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and puncture resistance after up to 16 wk of storage and fentanyl permeation after up to 8 wk of storage. At least one sample for six of the nine tested models had maximum permeation over the test method fail threshold when stretched. The tested storage temperatures showed no effect on glove tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and puncture resistance. The findings of this study can be used to inform PPE recommendations, with consideration to storage practices and proper sizing for first responders with potential exposure to fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The results of this study can be used to assess the need for new standard test methods to evaluate the barrier performance of gloves and shelf-life determination with consideration to glove fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, the revised chemicals management legislation mandated that manufacturers of hazardous chemical substances conduct risk assessments for the entire substance life cycle. Additionally, they must communicate use-specific safe handling advice (exposure scenarios) to their customer, as annex to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Despite significant efforts to develop workable solutions for chemical mixtures, this goal has not yet been fully achieved. Therefore, a Cefic research project (LRI B23) was commissioned on how to ensure meaningful health risk communication for workers across supply chains. The research project determined that risk-based safe use advice generated by manufacturers, often does not reach the intended end-user and was seen as not tailored to specific user needs. Recipients of the advice are also not prepared to act based on information developed by suppliers. From an industry perspective, the complexity of supply chains and substance life cycles are considered major barriers for effective safe use communication. Exposure scenarios for substance use in industrial work environments are often perceived as adding little value compared to existing safe use arrangements required by other health, safety, and environmental legislation applicable to employers and duty-holders. To attain meaningful use-specific safe handling advice for workers, including those at non-industrial premises who may benefit most from such advice, knowledge transfer and close collaboration between manufacturers and formulators remain key elements, supported by enhanced regulatory appreciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looks into the effectiveness of the authorisation procedure as a regulatory instrument within the framework of the European REACH regulation. It highlights its impact on enhancing occupational safety and health for both applicants and companies utilising the substances. This procedure encompasses manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances, as well as representatives of foreign manufacturers who are also eligible to seek authorisation. When applying for authorisation, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) assesses the risks associated with the intended uses of the substance, including the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Occupational Conditions (OCs) and Risk Management Measures (RMMs) described in the application and the risks posed by potential alternatives. If the RAC determines that the OCs/RMMs are inadequate for managing or controlling the risk, or if the measures to protect workers are deemed insufficient, it may recommend additional measures to enhance occupational safety and health or environmental protection. The 398 processed Applications for Authorisation (AfA) that have been submitted to date were examined to determine these recommended measures, categorised as Conditions for use, Monitoring arrangements, and Recommendations for Review Reports. Overall, a significant improvement concerning occupational safety and health seems necessary, as indicated by the large number of measures recommended by the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) or supplemented by the European Commission. In addition to the proposed measures, a short assessment provided by the committees as to whether the operational conditions and risk management measures are adequate in controlling the risks is also included in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the vapor pressure of a substance at the relevant process temperature is a key component in conducting an exposure assessment to ascertain worker exposure. However, vapor pressure data at various temperatures relevant to the work environment is not readily available for many chemicals. The Antoine equation is a mathematical expression that relates temperature and vapor pressure. The objective of this analysis was to compare Antoine parameter data from 3 independent data sources; Hansen, Yaws, and Custom data and identify the source that generates the most accurate vapor pressure values with the least bias, relative to the referent data set from the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Temperatures predicted from 3 different Antoine sources across a range of vapor pressures for 59 chemicals are compared to the reference source. The results show that temperatures predicted using Antoine parameters from the 3 sources are not statistically significantly different, indicating that all 3 sources could be useful. However, the Yaws dataset will be used in the SDM 2.0 because the data is readily available and robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The nail salon industry in the US comprises mostly immigrant-owned, small mom-and-pop salons that employ primarily first-generation immigrant workers from Asia. Because of the cultural and language barriers, both owners and workers may not avail themselves of the occupational safety resources. We formed an academic-community partnership to co-design a feasibility study and multi-level occupational health intervention for Vietnamese-speaking salon owners, workers, and community-based organization. Methods The intervention for each salon included (i) 2-h in-person training covering chemical safety, infection control, musculoskeletal prevention, and workers' rights for both the owners and their employees, (ii) a tailored recommendation report for the owner, and (iii) check-ins with the owner during the 3-month follow-up. Community partner was trained to deliver the in-language training with technical assistance from the research team. Baseline and post-intervention individual data about health symptoms and behaviors, as well as personal chemical exposures were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 44 participants from 12 consented salons enrolled in the study. One salon dropped out at follow-up due to change of ownership. Analysis of the differences between post-and pre-intervention showed a tendency toward reduction in some self-reported symptoms in the respiratory system, skin, and eyes, neurotoxicity score, as well as chemical exposures. We could not rule out seasonality as an explanation for these trends. Increase in self-efficacy in some areas was observed post-intervention. Conclusions Our study demonstrated a successful academic-community partnership to engage community members in the intervention study. While the intervention effects from this feasibility study should be interpreted with caution, our preliminary results indicated that our community-based intervention is a promising approach to reduce work-related exposures among Asian American nail salon workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Within the chemical legislation, REACH was implemented in order to improve safe working conditions with hazardous substances. Literature and real-life experiences by those concerned have shown that there are still gaps with a need for improved risk communication. This study elaborated on how information provided by REACH is understood and acted on by down- and upstream users, and how it can be further improved. Methods An extensive literature study including 21 studies and 13 tools was carried out. The outcomes were discussed and further supplemented by means of 18 interviews concerning 37 internal safety and REACH documents to build six different use cases representing different Dutch downstream companies. For the upstream perspective also 2 sector organizations and 2 registrants were interviewed. Three online workshops were organized in order to share insights and gather input on international recognition, potential suggestions and further recommendations with 30 participants from nine different EU countries. Results Although the methods to collect the data differed between the different stages of the study, the general results from all three stages elucidated similar themes in the data and each of the stages used the results from the previous stage as a starting point. Recurring themes concerned the (i) complexity of documents, (ii) deficiencies as experienced by SMEs in REACH, (iii) feedback and responsibilities in the supply chain, and (iv) the cooperation between REACH and OSH. Discussion The study at hand revealed that even though there are currently several activities to improve communication on safe-use of chemicals, communication on safe-use in the scope of REACH should be improved. This includes e.g. the future involvement of actual end-users in activities and development related to communication of safe-use information in the scope of REACH including feedback, less complicated and complex documents and clear communication concerning legislations and updates of documents. Furthermore, the issues recognized in the Netherlands are mostly also recognized by international workshop participants, thereby indicating international benefits in various areas by means of improved communication. Conclusions The study confirmed that many of our generic conclusions were already part of the shared knowledge in the REACH community, but that it is very valuable that this knowledge has been explicated, validated and reported in a structured way in the present project. Besides uncovering some crucial aspects that offer potential improvements regarding risk communication, this study offers possible solutions and next steps to be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Miners are routinely exposed to various hazardous chemicals entering the body through inhalation, dermal, and ingestion. Although, likely, the long-term health impacts of certain chemicals will only become evident in years to come, the utilization of hazardous chemicals will continue to increase in the coming years, leading to a higher disease burden. Therefore, effective controls for the sound management of chemicals at the workplace shall be implemented. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the chemicals used and analyze the health risks related to the use of the chemicals in the flotation process. Methods: This study was a descriptive case study conducted in Indonesia's gold and copper mining company. We ran the assessment using the Chemical Health Risk Assessment method published by the Department of Safety and Health, Malaysia, Year 2018. The chemicals analyzed were limited to the reagents used in the flotation process in the metallurgy department, which have two possible exposure, inhalation, and dermal routes. Results: The results show three out of seven chemicals have the potential to expose workers through inhalation, which is categorized under medium risk, where xanthate has the highest risk rating (RR=12), which potentially causes health effects related to acute toxicity, specific target organs, and reproductive toxicity. Meanwhile, five out of seven chemicals have the potential to expose workers through dermal, where three chemicals fell into the high-risk category: promoter, frother, and lime (H2), and two chemicals fell into the moderate-risk category: xanthate and solutrix (M2). Adverse health effects from chemical exposures to dermal include irritation, corrosion, and sensitization. Conclusion: The reagents used in the flotation plant exhibited a significant health risk of inhalation and dermal contact with hazardous chemical exposure. The company shall evaluate the hazard and risk from the hazardous chemicals used in the flotation plant and implement adequate controls, considering elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls to minimize the workers' inhalation and dermal exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) is an exposure-led approach to safety assessment that uses New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Application of NGRA has been largely restricted to assessments of consumer use of cosmetics and is not currently implemented in occupational safety assessments, e.g. under EU REACH. By contrast, a large proportion of regulatory worker safety assessments are underpinned by toxicological studies using experimental animals. Consequently, occupational safety assessment represents an area that would benefit from increasing application of NGRA to safety decision making. Here, a workflow for conducting NGRA under an occupational safety context was developed, which is illustrated with a case study chemical; sodium 2-hydroxyethane sulphonate (sodium isethionate or SI). Exposures were estimated using a standard occupational exposure model following a comprehensive life cycle assessment of SI and considering factory-specific data. Outputs of this model were then used to estimate internal exposures using a Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) model, which was constructed with SI specific Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) data. PBK modelling indicated a worst-case plasma maximum concentration (C max) of 0.8 μM across the SI life cycle. SI bioactivity was assessed in a battery of NAMs relevant to systemic, reproductive, and developmental toxicity; a cell stress panel, high throughput transcriptomics in three cell lines (HepG2, HepaRG and MCF-7 cells), pharmacological profiling and specific assays relating to developmental toxicity (Reprotracker and devTOX quickPredict). Points of Departure (PoDs) for SI ranged from 104 to 5044 µM. C max values obtained from PBK modelling of occupational exposures to SI were compared with PoDs from the bioactivity assays to derive Bioactivity Exposure Ratios (BERs) which demonstrated the safety for workers exposed to SI under current levels of factory specific risk management. In summary, the tiered and iterative workflow developed here represents an opportunity for integrating non animal approaches for a large subset of substances for which systemic worker safety assessment is required. Such an approach could be followed to ensure that animal testing is only conducted as a "last resort" e.g. under EU REACH. • A framework for occupational Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) is presented. • The framework is illustrated with a case study; sodium 2-hydroxyethane sulphonate. • Bioactivity Exposure Ratios (BERs) are derived under the NGRA framework. • The magnitude of these BERs informs the safety decision outcome. • Depending on the safety decision outcome, risk management may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART) is a tier 2 exposure model for estimating dermal exposure to the hands (mg min−1) for non-volatile liquid and solid-in-liquid products. The dART builds upon the existing ART framework and describes three mass transport processes (deposition (D hands), direct emission and direct contact (E hands), and contact transfer (T hands)) that may each contribute to dermal exposure. The mechanistic model that underpins the dART and calibration of the mechanistic model, such that the dimensionless score that results from encoding contextual information about a task into the determinants of the dART can be converted into a prediction of exposure (mg min−1), have been described in previous work. This paper completes the methodological framework of the dART model through placing the mechanistic model within a wider statistical modelling framework. A mixed-effects model, within a Bayesian framework, is presented for modelling the rate of dermal exposure per minute of activity. The central estimate of exposure for a particular task is provided by a calibrated mechanistic model (and thus based upon contextual information about a task). The model also describes between- and within-worker sources of variability in dermal exposure, with prior distributions for variance components based upon the literature. Estimates of exposure based upon informative prior distributions may be updated using measurement data associated with the task. The dART model is demonstrated using three worked examples, where estimates are initially obtained based upon the prior distributions alone, and then refined through accommodating measurement data on the tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we have responded to the key statements in the article by Koivisto et al. (2022) that were incorrect and considered to be a biased critique on a subset of the exposure models used in Europe (i.e. ART and Stoffenmanager®) used for regulatory exposure assessment. We welcome scientific discussions on exposure modelling (as was done during the ISES Europe workshop) and criticism based on scientific evidence to contribute to the advancement of occupational exposure estimation tools. The tiered approach to risk assessment allows various exposure assessment models from screening tools (control/hazard banding) through to higher-tiered approaches. There is a place for every type of model, but we do need to recognize the cost and data requirements of highly bespoke assessments. That is why model developers have taken pragmatic approaches to develop tools for exposure assessments based on imperfect data. We encourage Koivisto et al. to focus on further scientifically robust work to develop mass-balance models and by independent external validations studies, compare these models with alternative model tools such as ART and Stoffenmanager®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STOFFENMANAGER® and the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) are recommended tools by the European Chemical Agency for regulatory chemical safety assessment. The models are widely used and accepted within the scientific community. STOFFENMANAGER® alone has more than 37 000 users globally and more than 310 000 risk assessment have been carried out by 2020. Regardless of their widespread use, this is the first study evaluating the theoretical backgrounds of each model. STOFFENMANAGER® and ART are based on a modified multiplicative model where an exposure base level (mg m−3) is replaced with a dimensionless intrinsic emission score and the exposure modifying factors are replaced with multipliers that are mainly based on subjective categories that are selected by using exposure taxonomy. The intrinsic emission is a unit of concentration to the substance emission potential that represents the concentration generated in a standardized task without local ventilation. Further information or scientific justification for this selection is not provided. The multipliers have mainly discrete values given in natural logarithm steps (..., 0.3, 1, 3, ...) that are allocated by expert judgements. The multipliers scientific reasoning or link to physical quantities is not reported. The models calculate a subjective exposure score, which is then translated to an exposure level (mg m−3) by using a calibration factor. The calibration factor is assigned by comparing the measured personal exposure levels with the exposure score that is calculated for the respective exposure scenarios. A mixed effect regression model was used to calculate correlation factors for four exposure group [e.g. dusts, vapors, mists (low-volatiles), and solid object/abrasion] by using ~1000 measurements for STOFFENMANAGER® and 3000 measurements for ART. The measurement data for calibration are collected from different exposure groups. For example, for dusts the calibration data were pooled from exposure measurements sampled from pharmacies, bakeries, construction industry, and so on, which violates the empirical model basic principles. The calibration databases are not publicly available and thus their quality or subjective selections cannot be evaluated. STOFFENMANAGER® and ART can be classified as subjective categorization tools providing qualitative values as their outputs. By definition, STOFFENMANAGER® and ART cannot be classified as mechanistic models or empirical models. This modeling algorithm does not reflect the physical concept originally presented for the STOFFENMANAGER® and ART. A literature review showed that the models have been validated only at the 'operational analysis' level that describes the model usability. This review revealed that the accuracy of STOFFENMANAGER® is in the range of 100 000 and for ART 100. Calibration and validation studies have shown that typical log-transformed predicted exposure concentration and measured exposure levels often exhibit weak Pearson's correlations (r is <0.6) for both STOFFENMANAGER® and ART. Based on these limitations and performance departure from regulatory criteria for risk assessment models, it is recommended that STOFFENMANAGER® and ART regulatory acceptance for chemical safety decision making should be explicitly qualified as to their current deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nowadays, huge quantities of oily wastewater and oily solid wastes are associated with different industrial activities, which not only may harm the environment and human health but also a performance worsening of the installation. The goal of this study was to establish a resilient approach to cope with oily waste generation in industrial facilities. Several lessons learned from Cuban installations studied separately for ten years in the municipality of Cienfuegos were the cornerstone for the model definition. The approach included the development of a novel methodology to address integrated features of loss prevention in the operation of petroleum transport, storage, process, handling, and use. This methodology was designed and improved using the principle of convergence to integrate engineering procedures, standards, technical and management tools. The results from the methodology implementation generated a list of findings translated into industrial failures modes, that can impact both environment and human health. Then, a set of general and specific causes associated including the incidence of the natural events were deployed in different orders. The environmental monitoring around the plants offered a significant sample of points that allowed the spatial representation of how hydrocarbon pollution constitutes a complex network of permanent stress rooted in the territory of Cienfuegos. Moreover, a package of inherently safer solutions was generated as primary prevention, integrating the waste management hierarchy concept. At last, this iterative approach generated a research project to develop a bioremediation technique for the treatment of oily sludge from maintenance operations, which can be neither eliminated for the inherently safer solutions nor disposed to the environment. The lessons learned from Cuban installations enabled the conception of this resilient approach, which represents a framework to improve industrial safety performances contributing to the release reduction of oily waste. In addition, it represents a contribution to increasing the awareness of industrial vulnerabilities in the territorial resilience analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is obligatory for Ontario workplaces. The purpose of this training is to help workers understand the health and safety issues associated with using chemicals, including how to understand the information contained in the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) that come with all chemicals. However, many workers still do not know how hazardous workplace chemicals can be and they find it difficult to objectively determine the level of hazard posed by the chemicals they use. OBJECTIVE: A team of researchers, unions, and health and safety associations created a tool for Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) of small and medium-sized businesses to help them identify, assess and prioritize the health hazards posed by workplace chemicals using SDSs as the primary source of information. METHODS: The team recruited the JHSCs of six workplaces to pilot the usefulness of the Chemical Hazard Assessment and Prioritization (CHAP) tool. The CHAP tool helps workplaces rank their chemicals within one of five hazard levels using information contained in SDSs. RESULTS: Despite a difficult recruitment process, the participating JHSCs thought the CHAP process of assessing and prioritizing their workplace chemicals was useful. It raised their awareness of chemical hazards, increased their understanding of SDSs, and helped them prioritize their chemicals for improved control measures. CONCLUSIONS: Small and medium-sized businesses found the tool to be useful, but suggested that an electronic version would be easier to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) hazard release, emergency responders rely on respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of these hazards. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) CBRN Statement of Standard calls for CBRN respirator canisters to be challenged with 11 different chemical test representative agents (TRAs) during certification testing, which represent hazards from 7 distinct Chemical Families; these 11 TRAs were identified during the original 2001 CBRN hazard assessment. CBRN hazards are constantly evolving in type, intent of use, and ways of dissemination. Thus, new and emerging hazards must be identified to ensure CBRN canisters continue to provide protection to emergency responders against all hazards that would most likely be used in an intentional or unintentional event. The objectives are to: (1) update the CBRN list of hazards to ensure NIOSH-approved CBRN canisters continue to provide adequate protection capabilities from newly emerging chemical and radiological hazards and (2) identify the need to update NIOSH TRAs to ensure testing conditions represent relevant hazards. These objectives were accomplished by reviewing recent hazard assessments to identify a list of chemical and radiological respiratory hazards, evaluate chemical/physical properties and filtration behavior for these hazards, group the hazards based on NIOSH's current Chemical Families, and finally compare the hazards to the current TRAs based on anticipated filtration behavior, among other criteria. Upon completion of the evaluation process, 237 hazards were identified and compared to NIOSH's current CBRN TRAs. Of these 237 hazards, 203 were able to be categorized into one of NIOSH's current seven Chemical Families. Five were identified for further evaluation. Based on reviewing key chemical/physical properties of each hazard, NIOSH's current 11 TRAs remain representative of the identified respiratory CBRN hazards to emergency responders and should continue to be used during NIOSH certification testing. Thus, NIOSH's CBRN Statement of Standard remains unchanged. The process developed standardizes a methodology for future hazard evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical production usually is dangerous because of its flammability, explosion, high temperature and pressure, toxic and harmful. In recent years, chemical safety accidents occurred frequently, and have brought huge losses to the safety of the country and people ' s lives and property. Chemical safety and environmental protection is an important professional contents for chemical engineering in universities. It is necessary to strengthen chemical safety education and cultivate students ' safety and environmental awareness, and escort our country ' s production and environmental safety. In view of the current development of new situations and the problem of separating the theory and practice, according to our teaching practice, the following improvement measures are proposed: to improve the professional quality of teachers, to strengthen the analysis of modern industrial accident cases in classroom teaching, to utilize modern industrial safety simulation technology, and to adopt a comprehensive evaluation and assessment method. Through the development of practical teaching in the past six years, the ability of students to analyze and solve practical problems has been greatly improved. It has laid a solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills for students to take up their jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a proposed protocol in 2015 to evaluate the vapor containment abilities of closed system transfer device technologies in order to provide meaningful comparisons between products. This study assessed the vapor containment ability of closed system transfer devices when following the methodology as outlined by the 2015 NIOSH proposed protocol. Methods: This study evaluated six closed system transfer device brands following the draft NIOSH vapor containment protocol. The testing evaluated each closed system transfer device brand during both compounding (Task 1) and administration (Task 2). Five pre-specified steps for each task were repeated for a total of four manipulations per device. The Thermo Scientific™ MIRAN SapphIRe XL Infrared Analyzer was used to detect isopropyl alcohol vapor levels after each step. Results: For Task 1, two closed system transfer device products (PhaSeal™ and Equashield®) adequately contained the isopropyl alcohol vapor and passed the predefined testing criteria. The same two products, plus one additional product (ChemoLock™), contained the vapor for Task 2 manipulations. Based on the results of this study, only two out of the six closed system transfer device brands passed testing criteria for both tasks, functioning as truly closed systems. Conclusion: To improve employee safety in chemotherapy preparation, closed system transfer devices that demonstrate no leakage should be the preferred choices of healthcare systems. In this study, PhaSeal™ and Equashield® proved to be adequately closed in both Task 1 and Task 2, while ChemoLock™ proved to be closed in Task 2 but not in Task 1. All other products failed both tasks when measuring for isopropyl alcohol vapor release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and estimating the exposure to a substance is one of the fundamental requirements for safe manufacture and use. Many approaches are taken to determine exposure to substances, mainly driven by potential use and regulatory need. There are many opportunities to improve and optimise the use of exposure information for chemical safety. The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) therefore convened a Partners' Forum (PF) to explore exposure considerations in human safety assessment of industrial products to agree key conclusions for the regulatory acceptance of exposure assessment approaches and priority areas for further research investment. The PF recognised the widescale use of exposure information across industrial sectors with the possibilities of creating synergies between different sectors. Further, the PF acknowledged that the EPAA could make a significant contribution to promote the use of exposure data in human safety assessment, with an aim to address specific regulatory needs. To achieve this, research needs, as well as synergies and areas for potential collaboration across sectors, were identified. • Exposure information is fundamental to human safety assessment of regulated products. • Many exposure-based frameworks are applied across different industrial sectors. • In silico and in vitro NAMs can provide estimates of internal and external exposure. • Opportunities exist to create synergies between industrial sectors. • Research needs to develop exposure-based tools and strategies were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract China is a major country producing and using hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, the hazardous chemical industry is still one of the most high-risk industries in China. In recent years, especially after two devastating hazardous chemical accidents, namely “Qingdao 11.2 Crude Oil Leaking and Explosion Accident” and “Tianjin Port 8.12 Fire and Explosion Accident” which occurred in 2013 and 2015 respectively, China has attached great importance to hazardous chemical safety. The period between 2016 and 2017 is a crucial period for the future direction of hazardous chemical safety in China because China released a series of important government documents (such as ‘Thirteenth Five-Year (2016–2020) Plan for Hazardous Chemical Safety’ and ‘Comprehensive Plan for Hazardous Chemical Safety Management (December 2016–November 2019)’) to promote hazardous chemical safety in the future. What is the future development of China's hazardous chemical safety? To answer this question, this paper attempts to briefly analyze and introduce the opportunities, problems, challenges and tasks of the future of safety with hazardous chemical industrial activities in China, according to the current situation of hazardous chemical safety in China and using the latest government documents and studies. Obviously, this study can provide useful evidence and suggestions for the future of safety management in the hazardous chemical industry both within China and in other countries. Highlights • Provided an analysis of the current situation of China's hazardous chemical safety. • Analyzed the new opportunities, problems and challenges of China's hazardous chemical safety. • Introduced the future tasks of China's hazardous chemical safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Life Cycle Initiative, hosted at the United Nations Environment Programme, selected human toxicity impacts from exposure to chemical substances as an impact category that requires global guidance to overcome current assessment challenges. The initiative leadership established the Human Toxicity Task Force to develop guidance on assessing human exposure and toxicity impacts. Based on input gathered at three workshops addressing the main current scientific challenges and questions, the task force built a roadmap for advancing human toxicity characterization, primarily for use in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). OBJECTIVES: The present paper aims at reporting on the outcomes of the task force workshops along with interpretation of how these outcomes will impact the practice and reliability of toxicity characterization. The task force thereby focuses on two major issues that emerged from the workshops, namely considering near-field exposures and improving dose-response modeling. DISCUSSION: The task force recommended approaches to improve the assessment of human exposure, including capturing missing exposure settings and human receptor pathways by coupling additional fate and exposure processes in consumer and occupational environments (near field) with existing processes in outdoor environments (far field). To quantify overall aggregate exposure, the task force suggested that environments be coupled using a consistent set of quantified chemical mass fractions transferred among environmental compartments. With respect to dose-response, the task force was concerned about the way LCIA currently characterizes human toxicity effects, and discussed several potential solutions. A specific concern is the use of a (linear) dose-response extrapolation to zero. Another concern addresses the challenge of identifying a metric for human toxicity impacts that is aligned with the spatiotemporal resolution of present LCIA methodology, yet is adequate to indicate health impact potential. CONCLUSIONS: Further research efforts are required based on our proposed set of recommendations for improving the characterization of human exposure and toxicity impacts in LCIA and other comparative assessment frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty‐five reports of the US Chemical Safety Board over the period December 2009–May 2016 were analyzed for evidence of examples related to inherent safety, passive, and active engineered safety, and procedural safety. These measures were also analyzed for their contribution to incident prevention and consequence mitigation, as well as their applicability to specific elements of the PSM system recommended by the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering. This work represents the continuation of a previous study that performed a similar analysis for 60 CSB reports written during the period 1998–2010. The update provided here further illustrates the significant value of CSB investigation reports in demonstrating lessons learned and in training and educational efforts. Procedural safety was identified as the most common risk control measure cited in CSB reports, while the efficacy of inherent safety principles in incident prevention and mitigation has been consistently recognized by the CSB in its investigations. Risk reduction efforts aimed at incident prevention were found to be cited more often than those aimed at consequence mitigation. Active engineered safety measures were determined to be common among mitigation efforts due to the prevalence in the process industries of emergency alarms and fire suppression systems. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 37: 459–466, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessments of chemicals in work places are needed to protect workers’ health and safety. Several different strategies can be used for conducting risk assessments. The aim of this study was to investigate approaches to risk assessment of chemicals based on exposure assessment models relative to occupational exposure limits values (OELs) and derived no-effect levels (DNELs) and in comparison with measurements relative to OELs. A second aim was to evaluate the modelled recommended outcome and compare it with measurements of exposure. In this study, 29 situations were assessed with ECETOC TRA, Stoffenmanager ® 5.1 and ART. Personal exposure measurements were also performed. The percentage of measured exposure exceeding the recommended output was calculated to investigate the level of conservatism. All the modelled exposures were compared with OELs and DNELs where possible, and the GM of the measured exposure was compared with OELs (risk quotas). For ECETOC TRA, 31% of measured exposure exceeded modelled exposure. For Stoffenmanager ® it was 17% and for ART and ART B it was 3% and 0% respectively. Hence, according to our data, ECETOC TRA is the least conservative. An investigation of the risk quotas showed that ECETOC TRA had 4 false safe situations, meaning the risk was low when the model was used but was high when measurements were used. This may lead to underestimating risks. All models had an elevated proportion, ECETOC TRA and ART the highest, of false unsafe situations meaning the risk was low when measurements were used but high when models were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derivation of a performance index demonstrating integrated safety achievement of offshore oil and gas platforms has not been subject to extensive study. The indices proposed and adopted thus far are related to inherent safety and chemicals used in processes, with focus placed on the conceptual and design stages. Safety of offshore installations is a combination of asset integrity and personal safety, driven by organizational culture. Asset integrity covers process safety, structural integrity as well as aspects of safety climate dealing with personnel management such as training and competence. Indicators for various aspects of platform safety have been separately proposed in multiple studies. It would be significant to develop a composite index linking the major aspects of safety including the cultural and climatic factors to provide a more representative picture of platforms’ safety performance. This also facilitates performance benchmarking and continual improvement of safety management on the platforms. The adoption of leading indicators is crucial to drive and monitor inputs into the safety system. For the index to ultimately be meaningful, effective and easily understood, the underlying indicators should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely, evaluated and reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Safety, health, environment is one of the most important issues of human societies in the current and future. Prioritization is one of the important issues affecting the prevention of diseases and occupational accidents and environmental hazards; therefore, the aim of this study, prioritize current programs and regulations entrust to occupational health experts. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study of the descriptive type that was conducted on 151 occupational health experts of Kashan City in 2017. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that made by the researcher. Data analysis was conducted with (SPSS 16) and descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference between items in the executive and supervisory sectors and the highest priorities are based on the mean and standard deviation of the scores assigned by occupational health experts: controlling mechanical factors and ergonomics within the context of occupational health controls in the executive sector. Priorities are based on the average and standard deviation of total scores allocated by occupational health experts: the most important priorities are safety in the protection of machines shield and fire safety, chemical safety, and electrical safety. Conclusion: The most important priority for all those present in the research, safety in the protection machine gears shield (transmission parts for gear belt buckles, etc.) should be considered as an important priority for officials and observers of the executive and supervisory sectors, and to maintain and to enhance safety at the workplace machine safeguarding is very important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Workplace risk assessment methods require expertise which cleaning companies may lack. Objective To present a methodological, easy-to-implement approach for risk characterisation of cleaning work, and elaborate on its applicability. Materials and method Determinants of chemical exposure including, inter alia, frequency of use (ν), use of PPE (θ) and spray bottle (σ), dilution of chemicals (δ), and workplace ambience (ξ) are used to characterise risk of cleaning work. These, are assigned numerical factors according to how they manifest in work situations. The conceptualised assessment factor, presented as ω = ν∗θ∗δ∗σ∗ξ is used to formulate work risk factor, ∑RF. Calculating ∑RF for workplaces with many cleaning workers and work patterns, agreement on how tasks are performed, use of PPE and spray bottles among minimum 60% of participants was set as acceptance criteria for uniformity of workplace trend. Risk characterisation ratio (RCR) used to compare cleaning work is obtained by collating actual ∑RF to a hypothetical minimum exposure ideal ∑RF. Results Assessing different work situations, cleaning Shopping Centre gave the lowest RCR = 1.65, whereas travel terminals had the highest RCR = 7.41. Offices, hospital and kindergarten cleaning gave RCR = 4.05, 4.47 and 4.82 respectively. From RCRs, the largest disparity was between shopping centre and terminals; the least was between office and hospital, and similarly between hospital and kindergartens cleaning. Conclusion The approach enables evaluation of work situation establishing the risk of exposure to chemicals. Use of determinants of exposure makes the approach a versatile tool for determination of risk of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Employees in printing industries can be exposed to multiple solvents in their work environment. The objectives of this study were to investigate the critical components of chemical solvents by analyzing the components of the solvents and collecting the Safety data sheets (SDSs), and to evaluate the hazard communication implementation status in printing industries. Method: About 152 printing-related industries were recruited by area-stratified random sampling and included 23 plate-making, 102 printing and 27 printing-assistance companies in Taiwan. We analyzed company questionnaires (n = 152), SDSs (n = 180), and solvents (n = 20) collected from this sample of printing-related companies. Results: Analytical results indicated that benzene and ethylbenzene, which were carcinogen and possibly carcinogen, were detectable in the cleaning solvents, and the detection rate were 54.5% (concentrations: <0.011-0.035 wt%) and 63.6% (concentrations: <0.011-6.22 wt%), respectively; however, neither compound was disclosed in the SDS for the solvents. Several other undisclosed components, including methanol, isopropanol and n-butanol, were also identified in the printing inks, fountain solutions and dilution solvents. We noted that, of the companies we surveyed, only 57.2% had a hazard communication program, 61.8% had SDSs on file and 59.9% provided employee safety and health training. We note that hazard communication programs were missing or ineffective in almost half of the 152 printing industries surveyed. Conclusions: Current safety information of solvents components in printing industries was inadequate, and many hazardous compounds were undisclosed in the SDSs of the solvents or the labels of the containers. The implementation of hazard communications in printing industries was still not enough for protecting the employees' safety and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess whether a structured employee protection program for pregnant workers at a chemical company has an impact on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Reported pregnancies (n = 1402) between 2003 and 2010 and their outcomes were documented using questionnaires at the time of pregnancy report, end of pregnancy, and 1 year later. Potential maternal exposures were assessed using job histories, workplace inspections, and questionnaires. Results: Participation was 86% overall and was consistently high across subgroups. Pregnancy losses (10.9%), pregnancy complications, and preterm births (8.1%) were in agreement with rates in the general population and were independent of type of work and maternal exposure category. Conclusions: Pregnancy complication rates in this chemical company are not statistically elevated than that in the general population, as suggested in a previous study. The protection program may play a role in preventing complications that may have occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on an investigation of chemical safety management in the aspects of the regulation of normative chemical safety management, advanced information system of chemical management, humanized occupational and safe guarantee in the University of Melbourne, the rules of chemical purchasing application and poisons permit, chemical risk assessment and laboratory induction were introduced. The website of safety and ChemWatch Management System, the wide application of MSDS and management of the EHS Monitoring Equipment were described. In consideration of the present situation of chemical management in the universities of China, we herein put forward suggestions in the aspects of establishing practicable rule of laboratory management, building up advanced information system of chemical management, fully application of Material Safety Data Sheets and carrying out chemical risk assessment, etc. It will be significant to promote and perfect the laboratory safety management in Chinese universities of our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Professional accreditation of undergraduate Chemical Engineering and Safety Engineering majors in higher education institutions in China. • Chemical process safety education through different majors. • The current discipline construction of the newly established major Chemical Safety Engineering in China. • Suggestions to further promote chemical process safety education. The chemical process industry (CPI) in China is developing rapidly with installations becoming more complicated and integrated to meet people's rising demands for chemical-related products. However, the fast-growing CPI has caused catastrophic consequences and bad social influence due to accidents occurred in the last decades, which has threatened its sustainable development. As one of the solutions, the Chinese government is promoting chemical process safety education to train interdisciplinary graduates who understand both chemical process and loss prevention, who are skilled in technology, and how to manage risk. In this paper, we reviewed the development of chemical process safety education in China by researching syllabuses of accredited undergraduate Chemical Engineering and Safety Engineering majors in higher education institutions, discussed the associated shortcomings by analyzing the current discipline construction of the newly established major Chemical Safety Engineering , including education methodologies, resources, faculties, curriculum provision, and professional accreditation. Based on the analysis results, suggestions were provided to encourage institutions to strengthen chemical process safety education, thereby inherently reducing human errors and consequently improving the safety of the entire CPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses ten frequently asked questions about how the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) will affect employers and employees. Questions include the biggest changes to Hazard Communication (HazCom), compliance deadlines, new label requirements, employee training requirements, whether other standards are affected by HazCom alignment with GHS.

Objective: To investigate the relationships between occupational, workplace, and demographic factors and the provision of multilevel exposure protection systems. Methods: Respondents reporting dermal chemical exposure at work were asked about protective measures provided to them in the workplace, which we classified as personal protection or awareness measures. An ordered logistic model was used to investigate the odds of workers reporting that both, either or neither, types of exposure control measures were provided in their workplaces. Results: Larger workplace size and permanent and fixed-term employment were associated with exposure protection systems incorporating both hazard awareness and personal protective measures. Conclusion: Our results indicate that employment in small workplaces, nonpermanent and self-employed workers may be important intervention targets for improving workers' exposure protection. What this paper adds: • Chemical exposures in workplaces are an important occupational health and safety problem; however, there is little published information available about the provision of basic exposure controls to workers with dermal chemical exposures across industrial sectors. • Using data from a large community-based survey, we found that workers in small workplaces and workers with less secure employment arrangements were more likely than others to report less comprehensive exposure control mitigation strategies. • Small workplaces, temporary and casual workers, and industrial sectors in which these employment situations are common are likely to be worthwhile targets for efforts to improve exposure management systems for workers with dermal exposure to chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohazards are non-conventional threats that are very difficult to manage. This is due to difficulties in the identification of biological agents that are responsible for the onset of a disease, which can be bacteria, viruses, fungus or toxins. In Italy, the first response system to biohazards is provided by the National Fire Brigade (NFB) (Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco - CNVVF). The aim of this work is to evaluate the procedures adopted by the NFB for the management of biohazards. This is done by comparing the statistics of NFB interventions in 2000-2010 for potential biohazard events, and chemical and radioactive risks. A series of solutions is then proposed to improve the NFB's national response system for biohazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazards are intrinsic to a material or its conditions of storage or use [ Hendershot, D. C. Inherently safer chemical process design. J. Loss Prev. Process Ind. 1997 , 10 (3), 151 − 157 ]. Inherently safer designs aim to avoid hazards by design, rather than by add-on measures. The importance of inherent safety has been increasingly stressed in chemical process industries in recent years. It is the most suitable safety approach, particularly in the process design stage. This paper describes a new comprehensive inherent safety index (CISI) for use in the early process design stage. The CISI assigns equipment safety scores to individual units in the process based on chemical, process, and connectivity scores. The chemical score considers the weighted severity score of each chemical in the unit as well as the reactivity score. The reactivity score is calculated separately for the mixture of chemicals in each unit. Since hazards can be compounded by the existence of highly interconnected units, the concept of the connectivity score is introduced. Case studies involving biodiesel and methyl methacrylate processes are used to demonstrate the new safety assessment methodology. The results of the assessment are used to compare the processes based on inherent safety, and they can potentially serve as a valuable aid to clearly identify key areas for improvement in a root-cause analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the determination of safety properties for micro reactors and micro structured components is presented. Micro structured reactors are not inherently safe but the range of safe operating conditions of micro reactors are extended since the explosion region is reduced. The λ/3 rule was demonstrated to be applicable to micro scale tubes for stoichiometric mixtures of ethane-oxygen and ethane-nitrous oxide. Furthermore first results from an investigation concerning detonation propagation through a micro reactor of non-ideal geometry are shown. Initial pressure investigated is ranging from low pressure up to 100 kPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements have been made to the Laboratory Safety Program at Hendrix College in response to the 2008 Committee on Professional Training (CPT) guidelines for American Chemical Society (ACS) approved departments. These modifications and additions have greatly enhanced the integrated system that has been developed over the last 15 years to teach undergraduates the skills necessary to work safely with chemicals in the laboratory. The changes made to this program have served to increase the safety and knowledge base of the students, provide them with an opportunity to perform hazard assessment, give them valuable skills utilizing safety resources, and allow the assessment of their proficiency with these skills. This increased understanding of chemical safety issues will better prepare them to continue their careers in industry, graduate school, or professional school. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This case history describes the inspections performed and actions taken to prove that an older laboratory hood would continue to provide adequate protection for workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OSHA system for oversight of chemicals in the workplace was evaluated to derive lessons for oversight of nanotechnology. Criteria relating to the development, attributes, evolution, and outcomes of the system were used for evaluation that was based upon quantitative expert elicitation and historical literature analysis. The oversight system had inadequate resources in terms of finances, expertise, and personnel, and insufficient incentive for compliance. The system showed a lack of flexibility in novel situations. There were minimal requirements on companies for data on health and safety of their products. These factors have a strong influence on public confidence and health and safety. The oversight system also scored low on attributes such as public input, transparency, empirical basis, conflict of interest, and informed consent. The experts in our sample tend to believe that the current oversight system for chemicals in the workplace is neither adequate nor effective. It is very likely that the performance of the OSHA oversight system for nanomaterials will be equally inadequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) has been widely used for many years in various applications, such as environmental and water samples, food and fragrance analysis, or biological fluids. The aim of this study was to suggest the SPME method as an alternative to conventional techniques used in the evaluation of worker exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). Polymethylsiloxane-carboxen (PDMS/CAR) showed as the most effective stationary phase material for sorbing BTEX among other materials (polyacrylate, PDMS, PDMS/divinylbenzene, Carbowax/divinylbenzene). Various experimental conditions were studied to apply SPME to BTEX quantitation in field situations. The uptake rate of the selected fiber (75 μm PDMS/CAR) was determined for each analyte at various concentrations, relative humidities, and airflow velocities from static (calm air) to dynamic (> 200 cm/s) conditions. The SPME method also was compared with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health method 1501. Unlike the latter, the SPME approach fulfills the new requirement for the threshold limit value-short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL) of 2.5 ppm for benzene (8 mg/m3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]