Thread Content
Enterprise size, management level, the nature of hazardous chemicals, technical capabilities, process conditions, working environment, and employee competence vary from one place to another; likewise, the use and management of hazardous chemicals at work sites also take many different forms. The author has identified 10 common gaps and weaknesses in the on-site management of hazardous chemicals, which are also key areas of focus in inspections and supervision related to hazardous chemical safety. 1. There are numerous temporary storage sites for hazardous chemicals, with large quantities on site that exceed the designated capacity of the retaining structures; moreover, safety and management measures are not properly implemented. 2. Employees are unaware of the properties of hazardous chemicals. They do not know the characteristics of the hazardous chemicals used on site. Many companies assign Arabic numeral codes to these chemicals for ease of reference, but employees have little understanding of the risks associated with those numeric codes. 3. Disordered management at the work site: During inspections, the author found that in several companies, flammable and explosive materials were stored near high-temperature furnaces. The high temperatures activated the properties of these hazardous materials, causing them to evaporate rapidly, which posed a high risk of fire and explosion accidents and also led to a deterioration of the working environment. Some enterprises use highly hazardous substances such as n-hexane and benzene in their production processes, resulting in severe occupational hazards. 4. Failing to follow safety operating procedures. Safety operating procedures are based on lessons learned from accidents; yet in production, accidents occur frequently as a result of not following these procedures and violating objective laws and scientific principles. For example, using organic solvents to clean floors can lead to fire accidents. 5. The protective facilities and production facilities are not synchronized. Occupational health protection facilities are not in sync with production or do not meet the required standards, leading to cases of occupational poisoning and occupational diseases among certain groups of people. During an inspection of a company’s work site, the author saw dust from grinding filling the air, with severe noise levels; it was impossible to see anyone on the opposite side. Furthermore, in many machinery manufacturing companies, engineering safety measures fail to meet the required standards, and the working areas are cramped, which exacerbates hazards such as dust and noise. Six cases of non-compliance with personal protective equipment standards: In some companies, no labor protection gear is provided, and in many other companies, the protective gear available does not meet the required standards. For example, using gauze masks in place of activated carbon masks, etc. The limited protective equipment available at the work site is not being fully utilized; for example, employees do not use it correctly, and some refrain from using it out of convenience ； During the investigation, the author even found cases at highly toxic chemical handling sites where workers were working with bare chests and feet wearing slippers. 7 Insufficient safety warnings: Safety reminders, warning signs, MSDS sheets, etc., at hazardous materials handling sites are not always available. 8. Lack of emergency rescue facilities: Many work sites fail to have emergency equipment such as eyewash stations, shower units, and emergency medications installed as required. Some companies don’t even have emergency response plans; knowledge of emergency rescue is not disseminated among employees, and there is a lack of occupational health education. 9 Poor management: During an inspection at a company, the air quality in the workshop was extremely poor, with a harsh smell. Survey the workers on site and ask if the ventilation equipment works well The answer is yes. Ask, why not use it? I’m afraid answering is a hassle. It is not difficult to see the shortcomings in corporate management here; although there are safety measures in place, poor management has prevented them from being effective. 10. Improper management of hazardous waste: Handling hazardous waste incurs costs, and companies consider only empty containers containing hazardous chemicals to be waste. For the hazardous waste that is generated continuously, it is often only disposed of once a certain amount has accumulated. What they fail to realize is that such waste represents a series of time bombs; chemical reactions may occur during storage, leading to accidents. Author: Yu Gong, New Media Center, China Work Safety News