Management of Chemical Hazards: Industrial Physician Perspective

Process safety management is the key to control exposure to hazardous chemicals. Its components include quality assurance & mechanical integrity procedures, operating instructions derived from process technology procedures on process hazard analysis, management of change, pre start up safety review, emergency planning, regular training and validation.  These ensure safe practices to protect personnel from hazards associated in case of toxic release.    Automated process controls, detection of chemical spill and the last line of defense control - use of Personal Protective Equipment are followed. Expert committees provide an effective way to ensure the strict implementation of standards all the time; examples being HTM (Highly Toxic Materials) committee and AEL committee (Acceptable Exposure Limits) which define and monitor exposure to all stake holders.    In spite of these measures, chemical splashing incidents may occur during maintenance & plant modification activity where large numbers of line break activities are involved. The important steps in control over line break activity are job planning, positive isolation and compliance of lockout procedure, clearing the equipment/pipeline and verification before proceeding for line brake activity.    Proactive medical measures include COSHH (Control of Substance Hazardous to Health) assessment for chemicals used, standard treatment procedures / SOPs, specific antidotes for hazardous chemicals, chemical hazard communication program, medical monitoring of concerned employees and training and validation of all medical and paramedical personnel. Physicians are involved in emergency response preparedness plans for on site and off site emergencies. Regular mock drills are conducted to test and validate the same. Education and awareness programs are regularly organized for physicians in the neighboring community.     The presentation will include best practices followed in a large enterprise with multiple manufacturing locations and relevant case studies. It will also focus on the role of occupational health physician in prevention and effective management of such incidences.