What are the real risks for workers in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry? It should be noted that the most vulnerable are workers employed in the preparation of drugs.
Chemical industry hazards
The chemical/pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important, but at the same time, one of the most hazardous of workplaces. Workers, in fact, are continuously exposed to substances and vapours which are often dangerous and, in the long run, can cause significant occupational health problems, particularly to the respiratory system.
The most vulnerable workers are those employed in the preparation of drugs. They are the ones who come into direct contact with compounds, preparations and chemical agents.
The most serious chemical hazard is to the respiratory system where irritant substances and vapours can cause both serious and less serious allergic reactions. To be more specific, workers in this sector acknowledge that chronic bronchitis is the most frequent occupational disease caused by exposure to gases, vapours and particulate matter resulting from chemical reactions. However, there are also more subtle diseases such as inflammation of the skin and tissue that sometimes take the form of real and proper burns.
Furthermore, in the more severe cases, particularly dangerous heart and lung tumours called mesotheliomas, may develop.
The most appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
These hazards should neither worry workers nor demonize these jobs, because with the use of proper Personal Protective Equipment, these risks are virtually removed and the health of workers is safeguarded. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE), are devices designed to protect the respiratory system from harmful particles and vapours. Innovative , compact face masks and respirators help maintain occupational health even in the presence of particularly aggressive reagents.
To further improve the working conditions in pharmaceutical labs, it is mandatory to carry out certain reactions in protected environments which are usually isolated and provided with smoke hoods as additional protection for workers.
As far as personal protective equipment is concerned, face masks are undoubtedly the most used PPE. They are fitted with filters having different protection classes depending on the type of work to be carried out. The filters block out dust particles preventing these and other volatile substances from reaching the respiratory system. Filters have a limited life and need to be replaced periodically depending on the intensity of use.
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) equipped with either a face mask or a helmet are latest generation devices for the protection of the respiratory system of workers operating in saturated and unhealthy environments, provided that a minimum percentage of oxygen is present. This type of respirator is equipped with a powered blower unit which draws polluted air through filters providing the worker with clean, filtered air.
These respirators need to be maintained regularly and filters need to be changed periodically for maximum protection to the respiratory system of workers.
The Cleanspace2 respirator supplied by Kasco, is certified to various International Standards. It is equipped with a compact, lightweight blower unit which provides clean, filtered air on demand.
May 22 2017
Workers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry: how to protect oneself from occupational hazards
Chemical industry hazards
The chemical/pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important, but at the same time, one of the most hazardous of workplaces. Workers, in fact, are continuously exposed to substances and vapours which are often dangerous and, in the long run, can cause significant occupational health problems, particularly to the respiratory system.
The most vulnerable workers are those employed in the preparation of drugs. They are the ones who come into direct contact with compounds, preparations and chemical agents.
The most serious chemical hazard is to the respiratory system where irritant substances and vapours can cause both serious and less serious allergic reactions. To be more specific, workers in this sector acknowledge that chronic bronchitis is the most frequent occupational disease caused by exposure to gases, vapours and particulate matter resulting from chemical reactions. However, there are also more subtle diseases such as inflammation of the skin and tissue that sometimes take the form of real and proper burns.
Furthermore, in the more severe cases, particularly dangerous heart and lung tumours called mesotheliomas, may develop.
The most appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
These hazards should neither worry workers nor demonize these jobs, because with the use of proper Personal Protective Equipment, these risks are virtually removed and the health of workers is safeguarded. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE), are devices designed to protect the respiratory system from harmful particles and vapours. Innovative , compact face masks and respirators help maintain occupational health even in the presence of particularly aggressive reagents.
To further improve the working conditions in pharmaceutical labs, it is mandatory to carry out certain reactions in protected environments which are usually isolated and provided with smoke hoods as additional protection for workers.
As far as personal protective equipment is concerned, face masks are undoubtedly the most used PPE. They are fitted with filters having different protection classes depending on the type of work to be carried out. The filters block out dust particles preventing these and other volatile substances from reaching the respiratory system. Filters have a limited life and need to be replaced periodically depending on the intensity of use.
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) equipped with either a face mask or a helmet are latest generation devices for the protection of the respiratory system of workers operating in saturated and unhealthy environments, provided that a minimum percentage of oxygen is present. This type of respirator is equipped with a powered blower unit which draws polluted air through filters providing the worker with clean, filtered air.
These respirators need to be maintained regularly and filters need to be changed periodically for maximum protection to the respiratory system of workers.
The Cleanspace2 respirator supplied by Kasco, is certified to various International Standards. It is equipped with a compact, lightweight blower unit which provides clean, filtered air on demand.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •