Chemical industry - 1,986 entries found

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2004

CIS 06-262 van der Schaaf T., Kanse L.
Biases in incident reporting databases: An empirical study in the chemical process industry
The extent to which incident reporting schemes truly capture a representative sample of actual events remains a topic of debate. While this has led several researchers to provide organizational design guidelines for implementing such schemes, much less is known about the individual reporter's perspective. Based on a literature survey and a diary study in which chemical plant operators reported events involving recovery from their own errors, together with reasons why they would or would not normally report these events, six categories of reasons for not reporting were identified. The distribution of the diary study events over these categories highlighted a difference between the operator and management with respect to their perception of the importance of successfully recovered events with no remaining consequences or events considered to be nothing new. This difference should be addressed by communicating the learning potential of these types of events.
Safety Science, Jan. 2004, Vol.42, No.1, p.57-67. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 06-149 Schettgen T., Broding H.C., Angerer J., Drexler H.
Dimethyl sulphate; a hidden problem in occupational medicine
IARC has classified dimethyl sulfate as a group 2A carcinogen (probably carcinogenic to humans). Blood levels of N-methylvaline were monitored in sixty-two workers with potential exposure to dimethyl sulfate in a chemical plant producing surfactants for the textile industry. Controls consisted of ten laboratory workers without exposure to methylating agents. While 52 of the 62 workers showed N-methylvaline levels similar to those of the control group, a large exposure to dimethyl sulfate was seen in a group of ten employees working in an area where the substance was processed. These workers exceeded the German exposure equivalent value for dimethyl sulfate (40µg/L blood) by up to four times. In contrast, dimethyl sulfate was not detectable in workplace air in this area. Skin contact was therefore considered to be the main route of uptake for this substance.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.73-75. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 06-169 Bahrin J.S., Sajahan M.H., Hamad M.N.
Emergency response programme in a petrochemical company in Malaysia
The control of hazards posed by the petrochemical industry in Malaysia is covered by both the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards) Regulations 1996 and the Responsible Care initiative of the chemical industry. This paper describes elements to be considered in an emergency response programme for industry, such as emergency management, organization, duties and responsibilities, emergency systems, training and mutual aid plans and agreements. Examples based on the practices adopted by a multinational petrochemical company are included.
Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Jan. 2004, Vol.1, No.1, p.33-38. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 06-140 Kaur S., Mursyid A., Ariffin A.E.
Colour vision of workers in the plastic industry
This study was undertaken to determine the effect of polyethylene and polystyrene used in the manufacture of plastic items on colour perception. Colour vision was assessed using the Ishihara plates, panel 015 test and the Farnsworth Munsell 100-Hue test. Factory A used polyethylene in pellet form in the manufacturing of plastic containers while factory B used polystyrene to make plastic bags. A total of 39 healthy employees from factory A and 40 healthy employees from factory B were recruited, together with a control group of 27 healthy subjects with no occupational involvement with petroleum derivatives. All control subjects passed all of the colour vision tests whilst some employees of factories A and B failed the 015 and FM 100 Hue tests. It is concluded that employees of plastics processing factories may be at a higher risk of acquiring colour vision defects.
Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Jan. 2004, Vol.1, No.1, p.3-8. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 05-619 Luo J.C., Cheng T.J., Kuo H.W., Chang M.J.W.
Decreased lung function associated with occupational exposure to epichlorohydrin and the modification effects of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms
Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is a strong irritant of the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Because the toxic effect of various chemicals can be modified by metabolic traits, this study investigated the influence of the glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1) genes on the toxic effect of ECH. In the GSTM1 null genotype workers, there is a dose-response of lung function tests for ECH exposure, but not in the GSTM1 non-null genotype workers. The ECH exposure was found to be significantly associated with decreased FEV₁ and MMEF values after adjusting for other factors. The GSTM1 null genotype was found to be significantly associated with decreased FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC and MMEF values after adjusting for other factors. This study indicates that obstructive lung abnormalities and small airway lung damage are associated with ECH exposure, and ECH workers with GSTM1 null-type are also associated with increased respiratory damage.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.280-286. 45 ref.

CIS 05-723 Ott M.G., Zober A., Messerer P., Riemann J.F., Schilling D.
Illness experience before and after an initiative to identify, treat and prevent Helicobacter pylori-related diseases at the workplace
This study used aggregate medical claims data to evaluate the illness experience of 5160 employees at a chemical plant in Germany during the two years after and the two years before an intervention to identify, treat, and prevent Helicobacter pylori-related illnesses. Across all participants, a 2.1 fold reduction in ulcer-related illness episodes and a 1.1 fold reduction in episodes due to other stomach and duodenal diseases were achieved. Improvement in claims experience was most notable among 250 employees with ulcer findings on the screening examination. The H. pylori health initiative appears to have contributed to a cost-effective reduction in subsequent illness episodes due to ulcer and possibly due to other stomach and duodenal diseases.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.227-233. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 05-132 Brazier A., Gait A., Waite P.
Health and Safety Executive
Different types of supervision and the impact on safety in the chemical and allied industries
The objective of this project was to examine how the delivery of supervision affects health and safety performance and to develop a method that allows enterprises to assess their current arrangements and identify opportunities for improvement. Work involved a literature review followed by nine site visits to establish how supervision is actually delivered to operator, maintenance and contractor teams in the chemical industry. It was found that many enterprises have changed their organizational structures from traditional hierarchies with a single supervisor to flatter systems with team leaders and higher levels of self-management. Consequences of these changes on safety are discussed.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. viii, 71p. 6 ref. Price: GBP 15 .00. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr292.pdf [in English]

CIS 05-64 Hsiao T.J., Wang J.D., Yang P.M., Yang P.C., Cheng T.J.
Liver fibrosis in asymptomatic polyvinyl chloride workers
This study was designed to determine whether vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) exposure is associated with liver fibrosis. 347 workers with occupational exposure to VCM were systemically examined using liver ultrasonography and routine liver function tests. Vinyl chloride monomer cumulative dose (ppm-month) was estimated by summing the products of air VCM concentration levels and months of employment. Liver fibrosis was defined in subjects with precirrhosis and cirrhosis of the liver diagnosed using ultrasonography. Significantly increased risks of developing liver fibrosis were found in workers who had a history of high exposure jobs (odds ratio 5.5) when compared with workers without such a history. It is concluded that there is an increased risk of developing liver fibrosis in PVC workers with high exposures to VCM.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.9, p.962-966. 20 ref.

CIS 05-99 Parra J.G., Ospina Ariza X.
Health hazards faced by workers in the oil industry
Peligros para la salud de los trabajadores de la industria del petróleo [in Spanish]
This article describes the health hazards faced by oil industry workers, in particular as a result of the toxicity of hydrocarbons; it also proposes a hazard evaluation of this industry. Main topics covered: risks to health (chemical, physical, ergonomic and biological hazards); hydrocarbon toxicity and toxicokinetics; toxicodynamics of the main aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene); evaluation and management of the hazards resulting from oil industry activities (exploration, drilling, extraction, pipeline transport, storage, refining and chemical transformation); safety management systems adopted in the Colombian oil industry.
Protección y seguridad, May-June 2004, Vol.50, No.295, p.54-71. Illus.

CIS 04-629 Tchicaya A.F., Bonny J.S., Yeboue-Kouame Y.B., Wognin S.B., Kouassi M.Y.
Study of exposure to aromatic amines in the chemical industries in Abidjan
Etude de l'exposition aux amines aromatiques dans les industries chimiques à Abidjan [in French]
Aromatic amines are carcinogens. Prolonged exposure leads to bladder cancer. To assess the extent of this exposure, a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among chemical industries in Abidjan. Interviews with workers were followed by job observations. Participants consisted of 362 workers (all male) of average age 34 years working in 12 companies where aromatic amines were used. Natural ventilation was the only form of ventilation in 75% of the cases. Monitoring of the working atmosphere was carried out in only 44% of the cases. Heavy nicotine addiction and urinary bilharziosis were found in 2% and 10.5% of the workers respectively. Personal protective equipment was insufficient and inadequate. Hygiene and working conditions safety committees were unknown or non operational and medical supervision was restricted to annual chest radiographs. These findings indicate the presence of bladder cancer risk and a poor enforcement of regulatory protection measures.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Mar. 2004, Vol.65, No.1, p.36-40. 17 ref.

CIS 04-655 Goyer N., Beaudry C., Bégin D., Bouchard M., Carrier G., Gely O., Gérin M., Lefebvre P., Noisel N., Perrault G.
Impacts of the lowering of the permissible exposure value for formaldehyde - Group 3: Other sectors
Impacts d'un abaissement de la valeur d'exposition admissible au formaldéhyde - Groupe 3: Autres secteurs [in French]
The objective of this study was to assess the number of workers in a variety of industries and sectors in Quebec that would be exposed to excessive formaldehyde concentration levels and the cost of compliance per worker as a function of the various possible threshold limit values under consideration. This specific study was carried out within the framework of a large research programme aimed at evaluating the health and socio-economic impacts of lowering the current maximum permissible exposure value for formaldehyde of 2ppm to one of the values of 1.0, 0.75 or 0.3ppm, either as maximum or 8-hr time-weighted average values. (See also CIS 04-642 to 04-651, CIS 04-653 and CIS 04-654).
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. 97p. 94 ref. Price: CAD 8.56. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RA12-386.pdf [in French]

CIS 04-648 Goyer N., Beaudry C., Bégin D., Bouchard M., Buissonnet S., Carrier G., Gely O., Gérin M., Lavoué J., Lefebvre P., Noisel N., Perrault G., Roberge B.
Impacts of the lowering of the permissible exposure value for formaldehyde - Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-based resin manufacturing industries
Impacts d'un abaissement de la valeur d'exposition admissible au formaldéhyde - Industries de fabrication de formaldéhyde et de résines à base de formaldéhyde [in French]
The objective of this study was to assess the number of workers in the formaldehyde and formaldehyde-based resin manufacturing industries in Quebec that would be exposed to excessive formaldehyde concentration levels and the cost of compliance per worker as a function of the various possible threshold limit values under consideration. This specific study was carried out within the framework of a large research programme aimed at evaluating the health and socio-economic impacts of lowering the current maximum permissible exposure value for formaldehyde of 2ppm to one of the values of 1.0, 0.75 or 0.3ppm, either as maximum or 8-hr time-weighted average values (see CIS 04-642 to 04-647, CIS 04-649 to 04-651 and CIS 04-653 to 04-655).
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. 54p. Illus. 18 ref. Price: CAD 6.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RA6-386.pdf [in French]

CIS 04-641 Musu T.
REACHing the workplace - How workers stand to benefit from the new European policy on chemical agents
REACH při práci - Jaký prospěch mohou mít pracovníci z nové evropské politiky o chemických látkách [in Czech]
REACH på arbejdstagerne vil kunne drage fordel af den nye europæiske kemikaliepolitik [in Danish]
REACH au travail - Les bénéfices potentiels de la nouvelle politique européenne sur les agents chimiques pour les travailleurs [in French]
REACH am Arbeitsplatz Die potenziellen Vorteile der neuen europäischen Chemikalienpolitik für die Arbeitnehmer [in German]
The proposed reform of European legislation on trade in chemical substances, known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), pursues two main aims: ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment; and strengthening the competitiveness of the European chemical industry. Currently, approximately one out of every three occupational diseases recognised annually in Europe can be ascribed to exposure to hazardous chemicals. In order to better understand in what way the REACH reform represents a real opportunity to reduce the number of occupational diseases related to exposure to dangerous substances, this publication begins by examining the reasons why a reform is needed; it then describes the content of the REACH reform and the changes it will make to the existing legislation. It concludes by explaining the state of play in the legislative process underway at the European Parliament and the Council, which should result in the adoption of the REACH Regulation. Also available in Dutch, Estonian, French, Hungarian, Latvian and Polish.
European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health and Safety (TUTB), 5 Bd du Roi Albert II, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, 2004. 36p. Illus. Price: EUR 10.00.
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/publications/files/REACH-EN.pdf [in English]
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/publications/files/REACH-FR.pdf [in French]
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/publications/files/REACH-Danish.pdf [in Danish]
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/publications/files/REACH-DE.pdf [in German]
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/publications/files/REACH-Czech.pdf [in Czech]

CIS 04-380 Saha A., Ramnath T., Chaudhuri R.N., Saiyed H.N.
An accident-risk assessment study of temporary piece rated workers
An occupational injury surveillance study was conducted among the workers of a fertilizer plant in India to assess whether the risk of occupational accidents in temporary piece-rated workers was higher in comparison to the permanent time-rated workers. The personal details of the workers were collected by means of interviews. There were few differences in age, nature of work, level of education, experience and habits between the two worker groups. However, accident incidence rates, accident frequency rates and accident severity rates were found to be significantly higher in temporary piece-rated workers. These differences were more prominent in case of time-loss accidents than in no time-loss accidents. Relative risk varied from 2.3 to 18.0 in case of time-loss accidents. In case of no time-loss accidents, it varied from 1.1 to 2.6. When relative risk is considered after taking all accidents into account, the relative risk ranged from 1.2 to 3.5.
Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.240-245. 28 ref.

CIS 04-406 Bilban M.
Mutagenic testing of workers exposed to toluene-diisocyanates during plastics production process
This study on the potential mutagenicity of toluene diisocyanates (TDI) involved 26 workers exposed to TDI during the production of plastics, together with 21 non-exposed controls. The concentration of TDI ranged between 0.007mg/³ and 0.016mg/³. Structural chromosome aberrations (SCA) were evaluated in 200 lymphocytes of peripheral blood, with an average occurrence of 2.6. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were examined in 50 cells, the average occurrence being 8.127. Micronuclei (MN) were examined in 500 blocked cytokinesis cells, with an average occurrence of 12.07. The corresponding averages of the control group were 1.89 (SCA), 5.52 (SCE) and 4.38 (MN), respectively. The difference between the groups is of statistical significance, thus confirming the mutagenic activity of toluene diisocyanates or their metabolites.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.468-474. 25 ref.

CIS 04-328 Acquavella J.F., Delzell E., Cheng H., Lynch C.F., Johnson G.
Mortality and cancer incidence among alachlor manufacturing workers 1968-99
Alachlor is the active ingredient in herbicide formulations used widely on corn, soybeans and other crops. It has been found to cause nasal, stomach, and thyroid tumours in rodent studies, however at levels that are much higher than likely human exposures. This study was carried out to evaluate mortality rates from 1968 to 1999 and cancer incidence rates from 1969 to 1999 among workers at an alachlor manufacturing plant. Worker mortality and cancer incidence rates were compared to corresponding rates for the Iowa state general population. Analyses addressed potential intensity and duration of exposure. There were no cancers of the types found in toxicology studies and no discernible relation between cancer incidence for any site and years of alachlor exposure or time since first exposure. These findings are significant considering that these workers had chronic exposure during extended manufacturing campaigns, while use in agriculture is typically limited to a few days or weeks each year.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.61, No.8, p.680-685. 20 ref.

CIS 04-184 Jones D.J., Stanier D.J.
Health and Safety Executive
Piping systems integrity - Management review
This project was intended to develop proposals that would help companies reduce the occurrence of piping failure on industrial sites. It identified the key areas where improvements could be made. Work involved examining commonly-available information on piping, reviewing typical failures of piping and drawing upon practical experience from the chemical industry. A "life cycle" model of piping integrity was used to assess findings and make recommendations. The life cycle starts with scope definition, continues through design, construction, operation, and maintenance, includes modification and repair, and ends with decommissioning and disposal.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. vi, 37p. Illus. 16 ref. Price: GBP 10.00. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr253.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-1772 Markowitz S.B., Levin K.
Continued epidemic of bladder cancer in workers exposed to ortho-toluidine in a chemical factory
Ortho-toluidine (o-toluidine), an aromatic amine, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a probable human carcinogen. A cohort study published in 1991 reported a 6.5-fold excess incidence of bladder cancer in a US chemical plant that used o-toluidine. This article reports 19 additional cases of bladder cancer among workers in this cohort, yielding a total of 34 cases of bladder cancer in the cohort to date. The number of bladder cancers diagnosed in the recent period has increased. The timing of onset of exposure to o-toluidine of numerous cases of bladder cancer after 1968, and especially 1975, suggests that occupational exposures other than o-toluidine were probably not responsible for the observed excess bladder cancer. This study further supports the bladder carcinogenicity of o-toluidine.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.46, No.2, p.154-160. Illus. 15 ref.

2003

CIS 06-353 Proctor D.M., Panko J.P., Liebig E.W., Scott P.K., Mundt K.A., Buczynski M.A., Barnhart R.J., Harris M.A., Morgan R.J., Paustenbach D.J.
Workplace airborne hexavalent chromium concentrations for Painesville, Ohio, chromate production plant (1943-1971)
Data from a 1930s cohort of workers from a single chromate production plant has been used as the basis for assessing the carcinogenic potency of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). However, the exposure information for this cohort has several shortcomings. In an effort to provide better exposure information, this study takes into account recently identified historical exposure data for the workers of this plant. More than 800 measurements of airborne Cr(VI) from 23 surveys conducted from 1943 to 1971 are presented. Concentrations generally decreased in the plant over time. The average airborne concentration of Cr(VI) in the indoor operating areas of the plant in the 1940s was 0.72mg/m³, that from 1957 through 1964 was 0.27 mg/m³, and that from 1965 through 1972 was 0.039 mg/m³. These data are of sufficient quality to allow for exposure reconstruction for workers employed at this plant from 1940 to 1972 and to provide the basis for an improved cancer risk assessment.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, June 2003, Vol.18, No.6, p.430-449. Illus. 49 ref.

CIS 06-116 Lewis R., Rempala G.
A case-cohort study of angiosarcoma of the liver and brain cancer at a polymer production plant
Past studies have reported excesses of angiosarcoma of the liver and brain cancer at a polymer production plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Although angiosarcoma has clearly been linked to vinyl chloride exposure, the cause of the brain cancer excess has been uncertain. Case-cohort and case-control studies of both conditions were conducted in relation to chemicals used in the production of polyvinyl chloride and nitrile rubber. Angiosarcoma was strongly associated with vinyl chloride exposure but not with other chemicals used in production. Brain cancer was highest in workers hired prior to 1950 but was not associated with vinyl chloride or other specific exposures or production processes. This brain cancer cluster is similar to those reported in other industries in this generation of workers, the specific cause remaining unknown.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.538-545. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 06-115 Lewis R., Rempala G., Dell L.D., Mundt K.A.
Vinyl chloride and liver and brain cancer at a polymer production plant in Louisville, Kentucky
Various cohort studies in the United States have shown an excess mortality from brain cancer among workers exposed to vinyl chloride (VC). One plant located in Louisville, Kentucky, is included in many of these earlier reports. In this study, this plant was separated from the large US cohort and the mortality data were re-analyzed. It was found that Louisville experienced significantly elevated liver cancer mortality (standardized mortality analyses (SMR) = 400) and brain cancer mortality (SMR = 229). When Louisville was removed from the larger cohort, liver cancer mortality remained significantly elevated in the remaining cohort (SMR = 344) while brain cancer mortality was markedly reduced (SMR = 112). In contrast to liver cancer, a preliminary review of work assignments did not suggest that the brain cancer excess was related to VC exposure. The Louisville brain cancer cluster has had a significant impact on the reported literature. Although unrelated to VC, the cause of this cluster remains uncertain.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.533-537. 24 ref.

CIS 05-630 Miljours S., Braun C.M.J.
A neuropsychotoxicological assessment of workers in a sodium azide production plant
Neuropsychological and psychological tests, a symptom self-report questionnaire and haematological and cardiac measurements were gathered from 41 workers exposed to sodium azide and from 42 unexposed workers in a chemical production plant yearly for three years. The exposed workers presented more acute symptoms of exposure (headache, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, cardiac palpitations, irritated eyes) than did the unexposed workers. However, only one chronic symptom was repeatedly and more significantly reported, namely trembling of the hands. No psychological or neuropsychological tests (reaction time, psychomotor performance, cognitive performance, chromatopsia, Profile of Mood States) differentiated the two groups. However, acute effects of exposure on plasma creatinine and on systolic pressure were noted. Low creatinine levels in the plasma of exposed workers correlated significantly with impairment of mood on the Profile of Mood States test, but not with any other measure.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2003, Vol.76, No.3, p.225-232. 55 ref.

CIS 05-626 Hazra S.K.
Implementation of responsible care in India - Expectations, achievements, challenges
Responsible care (RC) holds a specific significance for India. Indian companies, as good corporate citizens, are steadily adopting RC by voluntary initiative. There is a change in the mindset among large and professional business houses who have made significant progress in this regard. Smaller and family-held companies on the other hand are reacting to RC slowly. RC is also yet to take root in the public and community perception. The Indian Chemical Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is meeting this challenge by working closely with other professional bodies and non-governmental organizations to promote RC.
Industrial Safety Chronicle, Jan.-March 2003, Vol.XXXIII, No.4, p.51-55.

CIS 05-684 Bajor R.
Dealing with near-miss major incidents - Experiences at nitrogenous compounds plant "Puławy S.A."
Postępowanie ze zdarzeniami prawie wypadkowymi - doświadczenia Zakładów Azotowych "Puławy" S.A. [in Polish]
This article describes the way in which the management of occupational safety and health was modernized in the largest nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturer in Poland, focusing on the system for analyzing near-miss major incidents. Contents include a definition of near-miss incidents, procedures to be adopted in the event of a near-miss incident and the procedures for investigating the causes of these incidents.
Bezpieczeństwo pracy, Jan. 2003, No.1, p.14-16. Illus.

CIS 05-165 Cassidy L.D., Youk A.O., Marsh G.M.
The Drake Health Registry Study: Cause-specific mortality experience of workers potentially exposed to beta-naphthylamine
The objective of this study was to examine the cause-specific mortality experience of a cohort with past exposure to beta-naphthylamine (BNA). Subjects were 374 male and 26 female workers employed at a chemical plant that produced or used BNA between 1940 and 1981. Vital status through 1998 was determined for 97.5% of the cohort and cause of death for 100% of 79 deaths. Industrial hygiene data and reports from former employees were used to categorize workers as high, medium, or low risk for BNA exposure. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated on the basis of mortality data of the local population. Statistically-significantly elevated SMRs were observed for all causes (SMR=1.98), all malignant neoplasms (28 deaths, SMR=3.08), respiratory system cancer (12 deaths, SMR=3.91) and bladder cancer (four deaths, SMR=16.83). Mortality risks were also elevated for most other malignant and non-malignant diseases examined.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2003, Vol.44, No.3, p.282-290. 36 ref.

CIS 03-1813 Hartwig S., Rupp A., Puls E., Kim J.H., Binder F.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin
Cleaning and maintenance of industrial installations: Exposure to substances
Reinigung und Instandhaltung von Industrieanlagen: Stoffbelastungen [in German]
A total of 175 job observations were carried out in 12 companies during cleaning, maintenance and repair work. The average time needed for the tasks was recorded, and the organization workflow related to the tasks was noted. Moreover, respiratory and dermal exposures were assessed for the distinct tasks during non-normal production modes. The provision conditions and the type and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were noted. It was found that in approximately 25% of the cases investigated, hazardous substances were present in concentrations considerably exceeding the recommended threshold values. The PPEs were wrongly used more than 75% of the cases, and were wrongly dimensioned or not correctly provided in 50% of the cases.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2003. xvii, 168p. Illus. 57 ref. Price: EUR 16.50.

CIS 03-1615 Collins J.J., Ireland B., Buckley C.F., Shepperly D.
Lymphohaematopoeitic cancer mortality among workers with benzene exposure
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between lymphohaematopoeitic cancer mortality and benzene exposure among 4417 workers at a chemical plant in the US. There was little evidence of increasing risk with increasing cumulative benzene exposure for all leukaemias, for acute non-lymphocytic leukaemias (ANL) or the other lymphohaematopoeitic cancers with the exception of multiple myeloma. For multiple myeloma, the SMRs were 1.1 in the non-exposed group, 1.4 in the <1ppm-years group, 1.5 in the 1-6ppm-years group, and 2.6 in the >6ppm-years group. No relationships were found between peak exposures and any of the cancers. However, when peak exposures over 100ppm for 40 or more days were considered, the observed number of all leukaemias (SMR=2.7), ANL (SMR=4.1) and multiple myeloma (SMR=4.0) were greater than expected. Although the observed number of deaths was small in this study, the number of peak exposures to benzene greater than 100ppm was a better predictor of risk than cumulative exposure.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2003, Vol.60, No.9, p.676-679. 32 ref.

CIS 03-1850 Kozyra C., Serafin J., Mazurkiewicz B.
Safe plant: The chemical enterprise "Organica-Sarzyna S.A."
Bezpieczny zakład: Zakłady Chemiczne "Organika Sarzyna" S.A. [in Polish]
Booklet on the "Organika Sarzyna" chemical plant in Poland. Contents: historical background; efforts for the improvement of working conditions; health service for employees; protection against fire and chemical hazards; storage of dangerous substances; plant safety and health organization.
Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy Główny Inspektorat Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42 Warszawa, Poland, 2003. 11 p. Illus.

CIS 03-1845 Mauer E.
Safe workplaces: Joint campaign of the Polish and Danish labour inspections
Bezpieczny zakład: Wspólna kampania polskiej i duńskiej inspekcji pracy [in Polish]
This article presents the information campaign carried out in Poland on preventive measures in chemical plants that represent major hazards. The campaign was organized jointly by the Polish State Labour Inspection and the National Working Environment Authority in Denmark. During the campaign, a symposium was held concerning this topic at Nowa Sarzyna (Poland) on 26-31 May 2003, which was attended by representatives of enterprises and the researchers concerned.
Bezpieczeństwo pracy, June 2003, No.6, p.13-15. Illus.

CIS 03-1856 Ratajczak J., Majka A., Chmiel M., Janik P., Dziwulski D., Porowski R.
Safe plant - A hundred ways to avoid trouble - A guide
Bezpieczny zakład - Sto sposobów na uniknięcie kłopotów - Poradnik [in Polish]
This booklet presents the most common hazards arising as a result of major accidents and natural disasters. It also addresses the consequences of these hazards for people and environment, the ways to prevent such consequences and rules of conduct to be followed in the event of their occurrence. The booklet was published in co-operation with National Working Environment Authority in Denmark.
Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy Główny Inspektorat Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42 Warszawa, Poland, 2003. 48 p. Illus.

CIS 03-1495 Wright M., Bendig M., Hopkins C., Gall B., Holmes J., Landles L.
Health and Safety Executive
The promotion of human factors in the onshore and offshore hazardous industries
The HSE, in recognition of the role of human error in major accidents, aims to promote the application of human factors in the onshore and offshore chemical, oil and gas hazardous industries. This study explored duty holders awareness and attitudes towards human factors so as to understand how best to promote integration of human factors into major accident prevention. 141 structured phone interviews were carried out among operators and support service enterprises of hazardous onshore installations and offshore oil and gas platforms. It was found that duty holders lack a consistent understanding of human factors, mostly relying on intuitive presumptions of what is meant by "human factors". It is recommended that the HSE place more emphasis on human factors in their future guidance.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. viii, 121p. Illus. Price: GBP 20.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr149.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-1245 Best practices in work-flexibility schemes and their impact on the quality of working life in the chemical industries
Les meilleures pratiques de flexibilité du travail et leur incidence sur la qualité de la vie professionnelle dans les industries chimiques [in French]
Las prácticas óptimas en los sistemas de trabajo flexible y sus efectos en la calidad de la vida laboral en las industrias químicas [in Spanish]
Report for discussion at a tripartite meeting on best practices in work-flexibility schemes and their impact on the quality of working life in the chemical industries. It contains many examples of current work flexibility practices and related areas that affect them. Main topics covered: employment; remuneration; working time; skills, training and knowledge management; shift work; industrial relations.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. vii, 116p. Illus. 129 ref. Price: CHF 20.00.
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/sector/techmeet/tmwfci03/tmwfci-r.pdf [in English]
http://www.ilo.org/public/french/dialogue/sector/techmeet/tmwfci03/tmwfci-r.pdf [in French]
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/sector/techmeet/tmwfci03/tmwfci-r.pdf [in Spanish]

CIS 03-839
European Process Safety Centre
Explosion protection - Practical understanding of recent standards and new legislation in process safety
Proceedings of an international conference on explosion protection held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 13 November 2002. The aim of the conference was to provide practical understanding of recent standards and forthcoming legislation in the area of protection explosion. The proceedings cover the following areas: review of experience of implementing IEC 61508 and associated standards; understanding and preparation fore compliance with the forthcoming ATEX (Explosion Directive) legislation; relationship between IEC 61508 and ATEX 100 and 118.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IchemE), Davis Building, 165-189 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HQ, United Kingdom, 2003. v, 96p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 40.00 (+ VAT).

CIS 03-785 Devantier Jensen C., Thormann J., Ejner Andersen K.
Airborne allergic contact dermatitis from 3-iodo-2-propynyl-butylcarbamate at a paint factory
The fungicide 3-iodo-2-propynyl-butylcarbamate (IPBC) is used in both industrial products and cosmetics. This article presents the first reported case of allergic contact dermatitis from airborne exposure to this preserving agent. A 34-year-old female production worker at a paint factory developed dermatitis on exposed skin areas. Patch testing showed a positive reaction to IPBC 0.01% in petrolatum. The compound was used as a preservative in wood treatment products manufactured at her workplace. Based on animal studies, IPBC is considered safe as a cosmetic preservative. However, widespread use of the chemical might lead to increasing levels of contact allergy, and therefore, close monitoring of IPBC is recommended.
Contact Dermatitis, Mar. 2003, Vol.48, No.3, p.155-157. 19 ref.

CIS 03-846 Wright M., Turner D., Horbury C.
Health and Safety Executive
Competence assessment for the hazardous industries
COMAH duty holders recognize the importance of experienced and competent staff. With the implementation of the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999 (COMAH, see CIS 00-24) on 1 April 1999, it is no longer acceptable to make untested assumptions about staff competence. The Health and Safety Executive developed a safety report assessment guidance that asks for a competence assurance systemincluding the setting of appropriate competence standards and an assessment and reassessment of competence. This report provides a review of current practice, a view of what comprises good practice in the field of competence assessment in relation to major accident prevention, and a body of advice, checklists and examples of assessment. An appendix includes ten summaries of case studies.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. xvi, 81p. + 40p. (case studies). Illus. 15 ref. Price: GBP 20.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr086.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-845 Simpson G., Tunley C., Burton M.
Health and Safety Executive
Development of human factors methods and associated standards for major hazard industries
The aim of the proposed research was to develop guidelines to assist both inspectors and staff on chemical plants in assessing the management of human factor issues. The scope of work required the development of guidance information on five human factor aspects including procedures, availability of information, communications, emergency planning and accident investigation. These would then act as prototypes in developing additional topics. The guidance topics were selected following the application of an incident analysis process which provided an informed overview of the human factors issues that were influencing accidents in the chemical industry. A human factors analysis framework was developed and applied as part of this process.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. iv, 115p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: GBP 20.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr081.pdf [in English]

2002

CIS 03-1774 Ghiassi-Nejad M., Varzegar R., Zakeri F., Rasouli-Nejad S.
Analysis of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of workers of a phosphate fertilizer factory
The frequencies of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges in peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied in 15 workers of an Iranian phosphate fertilizer factory exposed to chemicals and radioactive substances and in 15 unexposed controls. The exposed individuals showed higher frequencies of dicentrics as well as acentrics than the normal controls. The mean frequencies of chromosomal aberrations per 100 metaphases of workers and non-exposed controls were 5.06 and 1.52, respectively; those of micronucleated cells per 1000 binucleated lymphocytes of workers and controls were 47±8 and 12±5, respectively and the mean number of sister chromatid exchanges per 100 cells in workers and controls were 4.6±2.8 and 2.80±0.37, respectively. These results confirm the existence of clastogenic and genotoxic effects of chemical agents and radioactive materials.
Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002, Vol.8, No.4, p.277-282. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 03-1773 Tsai P.J., Shieh H.Y., Lee W.J., Chen H.L., Shih T.S.
Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of internal dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in carbon black workers
In this study, a total of 30 workers exposed to carbon black were selected, including eight wet pelletizing workers and 22 packaging workers. For all selected workers, urine samples were collected on the first day pre-shift, first day post-shift and fifth day post-shift, and their urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels (1-OHP) were determined (denoted as BM1pre, BM1post and BM5post, respectively). Personal respiratory exposures, including both inhalable particle-bound PAHs (Cipb) and gaseous PAHs (Cgas), together with dermal exposure to particle-bound PAHs (Cskin) were measured. Personal background information, including age, sex and smoking habit, was registered. Pyrene exposure was statistically significantly correlated with exposure to PAHs and carcinogenic PAHs. The resultant regression coefficients for sex, smoking habit and age were statistically insignificant. In conclusion, this study suggests BM5post could be a suitable indicator for PAH exposures of carbon black workers, on the condition that both respiratory and dermal exposures are assessed.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Mar. 2002, Vol.46, No.2, p.229-235. 24 ref.

CIS 03-1237 Goyal P.K.
Overview of HSE issues confronting small industries and a common pool approach strategy
This article presents some of the efforts undertaken to ensure the effective compliance of small and medium sized enterprizes (SMEs) in India with legal enactments concerning occupational safety and health. These efforts require the involvement of the government, international organizations, NGOs and professional and industrial associations. A cooperative programme in a region where many small-scale dyes and pigments industries are based is presented. An association was formed to build and maintain a waste water treatment plant and to take care of occupational safety and health issues, with the support of a local charitable institution.
Industrial Safety Chronicle, Oct.-Dec. 2002, Vol.XXXIII, No.3, p.60-65.

CIS 03-1326 Laudet-Hesbert A., Lefevre B., Mahieu C., Triolet J., Dornier G.
Glycol ethers
Les éthers de glycol [in French]
Despite being present in numerous industrial environments, certain glycol ethers are nonetheless hazardous. By proving an overview of the physical and chemical properties of glycol ethers, their risks to health and the existing regulatory measures for managing these risks, the objective of this information sheet is to present the knowledge required for good risk management in a concise form. Contents: chemical structures, properties and uses of glycol ethers; animal experiments; risks to humans (routes of exposure, toxicology, results of epidemiological studies); protective measures. The classification of the main glycol ethers according to Directive 67/548/EEC (see CIS 92-23) as well as the average exposure limit values are presented in tabular form. Boxes include a glossary of the common abbreviations of the main glycol ethers, as well as research and publications of the INRS.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Feb. 2002. 4p. Illus. 10 ref.
http://www.inrs.fr/htm/les_ethers_de_glycol.html [in French]

CIS 03-655 Ha E., Cho S.I., Park H., Chen D., Chen C., Wang L., Xu X., Christiani D.C.
Does standing at work during pregnancy result in reduced infant birth weight?
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between infant birth weight and standing at work during pregnancy. 1,222 pregnant women employed at a large petrochemical site in Beijng, China, were enrolled in the study. The subjects were followed up through their entire pregnancy. All subjects delivered at the company staff hospital between 1996 and 1998. Various work-related physical activities during pregnancy were assessed using a structured questionnaire, and generalized additive models were performed to examine their association with birth weight. Of the assessed activities, only standing was significantly associated with birth weight. After adjusting for potential confounders, maternal standing hours per day at work was found to be significantly associated with reduced birth weight (-17.7g, P=0.03).
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.44, No.9, p.815-821. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 03-847
Health and Safety Executive
The safe use and handling of flammable liquids
This booklet provides information on the fire and explosion hazards associated with flammable liquids and describes practical measures to protect workers. It is aimed at persons directly responsible for the safe use and handling of flammable liquids in all general work activities and in small-scale chemical processing, as well as at safety specialists and industry associations. Contents: scope; hazards; precautions; sources of ignition; ventilation; health precautions; maintenance; housekeeping; disposal of flammable liquids; information and training; general fire precautions; emergency procedures. Appendices include: legal requirements; fire-resisting structures; hazardous area classification.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. viii, 66p. Illus. 81 ref. Price: GBP 8.50.

CIS 03-991 Henderson J., Wright K., Brazier A.
Health and Safety Executive
Human factors aspects of remote operation in process plants
This report presents the results of the first phase of a study of human factors in remote operation as it is practiced in process plants. The work consisted of a literature review and a survey based on a combination of self-administered questionnaires and site visits. Many of the sites surveyed had increased, or were planning to increase, their level of remote operation. The main reasons given for these changes were to improve productivity, to satisfy regulatory requirements and to keep pace with technology. The second phase will involve applying the survey results to develop a tool for assisting enterprises in introducing remote operation and to audit existing operations.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. vi, 41p. + i, 30p. 33 ref. Price: GBP 15.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_pdf/2002/crr02432.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-370 Pasman H.J.
A selection of papers from the 10th Symposium on Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion in the Process Industries, Stockholm, Sweden, June 19-21, 2001
This special issue consists of a selection of papers presented at the 10th Symposium on Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion in The Process Industries held in Stockholm, Sweden, 19-21 June 2001. Contents: framework risk assessment and decision-making strategies in dangerous goods transportation; choosing between safety, health and the environment; technological disaster, crisis management and leadership stress; site selection and building of biosafety level 4 laboratories; experimental aerosol and rain-out fraction assessment in the event of an accidental release of a pressurized liquid; investment appraisal using quantitative risk analysis; relation of cool flames and auto-ignition phenomena to process safety at elevated pressure and temperature; investigation into the explosive boiling potential of thermally stratified liquid-liquid systems; auto-ignition hazard of gas mixtures in a urea plant; auto-catalytic decomposition reactions, hazards and detection; case studies of serous accidents in metal refining plants.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, July 2002, Vol.93, No.1. p.ix-x, 1-154 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 03-297 Sułkowski W.J., Kowalska S., Matyja W., Guzek W., Wesołowski W., Szymczak W., Kostrzewski P.
Effects of occupational exposure to a mixture of solvents on the inner ear: A field study
The aim of this investigation was to assess the incidence of hearing and vestibular disorders in paint industry workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents. The study involved 61 exposed workers and 40 age-matched. non-exposed controls. Environmental monitoring and exposure tests showed that exposures to mixtures of ethylbenzene, xylene and tri-methylbenzene isomers were the most significant. During electronystagmographic examinations, symptoms of vestibular dysfunction, as well as the decreased duration, amplitude and slow phase angular velocity of induced nystagmus were observed in 47.5% of the subjects exposed versus 5% of controls. These symptoms were accompanied by sensorineural high frequency hearing loss, together with reduced amplitudes of otoacoustic emissions. A possible mechanism responsible for ototoxicity of solvents is discussed.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2002, Vol.15, No.3, p.247-256. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 03-201 Wong R.H., Chen P.C., Du C.L., Wang J.D., Cheng T.J.
An increased standardised mortality ratio for liver cancer among polyvinyl chloride workers in Taiwan
A retrospective cohort study of workers from six polyvinyl chloride polymerization factories in Taiwan was carried out in order to determine the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) corresponding to different causes of death. Data on 3293 male workers who had been employed for at least one year between 1950 and 1992 were analysed. 144 of these workers died between 1985 and 1997. SMR for all causes of death was 0.78, indicating a possible healthy worker effect. The SMR for liver cancer decreased with increasing age of first exposure to vinyl chloride. This association was more prominent for workers who were first employed prior to 1970 (SMR 4.82). Medical records indicated that most liver cancers were hepatocellular carcinoma.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2002, Vol.59, No.6, p.405-409. 33 ref.

CIS 03-324 Hirst N., Brocklebank M., Ryder M.
Containment systems - A design guide
Manufacturing industries are now producing materials that can have adverse effects on humans or the environment if released even in very small quantities. This is particularly true of the pharmaceutical industry, The term "containment" is used to describe equipment or systems that prevent the release of harmful substances. This publication consists of a practical guide for the design of containment equipment or systems of harmful substances during transfer operations. Contents: containment legislation; occupational hygiene aspects of containment; examples of industrial operations requiring containment; principles for the design of containment systems; development of a containment strategy; types of containment equipment; control of wastes and emissions; operation and maintenance of containment devices; ventilation.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Davis Building, 165-189 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HQ, United Kingdom, 2002. v, 199p. Illus. 73 ref. Index. Price: GBP 80.00 (+ VAT).

CIS 03-366 Donaldson T.
Electrostatic hazards
The discharge of static electricity is a cause of many industrial accidents, particularly in the chemical and process industries where solvents or other flammable or explosive materials are often present in large quantities. This special issue on electrostatic hazards presents several brief case studies and short communications on topics including: safety of air-driven lamps used in hazardous areas; electrostatic hazards of pouring powdered chemicals into vessels; case of a flash fire during filling of an flexible intermediate bulk container; case of a fire at a gas processing plant; loss of a radioactive static eliminator device in a plastics processing plant.
Loss Prevention Bulletin, June 2002, No.165, p.3-17. Illus.

CIS 02-1582
Health and Safety Executive
The idiot's guide to CHIP3
This guide explains the basic requirements of the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations 2002 (CHIP3) (see CIS 93-1424 for the earlier version). Responsibilities of chemical suppliers are described in terms of classification of substances, provision of hazard information (safety data sheets, labelling) and packaging. Responsibilities of chemical manufacturers and importers are also outlined.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, June 2002. 10p. Illus. 8 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg350.pdf [in English]

CIS 02-1871 Nunns S.
Health and Safety Executive
Principles for proof testing of safety instrumented systems in the chemical industry
The purpose of proof testing safety instrumented systems (SIS) in the chemical industry is to confirm the continued operation of the required safety function and to contribute to the maintenance of its safety integrity level. These guiding principles were developed through research into the practices of proof testing, through direct contact with industrial users and suppliers of SIS components, and through literature surveys. It was found that proof testing was commonly practiced, but that some enterprises took a more structured and focused approach than others. There was a conflict between the need for realistic proof testing and the need to minimize downtime, particularly within high throughput continuous processes such as petroleum refining and bulk chemical manufacture. This report includes examples of practices, together with a proposed check list to be used by field inspectors.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. iv, 67p. Illus. 11 ref. Price: GBP 15.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_htm/2002/crr02428.pdf [in English]

CIS 02-1580
Health and Safety Executive
CHIP for everyone
This guide explains the basic requirements of the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations 2002 (CHIP3), which replace the earlier Regulations 1994 analysed under CIS 95-23. Contents: basic tenets of CHIP3; classification and labelling of substances; classification of preparations; supply labelling; packaging and advertising; safety data sheets. Replaces CIS 01-1015.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. iv, 52p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: GBP 9.50.

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