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Chemical risk assessment and occupational hygiene preventive measures in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

A Contribution to the ILO Action Programme on Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work

by Nabil T. Watfa, Saeed Awan, Rodger Goodson
International Labour Office
Geneva, January 1998

Introduction

Chapter 1: SMEs and their Employment Pattern

Definition of SMEs
The Role of SMEs in Economic Development
- Promotion of employment
- Other advantages
- Employment patterns in SMEe in developed countries
Employment Patterns in SMEs in Developing Countries
SMEs in Transition Economies
Trends in Selected Developing Countries

Chapter 2: Extent of use Chemicals in SMEs

Chemicals are Here to Stay
World Production of Chemicals
Use of Chemicals in the Selected Developing Countries
Most Commonly Used Chemicals

Chapter 3: Occupational and Chemical Safety and Health in SMEs

Summary of Industrial Processes at SMEs
- Furniture upholstery
- Furniture carpentry
- Ink production
- Plastic bags
- Aluminium frames
- Metal works (iron tanks and mixers)
- Foundry and electroplating
- Cotton rolls
- Shoe making
- Gold electroplating
- Hot-dip galvanizing
- Car body filler manufacturing
- Textile dyeing
Hygiene Practices at SMEs
- Handling of chemicals
- Fire and explosion
- Operational control measures
- Waste disposal and environment
- Work organization
- Welfare facilities
Age Distribution and the Gender of Workers and Working Hours
Health Complaints in SMEs

Chapter 4: Occupational Hygiene Preventive Measures

Annexes
- Annex 1 Type and number of SMEs surveyed
- Annex 2 Chemicals used by SMEs in different countries
- Annex 3 Chemicals' use according to type of SME

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Updated by RS/AS. It was modified and approved by JT. Last updated: February 2000