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WORKPLACE VISIT

Thai Polycarbonate Co. Ltd.
factory visit on 5 July 2000

by Ms. Pia Markkanen
Expert in Occupational Safety and Health

Visit protocol

        Two groups of participants were given a tour of plant processes and a presentation, and discussions followed later.

• avoid wearing neckties or high-heeled shoes;
• do not disturb workers while they are handling chemicals;
• do not smoke; and
• do not use cameras.

        The aim was to find positive approaches to risk management:

• learning from major hazard co
• ntrol best practices in industry;
• deriving from this recommendations for practical action; and
• learning how best to manage emergency situations.

• processes and procedures, substances installation;
• major hazard controls;
• emergency preparedness (drills, medical, PPE);
• preventive maintenance;
• safety organization and management systems;
• workers' information and training; and
• lessons learned from accidents.

        Following the plant visit, participants offered comments and suggestions for improved hazard control.

• a fire protection system was fully installed in the critical areas;
• noisy areas were isolated;
• housekeeping standards were high;
• the gas detection system installation had been improved;
• fire-proofed vehicle exhausted;
• good safety attitudes were fostering improved working conditions.

• assembly points should be chosen with wind direction in mind;
• high risk, controlled zones should be isolated from uncontrolled zones;
• chemical spills in production areas might contaminate ground water through cracks in the concrete floor;
• uncontrolled hazardous chemical vapours were being released from the production process; methanol vapour, for example, was being released into the atmosphere;
• respirators for protection from toxic chemicals should be provided at the worksite;
• the obligation to wear personal protective equipment;
• some chemical pipelines were installed too close to a public road; and the ALOHA plume modeling program should be applied to predict chemical dispersion.

Updated by SUT/TRS. Approved by BKL. Last update: 4 July 2001.