PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS: A NEW CHALLENGE FOR EMPLOYERS
Journal Title: Medycyna Pracy - Year 2013, Vol 64, Issue 5
Abstract
Employers are obliged to carry out and document the risk associated with the use of chemical substances. The best but the most expensive method is to measure workplace concentrations of chemicals. At present no "measureless" method for risk assessment is available in Poland, but predictive models for such assessments have been developed in some countries. The purpose of this work is to review and evaluate the applicability of selected predictive methods for assessing occupational inhalation exposure and related risk to check the compliance with Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), as well as the compliance with REACH obligations. Based on the literature data HSE COSHH Essentials, EASE, ECETOC TRA, Stoffenmanager, and EMKG-Expo-Tool were evaluated. The data on validation of predictive models were also examined. It seems that predictive models may be used as a useful method for Tier 1 assessment of occupational exposure by inhalation. Since the levels of exposure are frequently overestimated, they should be considered as "rational worst cases" for selection of proper control measures. Bearing in mind that the number of available exposure scenarios and PROC categories is limited, further validation by field surveys is highly recommended. Predictive models may serve as a good tool for preliminary risk assessment and selection of the most appropriate risk control measures in Polish small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) providing that they are available in the Polish language. This also requires an extensive training of their future users.
Authors and Affiliations
Jan Gromiec, Małgorzata Kupczewska-Dobecka, Agnieszka Jankowska, Sławomir Czerczak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP99257
- DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.2013.0058
- Views 168
- Downloads 0
OCENA OBCIĄŻENIA UKŁADU RUCHU U ŁADOWACZY NIECZYSTOŚCI STAŁYCH
Wstęp: Celem pracy była ocena obciążenia układu ruchu i jego zdrowotnych konsekwencji u ładowaczy nieczystości stałych, niezbędna do opracowania propozycji działań w kierunku minimalizacji przeciążeń układu ruchu. Mater...
Assessment of psychophysical capacities for professional work in late middle age and at the beginning of old age
Background: In Poland average life expectancy extends, while the number of the elderly who are active in the labor market decreases. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 429 people aged 50–70 years old...
Use of work–life balance benefits guaranteed by law in Poland – Do size of the enterprise and gender matter?
Background: The paper is aimed at indicating the similarities and differences in use of benefits supporting work–life balance (WLB) between women and men working in Polish small/medium and large enterprises. Material and...
Comparison of chemical composition of selected essential oils used in respiratory diseases
Background: Essential oils are fragrances extracted from plants. They have a smooth consistency and pleasant smell. Essential oils have been applied in aromatherapy, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products. The aim o...
DIGITAL ADMINISTRATIVE MAPS – A TOOL FOR VISUALIZATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DAT
Background: The aim of the study is to present the methods for visualization of epidemiological data using digital contour maps that take into account administrative division of Poland. Materials and Methods: The possib...