Evaluating the semi-quantitative risk of occupational exposure to chemicals in one of the petrochemical industries

Abstract

Among the work-related risk factors in different industries exposure to chemicals can be mentioned that can have irreparable danger to staff. Therefore, to reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals in the workplace, risk assessment takes place. Thus, the aim of the present study is to study the semi-quantitative risk of chemicals. This study was conducted using semi-quantitative risk assessment method provided by the Singapore Ministry of Labor Health and Safety Unit in Olefin unit of one of the petrochemical industries located in Special Zone Asalooyeh in 2015. Seven chemical substances are identified in this unit that only one of them (14.2 percent) has a high risk level. The results showed that in this unit Sodium hydroxide (caustic) with quantitative risk level of 4.3has the highest risk factor. For this reason, control measures should be used to reduce the risk of exposure to sodium hydroxide.