During the first step-Basic Characterization-BC-the appraiser collects available information to allow reliable estimates of the exposure of the workers and to take the decision whether or not to perform exposure measurements. The second step, or 'Initial Assessment-IA', consists of performing at least 3 (screening test) to 6 representative exposure measurements for the workers of each SEG, in order to demonstrate by using a statistical test whether less than 5% of exposures in the SEG exceed the OELV (compliance). In a third step and based on IA results, a program of 'Periodic Reassessment-PM' determines time intervals ranging from 1 to 3 years for performing new measurements, depending of the levels of exposure. This is based on the assumption that no major changes (e.g. process, RMM, quantities and nature of chemicals) have occurred during this period.The new EN-689 also takes into consideration simultaneous exposure to several chemicals, and workshift durations higher than 8 hours. The informative annexes give recommendations to determine for example: sampling duration, statistical distribution of exposure measurements results and treatment of representative results lower than the limit of quantification (LoQ).The new EN 689 is a helpful tool, especially when expertise/science/evidence does not help in the decisions to protect workers exposed to chemicals. 1717b REGULATORY ADVANCES IN CONTROLLING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCESBridget Ginnity. 10.1136/oemed-2018-ICOHabstracts.565The REACH and CLP Regulation have given rise to a rich source of information on chemicals and introduced new mechanisms for regulatory control of hazardous chemicals. Occupational health and hygiene practitioners (OHPs) can contribute to the regulatory decision making and can use the increased information and regulatory control to promote the safe use of chemicals in the workplace.The registration element of REACH has received most attention to date and the final registration deadline under the REACH Regulation for chemical substances manufactured or imported into Europe is imminent, 31 st May 2018. The registration process generates an immense amount of information on the hazardous properties of substances and on how they can be used safely. Some of this information is provided with safety data sheets, such as DNELs (Derived No Effect Levels) and exposure scenarios. Much more information, including toxicological data, is available on the website of ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency.REACH and the CLP Regulation provide for the regulatory control mechanisms of authorisation, restriction and harmonised classification and labelling. These mechanisms are intended to protect workers, consumers and the environment. OHPs can engage with these processes to ensure that decisions are made with reliable, up-to-date information on what is happening in the field. By knowing the regulatory status of chemicals used on site, OHPs can ensure regulatory compliance and promote the safe use of chemicals in their company. 1717c BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND THE USE OF...

(NIOSH) defines work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) as a group of disorders involving muscles, tendons and nerves. Symptoms of WMSDs are a common problem in the general population, and are considered the most common occupational disease causing limitations in daily activities. Even though there is an association between repetitive manual tasks, with short work cycles and force demanding tasks with the development of WMSDs, the particular cause of the physiological changes over a long period of time is a cause of debate. The study of the mechanisms underlying the physiological changes is essential for the early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate management of WMSDs. Methods The study will include 30 healthy college students 18 year old and older with no previous history or exposure to repetitive or forceful tasks within the past eight weeks, and not receiving anti-inflammatory treatment. Participants will perform a manual task for 25 min daily for five days over a period of four weeks. A blood sample will be collected after the completion of the task on the fifth day. Blood serum levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 1b (IL-1b), Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) will be measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Weekly levels of the biomarkers will be compared to baseline levels for significant differences. Results Expected results of the study include an elevated expression of the targeted biomarkers before there is an inflammatory response, and an inflammatory response at the end of the intervention. Conclusion The results of this study will help having a better understanding of the physiological changes resulting from repetitive manual tasks, and more importantly will provide the basis for the development of a rapid test to assess the risk to trigger an inflammatory response and prevent the development of WMSDs.

IntroductionHot dip galvanising is a method that prevents corrosion by a metallurgical bond between zinc and steel. In this industrial process, cooling and passivation baths of galvanised steel may use hexavalent chromium compounds. Cr(VI) is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as Group 1 – carcinogenic to humans – and its use is restricted in most developed countries. Despite its toxicity, brazilian regulations still allow this hazardous chemical use. Thus, the development of effective control and protection rely on the understanding of occupational risks, as this paper proposes.MethodThis is a descriptive quantitative cross-section case report of an industrial process: the passivation stage of galvanization. Brazilian labour inspection assigned a prohibition notice of the passivation as it was conducted, since any measures of occupational hygiene had been taken into account. Its participatory action procedure ends up preventing uncontrolled occupational exposure to Cr(VI). Secondary data source as official reports, notifications, chemical process protocols and registers from October/2016 to June/2017 have been analised.ResultsBefore the administrative prohibition, Cr(VI) concentration in the cooling tank was 5%; it has been eliminated. Passivation tank used to operate with 11% of Cr(VI) at 50°C; a trial is still ongoing to adjust the concentration. The company was authorised to perform tests from 0002 to 5% at 40°C. In this meanwhile, a satisfactory quality of galvanization was reached with a reduction of 98,84% in concentration. A ventilation system was designed to attend occupational hygiene requisites and the respiratory individual protection is effective for Cr(VI) manipulation.ConclusionAttending the hierarchy of prevention and control measures, strategies to minimise hazards were developed, as follows: volatilisation reduction due to process, temperature and concentration modifications; ventilation system and changes in respiratory protection practices. The replacement of Cr(VI) is currently under study.