Chemical Risk Assessment Screening Tool of a Global Chemical Company

Abstract

BackgroundThis paper describes a simple-to-use and reliable screening tool called Critical Task Exposure Screening (CTES), developed by a chemical company. The tool assesses if the exposure to a chemical for a task is likely to be within acceptable levels.MethodsCTES is a Microsoft Excel tool, where the inhalation risk score is calculated by relating the exposure estimate to the corresponding occupational exposure limit (OEL) or occupational exposure band (OEB). The inhalation exposure is estimated for tasks by preassigned ART1.5 activity classes and modifying factors.ResultsCTES requires few inputs. The toxicological data, including OELs, OEBs, and vapor pressure are read from a database. Once the substance is selected, the user specifies its concentration and then chooses the task description and its duration. CTES has three outputs that may trigger follow-up: (1) inhalation risk score; (2) identification of the skin hazard with the skin warnings for local and systemic adverse effects; and (3) status for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic effects.ConclusionThe tool provides an effective way to rapidly screen low-concern tasks, and quickly identifies certain tasks involving substances that will need further review with, nevertheless, the appropriate conservatism. This tool shows that the higher-tier ART1.5 inhalation exposure assessment model can be included effectively in a screening tool. After 2 years of worldwide extensive use within the company, CTES is well perceived by the users, including the shop floor management, and it fulfills its target of screening tool.

Chemical risk: state of the art of chemical substances exposure assessment

“…Among the chemical risk assessment methods are; the British model COSHH Essentials, the French model from the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS) [15], Chemical Risk Management (CHARM) [14], Stoffenmanager, ECETOC TRA Targeted Risk Assessment, Advanced REACH Tool (ART) [16], New Approach Methodologies (NAM) [17], Critical Task Exposure Screening (CTES) [18], Artificial Intelligence for Chemical Risk Assessment [19], Lung function tests [20], SQCRA Method [ 31] [33], PBPK Model for Modified Ethanol [20], Chem-SAM, UOW and SQCRA Methods [21], Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) [22], Exposure to Ultrafine Particles [23], Application of PBPK models in support of derivation of toxicity reference values for 1,1,1-trichloroethane [24], Assessment of hazards and risks of industrial chemicals in the occupational context in Europe: some current problems [25].…”

“…E. Tjoe-Nij, et al [18] conducted a Critical Task Exposure Screening (CTES) study at a global chemical company where they evaluated 5 tasks using three chemicals: trimethylamine (three tasks), isopropanol (one task), and paramethoxyphenol (one task). To carry out the study, information was collected on the chemical agents studied (toxicological data, including the occupational exposure limits (OEL), the occupational exposure band (OEB) and the vapor pressure), they specified the concentrations of the substance and the tasks and their duration were described.…”

“…Trimethylamine presented the task with the highest risk. The main conclusion of this study is that CTES is an easy-to-use and reliable tool that allows establishing priorities and focusing on the most critical scenarios, in addition that the ART 1.5 model can be included effectively in detection tools such as the one described [18 ].…”

Chemical Warehouse Operations: Experience from SWIFT Integrated Logistics Sdn. Bhd

“…Tjoe- Nij et al, 2018;and Bragatto et al, 2014; viii) Toxic inhalation (choking) Tjoe-Nij et al, 2018;and Bragatto et al, 2014;ix) Health risk (Disease, Organ Damage, Long term health risk) - ( Xiaoliang et al, 2017; x) Fire; Combustion/Explosion- Zhang, 2018;and Liu et al, 2017; xi) fatality- and Huang, 2012. Source: Author's compilation…”

Combining semi-quantitative risk assessment, composite indicator and fuzzy logic for evaluation of hazardous chemical accidents

“…By using the Effects Ratio, it is possible to assess the cumulative potential effects of multiple substances held on the same site and support making decision on the selection of an appropriate site for a proposed hazardous facility. Critical Task Exposure Screening (CTES) 42 calculates the inhalation risk score by relating the exposure estimate to the corresponding occupational exposure limit or occupational exposure band. EPA’s Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) 43 is a screening-level model that offers relative comparison of industrial chemical releases from pounds-based, hazard-based, and risk related perspectives.…”