Objective To explore a risk assessment model suitable for printing industry through applying models provided by Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and International Council on Mining and Metal (ICMM) respectively.

Methods We employed two risk assessment models to evaluate three printing enterprises, then compared the evaluation results.

Results The results of MOM model showed that the exposure to methylbenzene in winding, unwinding, and color matching positions was a high risk in enterprise A. Similarly, the exposure to benzene in winding position in enterprise B was a high risk. The exposure to benzene in winding and unwinding positions in enterprise C was a high risk and an excessive high risk, respectively; the exposure to methylbenzene in winding, unwinding, and color matching positions was a high risk in enterprise C. Furthermore, the exposure to dimethylbenzene in the three positions and three enterprises was a medium or low risk; while the exposure risk of acetone was medium, low, or negligible. According to the quantitative method in ICMM model, the exposure risks of methylbenzene and acetone were intolerable in all exposure positions in enterprise A. The exposure risks of benzene, methylbenzene, dimethylbenzene, and acetone were intolerable in winding position in enterprise B; the exposure risks of methylbenzene and acetone were intolerable in unwinding and color matching positions similarly. The exposure risks of benzene, methylbenzene, and dimethylbenzene were intolerable in winding and unwinding positions in enterprise C; the exposure risks of benzene and methylbenzene in color matching position were also intolerable. On the other hand, according to the matrix method in ICMM model, the risk of exposure to methylbenzene in all exposure positions and the risk of exposure to acetone in color matching position were high in enterprise A. It showed a high risk of exposure to methylbenzene in winding position and exposure to acetone in unwinding position and color matching position in enterprise B as well. The risk of exposure to methylbenzene in all exposure positions was high in enterprise C.

Conclusion The results of evaluation based on the two risk assessment models are inconsistent. MOM model is more objective in evaluating the risk of chemicals for printing industry.