Objective To analyze the present situation and occupational hazards of organic solvents use in industrial enterprises of Fuzhou for effective prevention and control of organic solvent related occupational diseases.
Methods In period of April 2011 to April 2012 a survey of organic solvent hazards and control measures in workplaces was conducted in 46 industrial enterprises by a self-administrated questionnaire and air samples of selected workplaces were analyzed according to national health standards.
Results Thirteen types of organic solvents were identified in studied workplaces. The organic solvents that exceeded 8-hour time weighted average (8 h-TWA) were toluene, xylene, acetone, butyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, and solvent gasoline. Violations of organic solvent TWAs were found in the enterprises of furniture manufacturing, handicraft, printing and coating, shoes making, automobiles, and electronic products; as well as in the positions that involved spraying and print mixing, printing, subpackaging, washing, and mucus brushing. The occupational health and safety management system was relatively sound in the large-scale enterprises, but weak in the small and medium-sized ones. The common issues of control were poor ventilation, insufficient personal protection equipments, inappropriate layout of workplaces, and ignoring occupational health surveillance.
Conclusion Various organic solvents are widely used in enterprises of Fuzhou. It is necessary to strengthen the control and prevention of occupational hazards in key enterprises and workplaces. Especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, ventilation and technological support should be taken into account.
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