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Green Chemistry
Vulcan has pioneered the development of
several new chemicals that could be considered "green
chemistry " because they are essential for manufacturing
ozone-friendly, non-emissive chemicals (to replace compounds
such as CFCs and HCFCs that can deplete the stratospheric
ozone layer). No exposure limits or guidelines existed for
these new chemicals because they had never before been produced
commercially. So our Workplace Exposure Limit Committee of
health and safety professionals worked with outside consultants
in toxicology, industrial hygiene and occupational medicine
to conduct extensive health and environmental testing of these
new products. Our findings led to specific exposure limits,
handling practices and effective personal protective equipment.
Industrial Hygiene Air
Monitoring
Our three-pronged approach to occupational
health assurance covers (1)industrial hygiene air monitoring,
(2)biological monitoring and
(3)medical surveillance.
Industrial hygiene air monitoring is a key element because
it takes into account work location, job function and exposure
potential. More than 1,000 air samples are collected each
year to assess the work environment. This monitoring provides
valuable information about our facilities and has
helped identify controls needed to eliminate or reduce contaminant
levels.
Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring assesses employee
exposure to chemicals by all routes, including inhalation,
skin absorption and ingestion. If the results of air or biological
monitoring exceed established guidelines, we take corrective
action. This could include engineering controls, administrative
controls or personal protective equipment.
Medical Surveillance
Medical surveillance begins with a
pre-placement medical examination to determine fitness for
duty. Thereafter, we use periodic medical examinations to
assess employee health. A board-certified occupational health
physician reviews key aspects of these exams and issues opinions.
To date, no adverse health effects associated with the work
environment have been identified. However, on occasion these
exams have identified personal medical issues; such discoveries
have actually saved lives through early detection of potential
medical problems.
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