Evaluación higiénica cualitativa del riesgo químico por exposición a sustancias químicas peligrosas en un laboratorio de análisis químico ambiental

Abstract

The research was developed in a laboratory of environmental chemical analysis located in the city of Francisco de Orellana and aims to assess the potential chemical risk from exposure to hazardous chemicals associated with laboratory activities, in order to control the risk of chemical contaminants in the work environment. The qualitative and simplified hygienic evaluation methodology, COSHH Essentials model, was applied, for which information on chemical substances was collected through its safety data sheets; manipulation in each job, identifying quantities used, work environments, direct and indirect exposure, exposure time, uses, technical analysis procedures, personal protection, and other technical characteristics that allowed to identify the chemical risks present and their interrelation with working conditions. In the COSHH Essentials analysis it was identified that the greatest amount of chemical substances that are handled in the laboratory are very toxic, however the risk was slight since these substances are manipulated in small quantities and have low dustiness or low volatility to environmental conditions of the laboratory. Once the risk was assessed, control measures were determined to allow the laboratory to control the negative impact of the chemical-related risks on the worker's health at each job, described as good laboratory practices, ventilation in general, localized extraction and selection of the appropriate personal protective equipment.