Abstract This workshop will focus on the following priorities with an objective of options to address the priorities with speakers from Australia, Malaysia, the USA, and Chile. Each speaker will speak for a few minutes, followed by a discussion with workshop participants on their workable solutions. A white paper will be an outcome of the workshop. Qualified OH Professional Gap OHTA estimated that 45000 qualified OHs are needed against about 12000 available. <10% of the qualified available OHs are in emerging economies with enormous IH needs and limited resources. Applied approaches include IOHA-NAR accredited certifications, company-specific training, and university degree programs in Chile and Guatemala. Some of the IOHA Associations (e.g., MIHA) were effective in their efforts to bridge this gap. Quality Assurance in OH Assessment An experience at 200+ workplaces in 30+ countries has identified that more than 50% of the exposure monitoring results are not reproducible, representative, or reliable. The life of the working people depends on the exposure monitoring results OHs provide. Malaysia and Singapore regulatory agencies require OH practitioner certifications. Universally acceptable IOHA Code of Practice, EN 689, AIHA’s Principles of Good Practices are the most effective in defining minimum recommended QA guidelines that may be adopted by regulatory agencies. Accredited laboratories emerging economies and related costs Most of the accredited labs are located in the US and EU. Shipping of the OH monitoring samples and the analysis cost are significant concerns. A universally recognized Proficiency in Analytical Testing is one option. Cost and Integrity of OH Consultants BOHS Good Practice Guidance on Consultants is one of the options.

Abstract Introduction The occupational exposure limit for benzene is decreasing. EU are moving towards 0,2 ppm (8 hours) in the years to come, and Norway implemented this low value in their regulations in 2021. Another national requirement is that carcinogens shall be handled in closed systems if this is technically feasible. This presentation covers how to manage safe work per today in oil & gas and moving towards improved solutions. Methodology For new installations, exposure free design solutions to be included from the start and followed up along the project maturation. Research and technology development are also in the toolbox heading for exposure free operations. For existing installations, a design change will take time, and we need to provide safe work with respect to benzene even where there is no closed system. Risk management covers the use of robots, technical controls (ventilation/extraction), organizational controls (training, time restrictions), and PPE. Results Mapping and sharing good design solutions, including both the technical and the user experience perspective, is an important driver for improvement. Gaps are input to technology development. In operation, safe work measures should be accompanied by assurance activities to confirm compliance, i.e., technical system checks (leakages, extraction rate) and personal exposure measurement of benzene. Conclusion Designing oil and gas facilities to meet low benzene exposure requirements is challenging, and there is a need for a step-up, both within new technologies and implementing existing technologies. Some of these solutions as well as examples of risk management today, are presented.

Abstract The oil and gas industry in Nigeria poses significant health risks to its workers due to exposure to crude oil and petroleum products during various processes. To ensure worker safety and health, the Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) is essential. However, past studies have identified a knowledge-practice gap leading to inadequate safety practices. This study aims to assess the RPPs in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by evaluating workers’ knowledge, awareness, behaviour, and compliance regarding respiratory protection while aligning with the hierarchy of controls. It has four main objectives: Assess the overall control program in reducing respiratory hazards, following the hierarchy of control. Evaluate the functional and effective elements of the RPP in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Determine if knowledge and awareness of respiratory protection vary by location or processes. Evaluate employee compliance with the RPP. The study will employ a mixed-method approach, combining open-ended qualitative data collected through interviews with industrial hygienists and numerical quantitative data obtained from questionnaire surveys of health and safety officers and workers in selected oil and gas companies. The COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation - Behavior) model will guide the development of questions for both approaches. The findings aim to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current RPP, offering insights for improvement. This will significantly enhance occupational health and safety practices within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Notably, this study is groundbreaking in Nigeria, as it utilizes the COM-B model to examine the behaviour of oil and gas workers in complying with respiratory protection measures, making it a pioneering effort in this field.

Abstract In the risk assessment of chemicals, estimation exposure is known to be a critical element of the overall outcome. Exposure assessments may offer quantified data but measurement data are often scarce cover a wide dynamic range, depending on the real life conditions or assumed scenario. In consumer safety, exposures are generally low and have a small impact if well controlled. Only the high numbers exposed at population level may raise concern. In contrast, occupational exposures are more likely higher and more likely to be non-compliant. With a focus on the health impact of industrial chemicals the exposure characterisation is more critical. Exposure scenarios drive risk assessment outcomes, and real life exposure data are needed to perform useful risk assessments. Methods for exposure assessment can be further improved and will probably include applications of biomonitoring or use novel sensor-technology for collection of time-resolved personalised exposure data. Modelling can be part of the solution in the problem analysis part. Biomonitoring feed in the initial assessment of exposure and also contribute to finding effective exposure mitigation strategies such as personal protection? The focus of this contribution will be to discuss opportunities for further improvement of exposure assessment based on the tools that we have access to now in the near future.

Abstract Exposure to hazardous substances at work is estimated to cause more than 3000 deaths per year in the Netherlands. An even larger number of workers develop substance-related occupational diseases (SROD), with serious medical, social and financial consequences. Workers seeking financial compensation for developing an occupational disease are often faced with a long and difficult legal process. To improve this situation, the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment introduced a new regulation in 2023 aimed at compensating substance-related occupational diseases. This regulation offers (ex)workers and (ex)self-employed professionals who have a substance-related occupational disease a one-time financial compensation as a form of recognition. The regulation started with three diseases: lung cancer from asbestos exposure, allergic occupational asthma and chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy. The number of occupational diseases to be included on the list will be extended in the years to come. In this session the specific key elements of the regulation will be presented with in-depth explanations of the diagnostic criteria, the ways (cumulative) exposure is assessed and the determination of the plausibility of the causality between exposure and the disease. In 2023 almost 300 workers applied for a compensation. Each application was reviewed by an independent panel of three specialists: an occupational physician, an occupational hygienist and a medical specialist. The results of the first year of this new regulation will be presented, together with important lessons learned.

Abstract Masks effectively block larger respiratory droplets, but poor sealing or misuse can lead to particle leakage. Smaller exhaled particles, if virus-carrying, can linger in the air and increase infection risk. To address this issue, this research endeavours to develop the PEBAR by integrating a breath-responsive system. The objective is to optimize energy efficiency and user comfort while concurrently promoting environmental protection. The core components of the BR-PEBAR include a mask, a microcontroller board, a cartridge, and a DC blower. Initially, we create a program using Arduino to generate code that responds to breathing patterns. This code adjusts to variations in human breathing during system operation using a microcontroller and a pressure sensor inside the mask. Next, we examine how different factors affect the BR-PEBAR’s performance. This includes the location of the pressure sensor, tubing dimensions, and mask fit. The goal is to understand how each variable impacts the mask’s internal pressure and identify the most efficient configuration. Once operational parameters are established, we conduct tests to assess particle capture efficiency (CE) in real-world scenarios. During Arduino code development, choosing to average five simultaneous readings was selected to maintain balance, ensuring system precision and quick adjustments, as single readings can lead to extreme values and instability. Choosing a pressure sensing point below the mouth preserved mask transparency. Larger tubing diameter and shorter length minimized voltage requirements. After validation, the modified BR-PEBAR effectively managed up to 25 liters/minute with CE consistently above 99.5%. This suits routine respiratory activity and light exertion, reducing environmental pollution and Infection risk.

Abstract The cordless handheld vacuum cleaners market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach $10 billion by 2027, raising concerns about indoor air quality. Despite growing demand, there is limited research into the aerosol emissions from these devices and their impact on respiratory health, which is a current concern for everyone. Our study aimed to investigate particulate matter (PM) emissions from these vacuum cleaners and identify the key factors contributing to such emissions. Two custom-built devices were designed to quantify upstream and downstream PM concentrations and suction pressure with and without filter cartridge and motor exhaust. We tested six popular cordless vacuum cleaner models under different conditions and found that filter cartridge sealing, motor design, and dust load can affect PM emissions. In contrast to previous research, brushless motors (manufacturer claims) do not necessarily emit fewer particles than brushed motors. We also found that some filter cartridges are not airtight and will cause PM concentration to rise significantly, especially under heavy load conditions. While leaking cartridges result in higher suction and clean air delivery rates, we still recommend regulating airtight filter cartridges due to elevated PM emissions. Our findings also suggest the need for regulations controlling motor assembly and design standards, not just motor type. For immediate mitigation, users should ventilate areas and use respiratory protection. Our work is a foundation for understanding the health risks of vacuum cleaner aerosol emissions and informs consumer choices and potential regulatory measures.

Abstract Historically Lead was added to crystal glasses and bottles that were decorated by cuts in the glass. Crystal from Waterford Ireland was very popular. The author selected various Genuine antique Waterford crystal glasses and crushed them to determine if there was any potential exposure to lead from consuming wine or hard liquor that had been placed in a Waterford cut crystal glass. Further testing was accomplished by placing citric acid in cut crystal bottles for several months to determine if the lead was detectable in the stored liquid in a Waterford bottle. Wine and Cognac were placed in Waterford bottles or on crushed glass to simulate normal use. The study is ongoing, but expected to be available for review by February, 2024.

Abstract Asbestos and other fibrous minerals remain significant occupational and environmental concerns worldwide. Despite being effectively banned from commercial utilization in the Western world, asbestos is still produced and utilized in many countries. Exposure to so called “legacy” asbestos, still present in buildings and other objects and products, also causes concerns. This Professional Development Course (PDC) will present a framework for exposure assessment and risk characterization based on the most advanced methods and recently published models. We will show the applications of quantitative risk assessment for different situations that occupational and environmental health professionals worldwide may encounter. Examples will include potential exposure to erionite fibers during forestry activities; exposure to legacy asbestos in buildings with partially disturbed asbestos-containing materials; exposure of populations near current or former mines or other point sources such as former asbestos cement plants and shipyards; exposure during recreational activities at sites containing naturally occurring asbestos (NOA), and others. Participants will review the most recent scientific approaches to the pathogenesis and pathology of asbestos-associated diseases, important for hazard identification and a proper understanding of the health effects of asbestos. The most innovative approaches to asbestos exposure assessment will be characterized, including real time monitoring instruments, artificial intelligence tools, and exposure reconstruction from the lung burden levels. The PDC will be presented by the leading scientists in the area of asbestos risk assessment, known for their numerous peer-reviewed publications. As an added value, participants will be provided with copies of some of the most recent papers authored by the presenters, and the asbestos “risk calculator” for practical utilization.

Abstract Pharmaceutical industry presents unique challenges and opportunities with the need for safe handling of highly potent compounds, which not only requires use of some of the most complex controls and containment systems, but also requires stringent facility design measures to mitigate potential spread of contamination from contaminated areas to clean areas. While general industry handles highly toxic chemical agents with similar levels of low Occupational Exposure Limits (such as carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxins and sensitizers), similar level of containment/ controls and facility design elements, are often not utilized for mitigating employee exposures and spread of contamination. A few examples include machining of Beryllium containing alloys, handling of hexavalent chromium containing coating materials and weighing/ charging of sensitizers present as additives in bakeries and various other industries. The pharmaceutical industry has progressively adopted continually stringent measures to mitigate release of pharmaceutical ingredients in the environment through effective tools. A wide range of non-pharmaceutical industries can greatly benefit from learning about the challenges, solutions and the best practices adopted by pharmaceutical industries. The session intends to initiate the discussion with lessons learnt and case studies, and to raise a need for knowledge sharing between the industries, through set-up of working groups/committees and periodic meetings.