Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (한국산업보건학회지)

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
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A Study for Qualitative Performance of Asbestos Inspection/Analysis Labs in Korea

국내석면조사기관의 질적 수준 평가를 위한 현황조사

  • Choi, Sungwon (Dept. of Prev. Med, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of korea) ;
  • Kwon, Jiwoon (Occupational Safety & Health Research Institute) ;
  • Baek, Jung Eun (Dept. of Prev. Med, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of korea) ;
  • Jang, Kwang Myong (Dept. of Prev. Med, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of korea) ;
  • Kim, Dae Jong (Kyungdong University) ;
  • Kim, Hyunwook (Dept. of Prev. Med, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of korea)
  • 최성원 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 권지운 (산업안전보건연구원) ;
  • 백정은 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 장광명 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 김대종 (경동대학교) ;
  • 김현욱 (가톨릭대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실)
  • Received : 2014.10.02
  • Accepted : 2014.12.02
  • Published : 2014.12.31
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Abstract

Objectives: This study identified the general characteristics of asbestos inspection/analysis laboratories in Korea and confirmed the actual situations in terms of technical aspects from these characteristics. In addition, given the background of the current problem, it offers preliminary data for determining future plans for improvement. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to the asbestos inspection/analysis laboratories that used the ISO/IEC 17025 for asbestos sampling and testing by UKAS(United Kingdom Accreditation Service) and the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme(KOLAS). A total of 202 institutions in Korea were selected for the study and 145(71.8%) questionnaires were returned. Results: The number of personnel of the surveyed institutions averaged $4.2{\pm}2$ and 79.3% operated with less than five persons. In terms of education, the capital and other densely populated areas showed a high level of education(p<0.05). The level of education and facilities were determined by the magnitude of the institution(p<0.05). Institutions managed by highly educated directors were well-stocked with education and facilities(p<0.05). Institutions which had directors with considerable experiences received high scores overall and in particular higher scores in terms of education and facilities(p<0.05). At the level of the bottom five percent, the factor of education was 40.4% while the factor of measurement 49%, the factor of analysis 59%, the factor of facilities 61%, and the factor of survey 81%, respectively. Conclusions: To improve the quality of the institutions, in the short term, the problems identified in this study can be used to revise the related regulations. In the long term, a grading system of survey institutions needs to be established through the introduction of an accreditation system. However, the ongoing support of a government agency is required, including holding seminars and open education, suggesting guidelines for operation of asbestos inspection/analysis labs, and other means.

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