• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.71-83
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• 2023

Since last year, the government has enforced the 'Act on the Punishment of Severe Accidents, Etc.' (hereafter referred to as the 'Serious Accident Punishment Act'), which punishes business owners and business managers who fail to fulfill their duty of safety measures with 'imprisonment of one year or more' and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Based on this, various occupational safety and health policies were developed, including the operation of a system related to entrusting the work of safety managers. Despite these efforts, the effect of implementing the Severe Accident Punishment Act is a groundbreaking change in the current disaster prevention policy, which has increased by 0.02%P and 0.03‱P, respectively, from the previous year to 0.65% of the total accident rate and 1.10‱ of the death rate per 10,000 people as of 2022. As the need emerged, attention was paid to 'collaboration and governance with safety management institutions' in the 'Severe Disaster Reduction Roadmap' announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor in November 2022. In this study, a meaningful result was derived by comparing and analyzing the industrial accident status of workplaces entrusted by "A" safety management institutions with the national average based on the industrial accident survey table, and the types of industrial accidents that occurred in consigned workplaces were selected as intensive management targets. The policy direction for industrial accident prevention was established. It is necessary to develop safety management work manuals based on the results of this study, expertise, discover best cases of risk assessment and develop guides, and educate and train consigned workers. In addition, it suggests that the government's guidance and supervision are needed to advance the professionalism of safety management entrusted tasks, and that safety management institutions should strengthen their roles and functions for preventing and reducing industrial accidents. However, due to difficulties in disclosing information of specialized safety management institutions, the limitation of the provision, collection, and viewing of research-related data to "A" specialized safety management institutions remains a limitation of the research. It seems likely that more thorough research will be conducted.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.45-57
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• 2015

Objectives: This study aims to compare the physicochemical characteristics, toxicological data with Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) of chemicals under the Occupational Safety and Health Act(OSHA) regulated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor of Korea. Methods: Information on chemicals which have OELs on physicochemical characteristics and toxicological data was collected using Material Safety Data Sheet(MSDS) from Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency(KOSHA) and the Korea Information System for Chemical Safety Management(KISChem) in 2014. Statistical analyses including correlation and simple regression were performed to compare the OELs with chemical characteristics including molecular weight, boiling point, odor threshold, vapor pressure, vapor density, solubility and octanol-water partition coefficient(OWPC) and toxicological data such as median lethal dose($LD_{50}$) and median lethal concentration($LC_{50}$). Results: A total of 656 chemicals have OELs under OSHA in Korea. The numbers of chemicals which have eight-hour time weighted average(TWA) and short term exposure limits(STEL) are 618 and 190, respectively. TWA was significantly correlated with boiling point and STEL was only correlated with vapor pressure among physicochemical characteristics. Solubility and OWPC between "skin" and "no skin" substances which indicate skin penetration were not significantly different. Both $LD_{50}$ and $LC_{50}$ were correlated with TWA, while the $LC_{50}$ was not with STEL. As health indicators, health rating and Emergency Response Planning Guidelines(ERPG) rating as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) and American Industrial Hygiene Association(AIHA) were associated with OELs and reflect the chemical hazards. Conclusions: We found relationships between OEL and chemical information including physicochemical characteristics and toxicological data. The study has an important meaning for understanding present regulatory OELs.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.110-115
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study is to survey for finding asbestos containing equipment at the laboratories using picture based questionnaire and polarized light microscopic analysis. Methods: This study was conducted from 2009 to 2010 at a university in Seoul. In 2009, picture based questionnaire was distributed to 100 laboratories during the regular laboratory air quality monitoring. In 2010, we emailed all professors of the same university who have laboratories to participate voluntarily this survey. For the laboratories consented to participate survey, picture based questionnaire was distributed and collected. Suspected asbestos containing material and apparatus were collected at the laboratories which replied they have suspected material and equipment. Collected samples were analyzed with polarized light microscope at the laboratory accredited by ministry of employment and labor in Korea. Results: Total of 18 out of 100 laboratories reported that they had suspected asbestos containing equipment in 2009. Twenty-three samples were collected and three samples (13%), one heating mantle and two pairs of insulation gloves, contained asbestos. Thirty four laboratories reported they had suspected asbestos containing material or equipment in 2010. Sixty samples were collected and four of them (6%), two pairs of insulation gloves, one packing rope in dry oven and, one pair of tongs, contained asbestos. All founded asbestos was chrysotile and the content of chrysotile was more than 90% for all equipment except heating mantle which has less than 1%. Conclusions: We confirmed that asbestos was still used at the laboratories though strict regulations on asbestos use in Korea. The method of picture based questionnaire invented in this study could be applied for asbestos survey to other research institute or university where there are many laboratories because of its simplicity and accessibility without huge man power, cost and time.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.93-102
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• 2023

Objectives: With the evolution of direct reading sensors, it is possible to monitor several substances through telecommunication. However, there are some limitations on the use of direct reading technologies in the Occupational Safety and Health Act in South Korea, which only applies to detector tubes, noise, heat, and carbon monoxides. The number of chemicals and their amount of use have been continuously increasing in South Korea. The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL) has concerns about worker's health because exposure is only covered for about 1.2% of all distributed chemicals. Using a direct reading monitor with photoionization detectors (PID-DRMs), gases and vapors chemicals can be measured. Based on the data, business owners are able to create corrective strategies, provide better working routines, and select correct respiratory equipment. PID-DRMs are less expensive and easier to handle for an owner voluntarily controlling chemicals emitted in the workplace. However, there are several limitations on using these PID-DRMs to the degree that the MoEL has not been able to select a legal monitor. The aim of this study was to review previous studies related to PID-DRMs and identify the characterization and limitation on PID-DRMs. Methods: To search for related studies on PID-DRMs, key words were used including direct reading monitors/instruments and/or photoionization detectors. Through that, four domestic and 15 international studies were reviewed. Results: Studies on PID-DRMs were conducted by chamber (enclosed, dynamic, walk-in) and in the field (experimental environment, actual environment). The concentration of PID-DRMs and charcoal tubes were compared for a single substance or mixture, or within the PID-DRMs. There was a high correlation between the two concentrations, but it did not meet the accuracy criteria (95% confidence interval, within 25%) of the NIOSH technical report (2012). In addition, differences in measured values occurred according to environmental factors (temperature, humidity) and high concentration, and concentration values tended to be underestimated due to contamination of the sensor. As a way to improve the accuracy of PID concentration, it was proposed to use correction factors, charcoal tube-based correction factors, or to calibrate the PID-DRMs in the same environment as the workplace. Conclusions: PID-DRMs can likely be used by business owners for the purpose of voluntarily managing the workplace environment, and it is expected that it will be possible to use them as legal equipment if a PID sensor can be upgraded and the limitations of the sensor (temperature, humidity, high concentration evaluation, sensor pollution) can be overcome in the near future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.64-71
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• 2020

Safety is not a service provided selectively by the country, and it is a basic right that human beings should enjoy. However, as the recent expansion of outsourcing due to the efficient corporate management, fatal accidents such as the Taean Power Plant where subcontractors are pinched on conveyors continued to occur. In addition, public safety concerns have been widespread as there are constant safety-related accidents in public institutions such as KTX trains derailing. As public institutions require safety as a top priority for management rather than profit, the government needs a leading role to enhance the level of private safety activities. The government announced the "Measures to strengthen the workplace safety of public institutions" and is promoting measures to protect the lives and safety of the people. The purpose of this study was to in-depth analysis of the accident and death situation in public institutions in the last 5 years from 2014 to 2018. A recognition survey was also conducted and the results were analyzed. As a result of the analysis of industrial accident death, it showed that the number of industrial accident deaths in public institutions was about 50 people per year, and it occupied about 6.1% of all industrial accidents. Following the government's public policy measures, positive changes as a result of the survey on awareness were detected in the order of rising safety awareness and participation of management (56.9%), safety and health organization and personnel composition (37.9%), and increasing safety awareness and participation of members (18.9%). However, the obstacles to the implementation of government measures were followings; 1) consciousness and lack of participation (42.1%), 2) indifference from other departments (35.1%), 3) absence, or lack of competency of safety manager (33.3%). In addition, safety investments and safety management of contractors and ordering works were analyzed to have remained largely unchanged even after the implementation of safety measures. Through this study, it is intended to provide basic data for strengthening the level and activities of safety in public institutions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.156-161
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• 2011

Objectives: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity at standard temperature and pressure. THF has been used as a solvent and a precursor for various syntheses of polymers. However, THF is known to irritate to the eyes, skin and mucus membranes. Overexposure by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may produce nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation and possible skin burns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate of the worker exposure and characteristics of workers in the workplaces that use or manufacture THF. Methods: Sixteen factories in Korea, which manufacture or use THF, were selected for this study and a total of 130 air samples including 104 time-weighted average (TWA) samples and 26 short-term exposure limit (STEL) samples, were collected. Air samples were collected with charcoal tube (100mg/50mg) and analyzed by gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector(GC/FID). Results: The TWA concentration of THF was 16.05ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 2.32ppm (GM) at PVC stabilizer, 1.03ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.63ppm (GM) at Polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMEG), 0.42ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 0.13ppm (GM) at Glue and 0.12ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins. Two out of sampes for PS script printing exceeded 50ppm as 8-hour exposure limit of MOEL. The short term exposure to THF was 54.77ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 17.10ppm (GM) at PTMEG, 13.76ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 2.86ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.87ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins and 0.13ppm (GM) Glue. We found that the highest exposure process for both the TWA and STEL samples was PS script process. Two samples exceeded 100ppm as short term exposure limit of Ministry of Employment and Labor(MOEL). Conclusions: Characteristic of STEL concentration for THF is considerably different from TWA concentration in workplaces because workers could exposure high concentration of THF in a moment when they work irregularly schedule. So exposure controls for momentary works have to be prepared, and considered the skin absorption and inhale of THF.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.6-17
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to obtain information regarding Globally Harmonized System(GHS) classification and health hazards that may result from a 4 weeks inhalation exposure of 3-Methylpentane in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods : The testing method was conducted in accordance with OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals No. 412(Subacute Inhalation Toxicity). The Rats were divided into 4 groups(5 male and 5 female rats in each group) and exposed to 0 ppm, 284 ppm, 1,135 ppm, 4,540 ppm 3-Methylpentane in each exposure chamber for 6 h/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. After two weeks, the test animals were autopsied and carried out blood test and biochemical tests and histopathological examination. We used PRISTIMA (Toxicology data management system) to confirm the system and to have confidence of the raw data. Results : No death and particular clinical presentation including weight change and change of feed rate was observed. Relationship between dose, gender and response was also not significantly changed in hematologic examination, biochemical examination of blood and blood coagulation time. The histopathologic lesions caused by the test substance did not appear. Conclusions : NOAEL(No Observable Adverse Effect Level) of 3-Methylpentane is more than 4,540 ppm in male group and female group and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Guidance Announcement No. 2013-37(criteria for the classification marks and Safety of Chemicals) Specific target organ toxicity(repeated exposure) was determined with a substance that is not the separator material.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2014

Objectives: The purposes of this study are to investigate workers' exposures to respirable particles generated in taconite mines and to compare two metric methods for mass concentrations using direct-reading instruments. Methods: Air monitorings were conducted at six mines where subjects have been exposed primarily to particulate matters in crushing, concentrating, and pelletizing processes. Air samples were collected during 4 hours of the entire work shift for similarly exposure groups(SEGs) of nine jobs(N=37). Following instruments were employed to evaluate the workplace: a nanoparticle aerosol monitor(particle size range; 10-1000 nm, unit: ${\mu}m^2/cc$, Model 9000, TSI Inc.); DustTrak air monitors($PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, unit: $mg/m^3$, Model 8520, TSI Inc.); a condensation particle counter(size range; 20-1000 nm, unit: #/cc, P-Trak 8525, TSI Inc.); and an optical particle counter(particle number by size range $0.3-25{\mu}m$, unit: #/cc, Aerotrak 9306, TSI Inc.). Results: The highest airborne concentration among SEGs was for furnace operator followed by pelletizing maintenance workers in number of particle and surface area, but not in mass concentrations. The geometric means of $PM_{2.5}$ by the DustTrak and the Ptrak/Aerotrak were $0.04{\mu}m$(GSD 2.52) and $0.07{\mu}m$(GSD 2.60), respectively. Also, the geometric means of RPM by the DustTrak and the Ptrak/Aerotrak were $0.16{\mu}m$(GSD 2.24) and $0.32{\mu}m$(GSD 3.24), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for DustTrak $PM_{2.5}$ and Ptrak/Aerotrak $PM_{2.5}$ was 0.56, and that of DustTrak RPM and Ptrak/Aerotrak RPM was 0.65, indicating a moderate positive association between the two sampling methods. Surface area and number concentration were highly correlated($R^2$ = 0.80), while $PM_{2.5}$ and RPM were also statistically correlated each other($R^2$ = 0.79). Conclusions: The results suggest that it is possible to measure airborne particulates by mass concentrations or particle number concentrations using real-time instruments instead of using the DustTrak Aerosol monitor that monitor mass concentrations only.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2024

Korea has entered the ranks of advanced countries in terms of economic size and technological competitiveness. However, its industrial accident fatality rate remains among the lowest in OECD countries, and recent incidents such as various building collapses have resulted in numerous deaths of workers or citizens, reminiscent of accidents in developing countries. According to the 2022 Industrial Accident Status Analysis by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, out of the 874 fatalities in work-related accidents in 2022 across all industries, 402 were in the construction industry, accounting for approximately 46% of all fatalities. In particular, the construction industry's fatality rate stands at 1.61, significantly higher than the overall industry fatality rate of 0.43, indicating its severity. Construction ranks highest in terms of fatality rates, with mining at 12.18 and fishing at 1.80. When categorizing construction projects into private and public, private projects show significantly higher figures in terms of contracts, contract amounts, accident numbers, and fatalities compared to public projects. However, unlike public agencies, many private clients lack adequate safety and health activities and lack established safety and health systems. This study aims to raise awareness among private clients about the need to establish safety and health systems and enhance safety and health activities, and to discuss the direction of future development of advanced safety and health practices among private clients.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.359-364
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• 2014

Objectives: The principal aim of this study is to provide fundamental data for suggesting substantial management plan of personal air sampler by investigating current situation of work environment monitoring service provider. Materials and Methods: The questionnaires regarding a personal air sampler were sent by electronic mail to 150 institutions, except for 22 institutions which are out of business or closed temporarily, among total 172 domestic work environment monitoring service providers designated by Ministry of Employment and Labor based on 2013. The institutions which did not reply to the questionnaire for 30 days were required directly by phone call. Finally 97 institutions gave an answer to the questionnaire and therefore the respondence rate was 65%. Results: The normal operation rate of personal air sampler exceeded 70% in all the types (particle, gas and both combination) in terms of purchased year. Furthermore the personal air sampler purchased recently showed a trend of high operation rate compared to the personal air sampler purchased previously. The distribution patterns of personal air sampler In terms of manufacturers were Gillian>MSA>SKC for particle, Gillian>SKC>AMETEK for gas and Gillian>MSA>Casella for both combination, respectively. As a result, it was found that the personal air sampler manufactured by Gillian company was utilized the most in domestic work environment monitoring service provider regardless of types of personal air sampler. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from this study, the normal operation rate according to types of personal air sampler was as follows: 94% for personal air sampler for collecting particle only, 93% for personal air sampler for collecting gas only and 89% for collecting both particle and gas. Overall, the numbers of personal air sampler possessed and operated normally in domestic work environment monitoring service provider were 5,458 and 5,062, which indicates the normal operation rate of personal air sampler in total aspect is 93%.