Major Achievements
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Council of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan
2000/10
Contents
I. Introduction to the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
II. Establishment of Basic Safety and Health Databases
III. Patent Applications
IV. New Safety and Health Technologies
V. Surveillance and Cohort Studies of Occupational Injuries and Diseases
VI. Survey of Occupational Exposure to Chemical Hazards
VII. Publication of Book Series, Guides and Manuals in Occupational Safety and Health Technology
VIII. Establishment of a Web Site for the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
IX. Design of the Mobile Occupational Safety and Health Exhibition
X. Applications related to Occupational Safety and Health Laws and Regulations
XI. Other Achievements
Layout of Research Buildings of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Located in Hsichih, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Construction to be completed by early 2001
Laboratory Building Building for Exhibition and Education Tree-lined Entryway
Green Space Basketball Court Resident Hall
I. Introduction to the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
The mission of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), a research agency under the Council of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan, is to apply the scientific method in the study of various risk factors in the work environment. The Institute has been established in 1992, and has a staff of 64 people, of which 47are researchers. Among researchers 17 hold doctoral degrees, 28 hold master degrees, and 7 are studying for doctoral degrees currently. At the end of the fiscal year 1999, the Institute has achieved the following:
Organizational Structure of IOSH
II. Establishment of Basic Safety and Health Databases
The establishment of local workers' databases is the foundation for the long term development of occupational safety and health technology in Taiwan. Building such databases requires intensive investment in terms of human resource and funding, and its usefulness is difficult to see in the short run. With careful research planning over the years, IOSH has established the following basic databases of local workers:
1. Workers' dynamic and static anthropometry, with CD-ROMs available for searches among 42 dynamic and 262 static anthropometric datasets.
2. Workers' hearing thresholds, in order to establish hearing ability norms for workers of different sexes and age groups, for hearing loss evaluations and for the promotion of occupational hearing conservation plans.
3. Workers' head and face anthropometry, to be used in making testing mannequins during the development of safety helmets, goggles and respiratory protective equipment.
4. Workers' blood test norms, for evaluations of occupational exposure and their health effects.
5. Workers' health fitness norms, in order to understand physical conditions of workers in various industries for the establishment of workplace health promotion plans, so as to maintain workers' health, elevate workers' health fitness level, and prevent occupational injuries.
6. Basic metabolic physiology among workers, in order to calculate metabolic rates of workers in different types of operations, as the basis for the establishment of labor standards.
7. Reference values for biophysical modeling, as the basis for the determination of musculoskeletal disorders.
8. Database of material safety data sheets (MSDS), open to the public to provide information on chemical hazards and on emergency responses.
9. Database of occupational injuries, open to the public to provide information on the circumstances and the causes of occupational injuries, in order develop means for injury prevention.
10. Occupational hygiene conditions in medical facilities, providing information on workplace hazards specific to hospitals and clinics, and the number of workers exposed, in order to rank the severity of various hazards as a reference for administrative actions.
11. Over 200 reference methods for the sampling and the analysis of hazardous chemical substances, as the basis for the promotion of environmental monitoring system in the workplace.
12. Basic information on the impact produced by hand motions, as reference standards for repetitive applications of force, in order to prevent cumulative musculoskeletal disorders of the hand.
13. Surveys of workplace safety and health conditions, conducted in 1988, 1991, 1994, and 1998, with 20,000 local workers as the sample, in order to gain a realistic perspective of occupational safety and health in Taiwan, as well as safety and health needs in the workplace.
14. Survey of workplace chemical hazards, according to the requirement in the Labor Safety and Health Act to complete chemical hazard exposure studies by industry, providing information on numbers of workers exposed and risk index for legislative and labor inspection purposes.
15. National hazardous chemical exposure surveys, beginning in 1998, in order to understand exposure conditions of workers in industries involving hazardous chemical substances, as a reference in revising regulatory standards and for setting inspection priority.
Figure 1. Workers' dynamic anthropometry
Figure 2. Collecting static anthropometric data among workers
Figure 3. 3-D head and face anthropometric database of workers in Taiwan
Figure 4. Experimental equipment for the ventilation study of safety helmets
Figure 5. Simulation software to assess the impact on the lower back during material handling
Figure 6. Legionella colonies (light blue circles in the picture) cultured from the sputum of patients staying in hospitals
Figure 7. Hand grips commonly seen in industries
Figure 8. Thermoimaging of healthy fingers
Figure 9. Thermoimaging of fingers afflicted with White Finger Syndrome
III. Patent Applications
Conducting innovative and highly valuable research is one of the goals toward which IOSH thrives. In recent years, several research results have received recognition from government and academic institutions, locally and overseas. Applying for patents not only demonstrates the research capability of IOSH, but also the potential Taiwan has in the field of occupational safety and health. The results of patent applications as as follows:
1.Size-selective airborne particle sampling method and sampling device-- eliminated the problem of measurement error resulting from static electricity and overload, which samplers currently in use have. This new sampler has received patent approval from Taiwan, UK, USA, Germany and France. IOSH has contracted Central Vocational Training Institute to produce 500 sets of samplers, for the pilot test among environmental assessment agencies, colleges and universities.
2.Construction safety helmet--a low-weight model that also reduces the temperature inside the helmet. Patent approval obtained in Taiwan and USA, with EU patent pending. Licensed to a private enterprise for mass production.
3.Ergonomically designed work-chair--patent approval received from USA and Taiwan. Technology transferred to a private enterprise for mass production.
4.Alarm system for preventing mobile cranes form accidentally touching the overhead power lines--patent approval received in Taiwan, with USA and Japan patent pending. Design undergoing refinement and pilot test.
5.Device to prevent collapse during pipeline construction-- patent approval received in Taiwan. Patent application filed in USA. Pilot test at actual construction site underway.
6.Knife for meat processing-- patent approval received in Taiwan, for the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome.
7.Electronic chain safety belt (double linkage)-- patent approval received in Taiwan, for the prevention of falls.
8.360° walking platform--simulation of fixed cranes for the training of operators at ground level. Patent approval obtained in Taiwan and USA.
9.Device for measuring an absorbed dose of gas by skin and method therefor-- patent approval received in Taiwan and USA, for accurate, automatic assessment of the dose of chemical vapors absorbed through skin.
10.Hydraulic brake malfunction warning device-- patent approval received in Taiwan and in USA. To provide early warning of vehicle and machinery brake malfunction.
11.Virtual cyclone size-selective sampler--Patent applications filed in Taiwan and USA. It improves upon the products on the market, in terms of particle load effect, testing quality, and resistance, in line with the latest international functional specifications.
12.Dual use safety helmet (for riding motorcycle and for working in construction site)--patent approval received in Taiwan. Refinement will be completed in the fiscal year 2001, and the technology will be transferred to a private firm.
13.Hand-held electric drill safety protective device-- patent approval received in Taiwan. To prevent the material being drilled from loosening, injuring the worker.
14.Mobile crane overwinding prevention device--patent application filed in Taiwan. Prototyping and pilot test to be completed in the fiscal year 2000.
15.Forklift overturn warning device-- patent application filed in Taiwan. Plans for refinement and pilot test are underway concurrently.
16.Chlorine sensor -- patent application filed in Taiwan. A feasibility study of commercializing the product will be conducted before expanding its usage.
17.Infrared real-time remote monitoring technology--High concentrations of hydrogen chloride and cyanic acid have been detected when manufacturing plants of silicon wafers perform maintenance works. With the installation of new equipment, this type of monitoring instrumentation has been added, and such hazards are effectively controlled.
Figure 10. Structure of the simple foam sampler
Figure 11. Inside lining of the construction safety helmet
Figure 12. Front view of the construction safety helmet
Figure 13. Ergonomically designed work-chair
Figure 14. Warning system for cranes before it comes close to high voltage power lines. (Features: 1. Suitable for different types of high voltage electricity poles. 2. Setting of the warning zone and emission of warning signals by wireless means. 3. Simultaneous sound and light warning signals. )
Figure 15. Sketch of the device to prevent collapse during pipeline construction (tube style)
Figure 16. Sketch of the device to prevent collapse during pipeline construction (rotary disc type)
Figure 17. Knife for meat processing.
Figure 18. Electronic chain safety belt
Figure 19. 360° walking platform
Figure 20. Dosage measurement device for skin absorption of vapors
Figure 21. Hand-held electric drill safety protective device
Figure 22. Mobile crane overwinding prevention device
IV. New Safety and Health Technologies
IOSH has developed several technologies for the recognition, evaluation, and control of occupational risk factors in local industries, which are also available for academic purposes.
1. Development of simulation training system for mobile cranes (The Vocational Training Administration is using for training crane operators.)
2. Hazard detection system for key components in fluid mechanical equipment.
3. Technology to determine the classification of hazardous areas in the ignitable gas and vapor atmospheres.
4. Development of the technology for assessing construction safety.
5. Software for computer-aided fault tree analysis, to assist enterprises in assessing and managing risks in the work environment.
6. Development of the computer program for designing local exhaust ventilation system, to assist enterprises in improving air quality in the workplace.
7. Model for the evaluation of emergency evacuation effectiveness in emergency response programs for industrial disasters, to assist factories in emergency response planning, thereby decreasing the number of casualties.
8. Over 200 sampling and analytical methods for airborne hazardous substances in the work environment, together with the one that the Council of Labor Affairs has already established, to assist enterprises in performing work environment monitoring and in assessing occupational exposures.
9. Study of occupational exposure to 1,3-butadiene-- In addition to using exposure assessment techniques from other industrialized countries, a national survey has been conducted to understand the actual conditions of occupational exposure. The study validates that the revised permissible level set by the Council of Labor Affairs meets the goal of protecting workers' health, and shows that such standard is economically and technically feasible, as well as acceptable to employers.
10. Assessment of occupational exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME)-- In addition to developing more economical and feasible means to assess exposure, and assisting employers in establishing a plan for work environment monitoring, a national survey has been conducted to understand the actual conditions of occupational exposure. The study validates that the revised permissible level set by the Council of Labor Affairs meets the goal of protecting workers' health, and shows that such standard is economically and technically feasible, as well as acceptable to employers.
11. Development of a guide for occupational hearing conservation program, to decrease occupational hearing lose due to excessive noise.
12. Integration of work safety concerns into the planning of bridge and road construction works, so that necessary preventive measures will be taken.
13. Technology for inspecting and determining the safety of scaffolds used in construction, as a reference for inspection agencies.
14. Biological monitoring methods, developed for 22 substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium, to be used in identifying occupational diseases and related epidemiological research.
15. Research to enhance the comfort of eye protectors, in order to protect workers from eye injuries.
16. Study to decrease musculoskeletal stress and the effect of support belts in manual material handling tasks, to decrease the incidence of occupational musculoskeletal injuries.
17. Establishment of the model and the computer simulation software for heat hazards, in order to decrease the risks associated with exposure to high temperature in the work environement.
Figure 23 Mobile crane simulation training system
Figure 24 Mobile crane control panel A
Figure 25 Mobile crane control panel B
Figure 26 Software for computer-aided design of pipelines for local exhaust ventilation system
Figure 27 Work environment sampling and analysis
Figure 28 Hearing conservation program guideline
Figure 29 Eye protector on-line selection system
Figure 30 Eye protector selection flowchart
V. Surveillance and Cohort Studies of Occupational Injuries and Diseases
In order to understand the conditions and the trends in occupational injuries and diseases, IOSH is actively developing the occupational injury and disease reporting system, in cooperation with the Department of Labor Safety and Health and the Department of Labor Inspection of the Council of Labor Affairs. In addition, IOSH utilizes multiple means to establish workers' cohort groups for follow-up studies of important occupational injuries and diseases, in order to monitor and to prevent such incidences. Major research results include:
1. Occupational hearing loss surveillance system, to collect current information on occupational hearing loss in Taiwan, for the promotion of hearing conservation plans.
2. Decompression disorder surveillance system, to understand works under abnormal atmospheric pressure and to collect current information on decompression disorders among divers, coupled with educational efforts.
3. Study of silicosis among miners, to collect current information on miners afflicted with silicosis, as a reference for occupational disease compensation through Labor Insurance System.
4. Study of workers in ethylene chloride polymerization operations, in order to understand the relationship between such exposure and incidences of vascular tumor of the liver.
5. Study of RCA factory workers, in order to determine the cancer odds of RCA workers and the control group.
6. Study of dye plant workers, in order to understand the prevalence of bladder cancer among these workers.
7. Study of workers in lead operations, in conjunction with technical assistance on improving the work environment, in order to obtain current information on occupational lead poisoning
8. Study of workers in chromium electroplating operations, in conjunction with technical assistance on improving the work environment, in order to obtain information on nasal septum perforation and skin disorders among these workers.
9. Study of workers in asbestos operations, in conjunction with technical assistance on improving the work environment, in order to collect information on incidences of asbestosis and lung cancer among these workers.
10. Study of workers in styrene operations, in order to understand the incidence of neurological disorders among these workers.
11. Studies of health effects of various types of chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic risk factors among different working populations.
Figure 31 Cross-sectional view of the human ear
Source of the Noise |
Decibel |
| Speaking softly | 30~40 |
| Speaking normally | 60~70 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 80 |
| Lathe | 90~95 |
| Printing/ Textile Machinery | 100 |
| Disco | 110 |
| Jet Takeoff | 120 (Ears begin to hurt) |
Figure 32 Sound decibels from the surrounding environment
Figure 33 Manganese-containing air pollution inside a manganese-steel plant in Northern Taiwan.
Figure 34 Electroplating plant using local exhaust ventilation system, in conjunction with mist-control substances, to decrease the amount of aerosol spread to the environment.
Figure 35 Skin disorder caused by occupational exposure to cement.
Perspective drawing of the human respiratory tract
VI. Survey of Occupational Exposure to Chemical Hazards
Occupational exposure studies and subsequent technical assistance in improving the workplace have been conducted in many important local industries, including exposure to toluene in tape manufacturing, exposure to manganese in manganese-steel production, and exposure to carbon disulfide in viscose rayon and cellophane production. Significant results have been obtained from the following studies:
1. Assisted manganese-steel and silica-manganese-steel manufacturing industry in lowering occupational exposure to manganese, from 28.8mg/m3 to 0.004 mg/m3.
2. Assisted printed circuit board industry in lowering occupational exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, from 40% above the permissible level to below the permissible level.
3. Established the analytical method for hexavalent chromium in cement. The technology was transferred to the industry for the development of new formulas. The concentration of hexavalent chromium was lessened to below the safety threshold, thereby lowering the incidence of allergic skin disorders.
4. Established simultaneous sampling method for 1,3-butadiene and other regulated raw materials in ABS plastic production industry. The technology was transferred to the industry to assist in the improvement of the work environment, so that the exposure level does not exceed the new permissible level.
5. Assisted chromium electroplating industry in assessing the particle size of hazardous aerosol, and the exposure concentration to such aerosol, as a basis for developing the most economical and most effective engineering control method.
6. Assisted cement-made corrugated board manufacturing industry in controlling and managing occupational exposure, lowering the exposure level from 75% above the permissible level to below the permissible level.
Figure 36 occupational exposure to carbon disulfide in viscose rayon production
Figure 37 "spastic gait"--a walking impairment resulting from manganese poisoning among workers in manganese-steel production
VII. Publication of Book Series, Guides and Manuals in Occupational Safety and Health Technology
In order to expand the sphere in which IOSH research results are applied, and to reach the ultimate goal of protecting workers, IOSH has published numerous pamphlets and technical book series, distributed free of charge upon request. Most have received enthusiastic responses, followed by several revised editions and printings. All inspection agencies receive these publications in quantity, and enterprises can obtain them from the regional inspection agency nearby. The contents of these publications are also available for free download via Internet. These publications include:
1. Occupational diseases
2. Handbook for the management and the prevention of working fatigue
3. Handbook for the prevention of decompression disorders among workers working under abnormal atmospheric pressure
4. Handbook for the prevention of occupational skin disorders among cement workers
5. Hand book for the prevention of lower back injuries
6. Handbook for the prevention of needlestick injuries
7. Manual for construction safety
8. Handbook for the prevention of occupational vibration disorders of the hand arms
9. Handbook for the prevention of hearing loss among workers
10. Principles and applications of aerosols
11. Handbook for applied ergonomics
12. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--safety helmets
13. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--safety goggles
14. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--protective clothing for working with chemicals
15. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--safety gloves
16. Handbook for the prevention of work-related stress
17. Handbook for the prevention of occupational injuries among fishermen
18. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--safety belts
19. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--safety shoes
20. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--hearing protective equipment
21. Manual for the selection of protective equipment--respiratory protective equipment
22. Reference methods and validation protocols for sampling and analysis of hazardous substances in the workplace
23. Practical guide for protecting workers from power frequency electric and magnetic fields
24. A guide for selection and installation of earth leakage breaker to prevent electric shock.
25. Guide for developing occupational hearing conservation program
26. Compilation of technical information related to occupational hygiene research
27. Handbook for the computer-aided design of pipelines for local exhaust ventilation system
28. Software for the evaluation of emergency evacuation effectiveness in emergency response programs for industrial disasters
29. Software for fault tree analysis
30. Safety and health guide for human-machine interface of non-motorized hand tools
38.Chemical Stress Environmental monitoring Program Guideline
41.Validation Protocols for biological monitoring method for hazardous substances in the workplace
VIII. Establishment of a Web Site for the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(http://www.iosh.gov.tw)
With the arrival of the information age, IOSH has established a web site to provide a wide variety of professional safety and health information via Internet since July, 1996. In the last three years it has been viewed over 280,000 times, with viewers coming from Hong Long, Singapore and Mainland China. Its contents include:
1.An introduction to IOSH, and its offices, divisions and the Exhibition Branch.
2.Publication Center: annual reports, research reports, quarterly journals, newsletters, handbooks, and special editions on various safety and health research and technology issues.
3.Internet Forum: open to the public, for discussions related to safety and health.
4.Hotline: web site overview, newly promulgated laws and regulations, new information on the web site, and announcements of seminars and other activities.
5.Safety and Health Databases: abstracts of research articles, material safety data sheets, analytical methods, anthropometry, etc.
6.Laws and Regulations: most comprehensive information on occupational safety and health laws and regulations in Taiwan, including texts, tables, and figures.
7.Internet Library: search through the catalogue of the IOSH Library collection.
8.File Download: online download of IOSH research reports, etc.
9.Search: search through the texts of laws and regulations, material safety data sheets, abstracts of research articles, sampling and analytical methods, newsletters, and the Publication Center.
10.More Information: hyperlinks to related web site in Taiwan and in other countries, as well as inquiry functions.
11.Service Counter: researchers in various fields providing consultative service.
12.Newsletter Subscription: e-mail messages sent periodically to academia, enterprises and government agencies.
Figure 38. Web page for safety review of operations under abnormal atmospheric pressure
IX. Design of the Mobile Occupational Safety and Health Exhibition
In the fiscal year 1999, IOSH designed a mobile occupational safety and health exhibition. It was formally open to the public on March 29, 1999, on the ground of Nankang Vocational High School in Taipei. The exhibition has 22 parts, including an overview of the research results of IOSH, employment information, ergonomics, noise reduction, prevention of electrocution, fire and explosion, airborne particulate hazards, fall incidents, mechanical safety, severe occupational injuries, confined space safety, and safety signs. The exhibition will move to vocational high schools around the country, in order to disseminate safety and health information to students who will enter the workforce, and to workers and the general public.
Figure 39. Mobile Occupational Safety and Health Exhibition
X. Applications related to Occupational Safety and Health Laws and Regulations
Research results from IOSH serve as references for the Council of Labor Affairs in setting laws, regulations, and administrative systems. Research results have been applied in the following ways:
1.Workplace exposure data for revising permissible levels for airborne hazardous substances in the work environment.
2.Sampling and analysis methods for work environment monitoring.
3.Risk assessment tools for hazard evaluations at dangerous workplaces.
4.Biological monitoring methods necessary for occupational health examinations and occupational disease prevention.
5.Material Safety Data System for the hazard communication system.
6.Promotion of voluntary protection programs among enterprises.
7.Proposal of self-inspection method in the petrochemical industry, in order to prevent fire and explosions.
8.Development of a guide to prevent injuries caused by special gases in the semiconductor industry.
9.Development of the model for the operation of coordinative organizations in the construction industry.
10.Development of the safety self-inspection method for mechanical refrigeration installations.
11.Simulation training facility and teaching materials for the operation of cranes, for increased effectiveness in training programs given by the Vocational Training Bureau.
12.Development of hearing conservation programs in enterprises.
13.Evaluation of the applicability of related safety and health laws and regulations. Research results have been used as bases for legal changes, in part or in their entirety.
14.Studies of safety nets and safety protective equipment for the development of related safety and health national standards.
15.Study on the capture efficiency of hoods, as an important reference for design and inspection of local exhaust systems.
Figure 40. Analysis of Heavy Metals
Figure 41. Understanding occupational disease through a conceptual model
Figure 42. Fall test and its experimental set-up
Figure 43. Handbook for hearing loss prevention
XI. Other Achievements
In cooperation with labor administration and labor inspection agencies:
1.Periodic calibration of safety and health measurement apparatus.
2.Promotion of quality assurance and quality control programs among safety and health laboratories.
3.Analysis of samples taken by labor inspection agencies.
4.Assistance during investigations into incidents of severe occupational injuries, including fire, explosions, overturns, collapses, and falls.
5.Organizing the Occupational Disease Review Committee for the Council of Labor Affairs.
6.Studies of safety and health management systems in other countries (such as British Standard 8800).
7.Summer internships for college students, to nurture young safety and health professionals.
8.Analysis of occupational injury and disease data from other countries.
Figure 44. Explosion occurred inside a tunnel
Figure 45. Damage to a gas station
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