An Analysis of the Industrial Hygiene Exposure Control Practices at ABC Electric’s Thermal Generation Operations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the industrial hygiene exposure control practices at ABC Electric’s thermal generation operations by utilizing regulatory and industry standards as benchmarks. IH-based documents were reviewed to identify potential employee exposure to hazardous chemical and physical agents at ABC Electric’s coal and renewable power generation facilities, and to evaluate the organization’s current IH exposure control management practices. The results suggest that employees are at the highest risk of exposure to chemical/physical hazards during maintenance/cleaning-based tasks. It was noted that formerly established site specific IH plans were successful at characterizing risks and prioritizing IH exposure control needs, however, such plans became unsustainable as these failed to identify the required supporting systems including key employee roles and accountability, compliance audits, management review, and correction of identified deficiencies. It was recommended that the organization implement a corporate IH policy which unifies each site’s chemical/physical hazard exposure control efforts. The policy should mimic successful management systems already employed at ABC Electric to minimize the learning curve process which could be involved. In addition, a plan should be established to initially sustain minimum compliance with IH exposure control-based regulations. Improvements should be incorporated after each management review period.