Solutions

Controlling worker exposure to chemicals during adhesive manufacturing

Kiilto OY develops and manufactures adhesives and related products and systems for all kinds of construction, renovation, and industrial purposes and produces cleaning chemicals. Kiilto uses numerous raw materials, among one carcinogenic substance (N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide), isocyanates and some mutagenic and reproductive chemicals. Kiilto has 200 workers employed of which roughly half are exposed to hazardous chemicals. Kiilto aims to reduce the exposure to workers to these hazardous substances by

a) the elimination of hazardous chemicals from the manufacturing process (stopping the production of solvent-based adhesives)
b) technical measures (such as using the carcinogen N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide in a closed system, using ventilation systems and exposure scenarios)
c) organizational measures (such as a specific process of selecting new chemicals, extensive training for workers with the requirement that all workers must possess a Finnish Occupational
Safety Card)
d) the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) (with clear recommendations).

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work published a case study on controlling worker exposure to chemicals during adhesive manufacturing. Please follow this link for more information.

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Contact
Jyrki Tiihonen
Kiilto OY
Country
Finland
Sector / branche
  • Manufacturing
Solution types
  • 1. S – Substitution
  • 2. T – Technical measurements
  • 3. O – Organizational measurements
  • 4. P – Personal protection