Page 56 - CIJ May 2024 Digital Edition

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

Chemical Safety & Hygiene in

Manufacturing

Protecting

People and the

Environment

In India’s expanding industrial manufacturing
sector, prioritizing chemical safety and hygiene
is imperative to safeguard workers and the
environment. Following stringent regulatory compliance
with industry best practices, manufacturing plants must navigate a
myriad of challenges associated with handling, storing, and disposing of
chemicals effectively. Clean India Journal interacts with Rituraj Katiyar,
Senior VP & Head of Corporate Administration & Manufacturing Plant at

ReNew Power Pvt. Ltd, to dive deep into the intricacies of chemical safety
and hygiene practices within industrial manufacturing plants, exploring
their significance, challenges, and proactive measures for mitigation.

ndustrial manufacturing manufacturing plants is risk workplace safety and hygiene.
plants, regardless of their assessment. Before integrating Industrial manufacturing plants
specific focus, often rely on a any chemical into the production must adhere to strict protocols
plethora of chemicals in their process, thorough risk assessments for the storage, labelling, and
Iproduction processes. From must be conducted to identify transportation of hazardous
solvents and cleaning agents to potential hazards and determine chemicals. This includes storing
corrosive substances and reagents, appropriate control measures. chemicals in designated areas with
these chemicals are indispensable This involves assessing the adequate ventilation, temperature
yet potentially hazardous. In steel toxicity, flammability, reactivity, control, and secondary containment
manufacturing, for instance, the and exposure potential of each
use of acids, alkalis, and fluxes is chemical, as well as evaluating to prevent spills and leaks.
commonplace, while solar module factors such as storage conditions, Additionally, clear labelling and
manufacturing plants employ handling procedures, and signage must be employed to
chemicals like cadmium, lead, and emergency response plans. By facilitate easy identification of
various solvents. The inherent risks understanding the risks associated chemicals and their associated
associated with these chemicals with each chemical, manufacturing hazards, reducing the risk of
necessitate stringent safety plants can implement targeted accidental exposure or misuse.
protocols to mitigate accidents, safety measures to minimize the Furthermore, employees should
safeguard workers’ health, and likelihood of accidents and mitigate undergo comprehensive training
prevent environmental pollution. their consequences. on the safe handling and disposal
of chemicals, emphasizing the
Risk Assessment: Handling of Chemicals: importance of personal protective
One of the fundamental aspects Proper handling and storage of equipment (PPE) and proper
of chemical safety in industrial chemicals are central to ensuring hygiene practices.

MAY 2024•Clean India Journal
56 www.cleanindiajournal.com