On September 16, 2021, the revision to Taiwan’s Standards of Hazard Prevention for Specific Chemicals (hereinafter referred as the Revision[1]) was approved with the changes scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023. It is to strengthen management of 1,3-butadiene, 1,2-epoxypropane, formaldehyde, indium and its compounds, cobalt and its compounds, and naphthalene since epidemiological studies show that exposure to these chemicals may be carcinogenic, toxic, or cause respiratory disease. Besides, some requirements for the local exhaust ventilation devices were stipulated to enhance managements of the quality control at source.
The 6 major amendments are summarized as below:
Adding a provision that finished articles referred to in Article 3, Paragraph 1 of Taiwan’s Regulations for the Labeling and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Chemicals[2] are not applicable to this Standard;
Adding 1,3-butadiene, 1,2-epoxypropane as Class C, Type I substances, adding indium and its compounds, cobalt and its compounds, and naphthalene as Class C, Type III substances, changing formaldehyde to Class C, Type I substances. Employers should record operations and exposure scenarios and strengthen management accordingly;
Setting up monitoring devices, which indicate the ventilation equipment is functioning properly, at the appropriate place in the local exhaust ventilation hood connected to the pipeline;
Setting frequency for employers to conduct training on first aid and evacuation for relevant personnel (annually) and keep relevant implementation records (three years);
Adding provisions that local exhaust ventilation shall be designed by trained and qualified professionals, and the design report and original performance test report shall be produced. Professional designers' qualifications, conditions, training courses and hours are specified to enhance the design capability of personnel and the performance of the device.
Specifying that the employer need to enable workers to use the relevant protective equipment indeed if they are in danger of exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense for safety and health protection.
