The Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Chemical Substances by Use of a Global Product Strategy Method in Oil Refinery Industry

Introduction: In order to implement an effective risk management program and RPP (respiratory protection program), assessing the risk of occupational exposure to chemicals in the workplace is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of occupational exposure to chemicals by using GPS (Global Product Strategy) provided by the ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations) in various operational units of the refinery in Abadan. Material and Method: This study is descriptive-analytical. After determining the SEG (similar exposure groups) collect information about the process, maintenance, occupational groups and tasks, chemicals, priority and determine the status, chemical exposures, compounds BTEX (benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene and xylene) as well as hydrogen sulfide, respectively, using standard methods NIOSH 1501 and NIOSH 6013 were sampled. The mentioned items are as follows; process, maintenance, occupational groups and their tasks, chemical substance, prioritizing and determining the condition of exposure to chemicals and BTEX materials. Then, based on exposure rates (ER) and hazard classification (HC), describes qualitative risk classification (RC) was describing. The relation risk classification rate and respiratory function reduction and respiratory disorders were studied by t-independent test and through SPSS (version 20). Results: The risk of exposure to benzene in the operating units was higher other materials. Such that in some units, including ROP, distillation 100, CR1, distillation 70, of MTBE and NTA quality scores 1A (the highest possible), respectively. After benzene, the highest risk score substances (hydrogen sulfide, ethyl benzene, toluene and xylene), respectively. Exposure risk rate, in other units, was assessed in the first and second level of priorities and the suitable measures (red and yellow zones) were done. It was also found that a significant relationship the risk and respiratory rate were statistically lower (P <0.009). Conclusion: The results indicated that the risk of exposure to benzene Items investigated was high. The units ROP, CR1 and distillation 100 had the highest risk score. The results showed that the risk quality 1A (red area) for benzene in the unit NTA, MTBE, distillation (70,100), CR1 and hydrogen sulfide were found in Kat Crocker. Among the substance, benzene has the highest risk score is qualitative.