Hazardous Chemical Sources And Effect On The Environment

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Chemicals are present in every workplace, from the cleaning chemicals being used to the industrial manufacturing processes, and welding fumes. Generally, a hazardous substance is one which may pose a risk to the health of anyone coming into contract with it in the workplace. The contract maybe in the production, hand line, storage, transport or disposal of the substance.

All chemical pose a risk to the health and safety of persons in the workplace to some extent and for this reason there are some basic requirements in the work health and safety legislation.

Hazardous substances have the potential to harm the health and safety of people at the workplace. Control of hazardous substance is of various ways due to the nature. (Hazardous Health Manuel, University of Uyo, 2000).
Many chemicals have both health and physiochemical hazards. Manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals are required to determine whether or not a substance is hazardous. They do this by referring to the global harmonized system (GHS) of classifying and labelling chemicals. If a chemical or chemical mixture is classified as hazardous it will have relevant hazard statements, precautions and pictograms on the label and safety data sheet (Goldman et al., 1988).

Some years ago the national health and safety commission (more recently known as the Australian safety and compensation commission – ASCC) estimated that about 2,300 workers die each year as a result of exposure to hazardous substances. Hazardous substances are found in almost all work places.

Hazardous substances should be eliminated from the workplace if possible. This will eliminate the risk. If it is not possible, then the preferred order of hazardous control must be followed, as prescribed in the various parts of chapter 4 (hazardous substances and materials) of the 2007 OHS regulation, and described in the plan.

Knowledge of the physical properties of a chemical can give an indication of the nature or extent of potential health effects given certain environmental conditions, and enables decisions to be made in respect of correct use and storage producers.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Acute air pollution and other health related risk associated with the use of hazardous chemicals in manufacturing and engineering industries has caused more harm than good to workplace environment, hence has imposed a huge challenge on the these industries. Therefore, solid waste pollution, release of chemicals or other wastes will require continued vigilance to help manage the high risk involved. According to Fedix (2003), chemicals pose a risk to the health and safety of persons in the workplace to some extent and should not be handled with less concerns. It is therefore upon this note that this research tends to investigate the effect of hazardous chemicals on working environments.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study is carried out with the major intent of unveiling the sources of hazardous chemicals and its effects on the workplace environments.

Other specific objects includes;

• Identify if the use of hazardous chemicals has a negative effect on the workplace environments.
• Investigate if environmental change as a result of the use of hazardous chemicals affects workers
• Make recommendation on how hazardous chemicals can be identified and handled.

1.4 Research Hypothesis

H01: The use of hazardous chemicals does not have a negative effect on the workplace environments.

H02: Environmental change as a result of the use of hazardous chemicals does not affects workers.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study shall be most relevant the all manufacturing and engineering firms in Nigeria as it will bring to their adequate understanding on the need to pay a huge attention on the environmental discomfort created by the use of hazardous chemicals to the workers and residents of the same location. More so the recommendation that will be proffered in this study will make a difference when applied adequately. Students and researchers who may in time to come carry out research on a topic of this nature will find this study relevant as it will serve a source of information.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study will cover the following aspects;

Investigation on if the use of hazardous chemicals has a negative effect on the workplace environments and also if environmental change as a result of the use of hazardous chemicals affects workers. Hence this study is delimited to SAIDI Nigeria Limited.

1.7 Limitation of Study

The major limitations to this study are:

Financial Constraint

Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time Constraint

The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Chemical:

A distinct compound or substance, especially one which has been artificially prepared or purified.

Hazardous Chemical:

Hazardous chemicals are substances, mixtures and articles that can pose a significant risk to health and safety if not managed correctly.

Environment:

This is the surroundings or conditions in which a person, lives or operates.