Risk Management with the Use of Carbon Nanotubes in Industries - Term Paper Example

Running Head: RISK MANAGEMENT Risk Management Name Institution Date Introduction A risk is mainly the major effects of uncertainty to the objectives of an organization or individual objectives. Although it may be expected, it is always not clear whether it will occur or not. This therefore brings about an important aspect called risk management. It is mainly the process of assessing the risks that may occur, analyzing them in detail and suggesting measures that may be adopted to control the occurrence. Risks are always present in al the departments and sectors of the economy (Frame, 2003). However the most critical is in the human health. This is mainly because it may result to deaths and injuries. The paper will discuss the emerging OHS risks associated with the use of carbon nanotubes in industries. Context OHS are laws and regulations that are used to protect the employees from death or injuries due to unsafe working environment. The paper will thus discuss the risks posed to workers dealing with carbon nanotubes. Analysis of the risks will be discussed and the possible treatment to the risks posed when handling this material. The discussion will be based on the regulator’s point of view. Risk assessment Carbon nanotubes are quite harmful to humans when poorly handled leading to exposure. This material is used for a wide variety of use including manufacturing industry and also the treatment of cancer patients. However the exposure to this material can occur during the manufacturing stage when the workers are not adequately protected or handle it poorly. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is an institute dealing with the safety standards of the workers. It has made some studies on the effects of exposure of Carbon nanotubes to humans. Through its studies, most of those exposed to this material are mainly the handlers during the manufacturing process and some of the students and researchers who may not be aware that the materials they are handling contains Carbon nanotubes. As a result, their health is put at risk. The methods of determining the extent of exposure to this material is quite complicated. As a result, most workers may not be able to know what dangers they may be facing. The employer may also not be able to know the extent the workers have been exposed. The methods of testing the amount the workers have been exposed to is mainly through the use of COSHH risk assessment. In some instances, the workers may have little information regarding the effects of this material and as such will not take adequate care when handling this material. The exposure to this material is quite damaging to the human health (NIOSH, 2012). When carbon nanotubes particles are inhaled, they may end up causing lung inflammation. This is quite a serious problem and health effect which requires a lot of resources to treat. However there is no clear evidence to suggest that the inhalation of the particles may damage other parts of the body. Despite this it is clear that poor handling of this material has diverse effects on the human health (Ben, 2012). Research has also associated fibrosis and pulmonary inflation to exposure and inhalation of the particles. Skin inflammatory can also be caused due to long term contact wit the material. Poor disposal of materials containing this substance is blamed on exposure of workers and others in that area. The main effect of this material the damaging of the lungs and may expose the workers to other serious health complications. Risk Treatment Due to the risks posed by the exposure to those materials, the regulating agency has proposed several solutions aimed at treating the risk. During the disposal of this material, it is advisable to code the waste under hazardous wastes. This will caution anyone and avoid exposure. It should also be properly wrapped in a polythene bag to ensure that it does not affect anyone during transportation. The workers should also be assesed depending on their jobs and the level of exposure be determined. A worker should not work for long in an areas dealing with this material. Instead the workers should work in shifts to reduce the time of contact with the material. It is also advisable that the employer should ensure that the worker is well protected. This can be done by providing protective equipment and clothing to enable the worker reduce the chances of direct contact. Face masks should be provided to prevent inhalation of the material (Health and Safety Executive, 2009). The material should also be kept dump or wet to avoid it becoming airborne and spreading the particles. This will protect the workers from exposure and inhalation. The exposure levels should also be controlled so as to make the necessary corrections to the process and proper action on the exposed workers. During the manufacturing process, it is recommended that proper engineering tools and machinery are used during the production. This is mainly for the purpose of reducing the particles from spreading or becoming airborne. The number of workers should also be reduced at the production site to minimize the exposure. When supplying the material it is advisable to label it with a mark showing that it should be handled with caution. It is also necessary to provide health and safety information alongside the material so that the handlers will know how use and handle the material. This will reduce risks in industries and research centers where the material is being handled. Communication and consultation The success of the risk management will mainly be dependant on the communication and consultation at each stage of the process. It is important to involve al the members of staff so that they may help in the establishment of the risk. During the risk management of the use of carbon nanotubes, the participation of the staff is quite vital and useful. This is mainly because the staff in the manufacturing industry understands the rate of exposure and the working hours. This is mainly necessary to determine the information to rely on during the analysis process. The participation of the staff in the process gives the insight of the operations at the manufacturing plant and also at research centers (AS/NZS, 2009). Communication also enables the staff to participate in the monitoring of the process leading to its success. Consultation on the other hand is also important. This is mainly because it provides information that could not be established before. The consultation between the members of staff and the researchers will increase the accuracy of the information. During the survey by the regulator, several stakeholders were consulted to give their technical advice regarding the use and risks associated with carbon nanotubes. Meetings were held and stakeholders were given questionnaires to answer so as to ascertain the real effects of carbon nanotubes on human health. This process is quite useful and it determines the outcome of the research. More consultations translate to accurate findings. The better the communication process, the easier the research. Monitoring and Review This process is important during the control of the risk and finding appropriate solutions. It involves carrying out regular audits on the policies developed to manage the risks that have been identified. It also provides for room of improving the process depending on the outcome of the policies being implemented. The process also helps in the identification of whether the findings were accurate or not and the measures to be taken. This process will also establish if the workers understood the concepts and the importance of risk management. In the analysis of the effects of carbon nanotubes, this process helped achieve e the desired results which was to ensure that the employees know the risks associated with the handling of the material. It also helped in ensuring that the employers conform to the safety standards provided for in the law. This is key to ensuring that the employees are well protected by provision of appropriate garments and equipment. Reviewing the process also helps to ton put in place mechanisms and policies that will make the entire process easy to adopt and hence ensuring the safety of the workers. Conclusion It is worth noting that, the process of risk management is mainly is mainly aimed at ensuring that employees work under safe environments. The paper analyzed the risks to human safety while working with carbon nanotubes. According to the analysis, these risks can cause alot of damages and even fatalities. This therefore puts a lot of emphasis on the process of risk management while handling material. The paper also discussed various solutions that will help solve the problems. This will however, depend on how it is implemented. The has clearly highlighted the important considerations that will ensure the success of the problem. These factor being good communication and consultation, monitoring and reviewing the process. According to the paper effective communication will ensure a successful implementation while consultations will promote accuracy. Monitoring the process ensures that the policies are adopted while reviewing the process ensures that improvements are made to the process. References Frame J, (2003). Managing Risk in Organizations: A Guide for Managers. Jossey Bass: San Francisco. Australia/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management: Principles and guidelines, Sydney: Standards Australia The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (2012). Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers. Retrieved on March 15, 2012 from Health and Safety Executive (2009). Risk management of carbon nanotubes. Retrieved on March 15, 2012 from Ben, P, (2011). Uses of carbon nanotubes. Retrieved on March 15, 2012 from Read More