The South Korean government has identified hazards associated with 43 of the 74 new chemical substances manufactured or imported in the second quarter of this year, including acute toxicity, skin corrosion, and eye damage.
On June 30, the Ministry of Employment and Labor released the names and associated hazards of these substances, along with recommended workplace safety measures to prevent health risks for workers. Employers involved in the manufacture or import of these chemicals have been instructed to implement necessary precautions, such as providing personal protective equipment and installing local exhaust ventilation systems.
The announcement of new chemical substances serves as a preventive measure to assess risks before these chemicals are widely used in industrial settings. It is particularly crucial because toxicological data may not be fully established at the time of use, highlighting the importance of managing these substances during the manufacturing and import stages.
Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, businesses intending to manufacture or import new chemical substances must submit a hazard and risk assessment report to the Ministry of Employment and Labor at least 30 days prior to the intended date of manufacture or import. For quantities less than one ton, the report must be submitted 14 days in advance.
The assessment report must include safety data sheets, toxicological test data, and details on manufacturing, usage, and handling methods. The Ministry and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency review the submitted information to confirm the hazards and risks associated with the new substances and notify employers of necessary safety measures to protect worker health.
Among the 74 substances announced, 43, including 1,4-Dioxane-2-one and 1,2-Disilylethane, were found to pose significant hazards. Identified risks include acute toxicity, skin corrosion, severe eye damage, flammable solids, and water-reactive materials and mixtures.
Acute toxicity, skin corrosion, and water-reactive substances can lead to health hazards for workers and pose risks of fire or explosion in the event of inhalation, contact, or leakage during handling. Therefore, the Ministry emphasizes not only the announcement of the chemical names but also the importance of providing specific safety measures, including protective gear and ventilation systems.
The Ministry advises that appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protection, gloves, and safety goggles, should be worn to prevent direct exposure to dust, mist, or vapors when handling these chemicals. It is also recommended to install local exhaust ventilation systems in areas where dust or vapors are generated in large quantities.
Information on the hazards and risks of new chemical substances will be published in the official gazette and on the Ministry's website. Local labor offices will monitor and guide employers to ensure compliance with health hazard prevention measures. Businesses are encouraged to review safety data sheets and assess exposure risks before introducing new chemical substances into their operations.
Oh Young-min, Director of the Safety and Health Supervision Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "Chemicals are widely used across various industrial sectors, and handling them without adequate management of their hazards can lead to major accidents and significant loss of life. Employers must verify the hazards and risks of chemicals, including new substances, and diligently implement necessary safety and health measures, such as worker training and provision of protective equipment."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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