Nowadays the number of produced chemicals is increasing very rapidly. However, technological processes are gradually improving and safety of handling chemicals is increasing. Unfortunately, even today, chemical accidents can happen. To alleviate results or to prepare for protection of humans, extensive knowledge is necessary to estimate the course of a chemical accident. One of the means of accident mitigation are modern modelling programs that will help us to clarify the implications and consequences of the course of chemical accidents. Based on the results of such modelling, different organizational and safety measures (preventive, oppressive, protective, rescue and relief character) can be taken to increase readiness for disasters and especially to reduce vulnerability of population.

Health and environmental risks associated with emissions of hazardous chemicals from articles, including everyday consumer products such as clothes and toys, have become widely acknowledged internationally, particularly in the EU. This thesis contributes to new understandings of how these risks are currently managed within the EU and recommends actions for ensuring a safe and sustainable use of chemicals in articles. Paper I provides an overview and comparative analysis of regulatory strategies for managing risks of chemicals in articles in the EU. The in-depth analysis, which is focused on the Toys Safety Directive, the RoHS Directive, and REACH, shows that the legislations differ significantly. Differences include e.g. what criteria are used for the selection of substances to be targeted for regulation, and the kind of requirements and restrictions applied to the selected substances. It is concluded that product-specific directives are important complements to REACH in order to ensure a safe use of chemicals in articles. Paper II evaluates to what extent the regulation of chemicals in articles under REACH is coherent with the rules concerning chemicals in the Sewage Sludge Directive (SSD) and the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The results show that the majority of the chemicals that are prioritized for phase-out under the WFD or for concentration restrictions in sludge and soil under the SSD are allowed to be used in articles according to REACH. In order to avoid end-of-pipe problems and to increase resource efficiency, it is argued that it is necessary to minimize the input of chemicals identified as hazardous to health or the environment into articles. Paper III aims to clarify what the substitution principle means and how it can reasonably be applied as part of chemical policies. A general definition is proposed that gives equal weight to hazard, functionality and economical considerations, while at the same time recognizing that the aim of the substitution principle is to reduce hazards to human health and the environment. This paper also summarizes major methods to promote and implement the principle, discusses legislative approaches with regard to their ability to promote substitution of hazardous chemicals, and makes proposals for an efficient implementation of the principle. / <p>QC 20121119</p>

Nickel is one of the most commonly known sensitisers and has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible carcinogen to humans (group 2B). Workers at a South African base metal refinery packaging area are potentially exposed to many hazardous chemicals that include nickel. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study were to assess dermal and respiratory exposure of workers exposed to nickel in a packaging section at a South African base metal refinery and to assess the change in skin barrier function during a work shift by measuring percentage change in trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin surface pH. Skin health was established with a skin questionnaire. Surfaces that workers may come into contact with were also assessed. Method: Respiratory and dermal exposure assessment was done concurrently. Respiratory exposure was assessed and analysed by using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 7300. The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable aerosol sampler was used for personal air sampling. The TEWL index, skin hydration and skin surface pH of the index finger, palm, forearm and forehead were measured before and at the end of the shift with a Derma Measurement Unit, EDS 12 and Skin-pH-Meter® pH 905. These measurements were reported as percentage change in skin barrier function during the shift. Dermal exposure samples were collected with Ghostwipes™ from the index finger and palm of the dominant hand before, during and at the end of the shift, while samples from the forearm and forehead were only collected before and after the shift. Surface sampling was collected and all wipes were analysed for nickel according the NIOSH method 9102, using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Results: Respiratory exposure for the whole group of workers in a packaging section was well below the eight hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) respiratory Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of 0.5 mg m-3 for nickel. Dermal nickel loading was detected for all the job categories on all the anatomical areas even before the shift had commenced. During the shift more nickel was detected on the index finger and palm of the hand. Levels on the forearm and forehead were much lower in comparison with the index finger and the palm of the hand. Workplace surfaces, which workers may come into contact with on a daily basis, were also contaminated with nickel. Forklift drivers showed high exposure on the index finger and palm of their hands, and this can be attributed to them not wearing any gloves for hand protection. An increase in percentage change for TEWL was seen for most of the job categories on all anatomical areas measured during the shift. Percentage change in skin surface pH and skin hydration varied among job categories. Conclusion: The research addressed the problem statement, with the stated objectives. It was hypothesised that workers at a packaging section of a base metal refinery are exposed to quantifiable levels of nickel through the dermal exposure route. The hypothesis was accepted and control measures together with future studies were recommended. The results confirmed that all workers at a base metal refinery are exposed to quantifiable levels of nickel through the dermal exposure route. Dermal exposure was evident on all anatomical areas for all job categories before the shift had commenced. Personal protective equipment was provided to all employees, but forklift drivers did not wear gloves when operating the forklift. Respirable exposure to nickel was below the OEL. Changes in TEWL and to a lesser extent skin hydration, suggest a deterioration in skin barrier function during the shift. Forklift drivers as well as plate washers may be the highest risk job categories in developing allergic contact dermatitis. Several measures to lower respiratory and dermal exposure to nickel are also recommended. / MSc (Occupational Hygiene), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Nickel is one of the most commonly known sensitisers and has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible carcinogen to humans (group 2B). Workers at a South African base metal refinery packaging area are potentially exposed to many hazardous chemicals that include nickel. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study were to assess dermal and respiratory exposure of workers exposed to nickel in a packaging section at a South African base metal refinery and to assess the change in skin barrier function during a work shift by measuring percentage change in trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin surface pH. Skin health was established with a skin questionnaire. Surfaces that workers may come into contact with were also assessed. Method: Respiratory and dermal exposure assessment was done concurrently. Respiratory exposure was assessed and analysed by using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 7300. The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable aerosol sampler was used for personal air sampling. The TEWL index, skin hydration and skin surface pH of the index finger, palm, forearm and forehead were measured before and at the end of the shift with a Derma Measurement Unit, EDS 12 and Skin-pH-Meter® pH 905. These measurements were reported as percentage change in skin barrier function during the shift. Dermal exposure samples were collected with Ghostwipes™ from the index finger and palm of the dominant hand before, during and at the end of the shift, while samples from the forearm and forehead were only collected before and after the shift. Surface sampling was collected and all wipes were analysed for nickel according the NIOSH method 9102, using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Results: Respiratory exposure for the whole group of workers in a packaging section was well below the eight hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) respiratory Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of 0.5 mg m-3 for nickel. Dermal nickel loading was detected for all the job categories on all the anatomical areas even before the shift had commenced. During the shift more nickel was detected on the index finger and palm of the hand. Levels on the forearm and forehead were much lower in comparison with the index finger and the palm of the hand. Workplace surfaces, which workers may come into contact with on a daily basis, were also contaminated with nickel. Forklift drivers showed high exposure on the index finger and palm of their hands, and this can be attributed to them not wearing any gloves for hand protection. An increase in percentage change for TEWL was seen for most of the job categories on all anatomical areas measured during the shift. Percentage change in skin surface pH and skin hydration varied among job categories. Conclusion: The research addressed the problem statement, with the stated objectives. It was hypothesised that workers at a packaging section of a base metal refinery are exposed to quantifiable levels of nickel through the dermal exposure route. The hypothesis was accepted and control measures together with future studies were recommended. The results confirmed that all workers at a base metal refinery are exposed to quantifiable levels of nickel through the dermal exposure route. Dermal exposure was evident on all anatomical areas for all job categories before the shift had commenced. Personal protective equipment was provided to all employees, but forklift drivers did not wear gloves when operating the forklift. Respirable exposure to nickel was below the OEL. Changes in TEWL and to a lesser extent skin hydration, suggest a deterioration in skin barrier function during the shift. Forklift drivers as well as plate washers may be the highest risk job categories in developing allergic contact dermatitis. Several measures to lower respiratory and dermal exposure to nickel are also recommended. / MSc (Occupational Hygiene), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The thesis describes the issue of emergency preparedness and protection of the inhabitants in the National Corporation Budweiser Budvar during the release of hazardous substances. The thesis is focused on important aspects that determine the drafting of emergency documentation. One of aspects is the amount of hazardous chemical - ammonia. The total ammonia content in the object is 22 tons. This amount is according to the Act No. 59/2006 Coll., concerning prevention of major accidents as a sub-limit amount and not as an object into group A or B. On these not-classified resources are not subject to some duties under this Act, especially the obligation to prepare an emergency documentation (except where the regional authority include in the emergency plan then must provide and update the required documents). This paper doesn´t discuss by the massive leakage of 22 tons of ammonia. On the basis of analyzes were identified two sources of the risk. The first is a reservoir about the content of 10 tons which is located on the roof of the engine room. Maximum real filling is around 6 tons. The second source of risk is an expansion tank about the content of 14 tons, which is located in the building with cylinderconicals tanks (CKT). Considered fulfillment of the expansion vessel is about 7 tons. Although in this case is not about buildings and facility in which is treated with such a amount of dangerous chemical substances, which would belonged to the relevant group, I will perform available analysis according to a regulations issued or supportively used to analysis and risk assessment in according to the Act No. 59/2006 Coll., concerning prevention of major accidents. Harmful effects of ammonia are another important aspect. According to the Notice of the Ministry of Interior No. 103/2006 Coll., concerning establish principles defining the emergency planning zone and the extent and method of preparation of an external emergency plan, ammonia is taken as moderately toxic substance that irritates the eyes, mucous membranes, and in high concentrations can cause death. The great advantage from the point of view of the protection inhabitants are the warning properties. Characteristic pungency is already known in very weak concentrations. Also disposal of hazardous concentrations isn't technologically challenging, due to its solubility in the water. Another dangerous effect, except the toxicity is its explosiveness (explosive limit from 15 to 28 %) and flammability. Fortunately controlled condensing pressure prevents ignition and explosion of ammonia. Risk of the explosion and ignition of ammonia isn´t analyzed in this thesis, because the range of effects caused by leakage of several tons, is from a toxicological point of view more threatening. Impacts of hazardous concentrations aren´t threat only for people but also for animals and the environment. The thesis focuses on the analysis and evaluation of risks. The results of this research are an important element of the draft of emergency documentation. During the processing is calculated with methods IAEA-TECDOC-727, Dow's Chemical Exposure Index, Estimation of toxicity and software modeling program ALOHA. Further research is being done by brainstorming and semi-standardized interviews with employees of the company. In conclusion of the thesis is appropriate the drafting of emergency cards and emergency documentation (although not in range under the Act of concerning prevention of major accidents), according to which the reaction proceeded for any leakage of dangerous chemicals (ammonia) into the environment and the protection of workers which occur at the public premises or in the premises of the zone of impact of ammonia spilled outside the area Budweiser Budvar, NC. The use of the draft of emergency documentation is also conditioned by the location of the object in relatively densely populated areas of the county town of České Budějovice.

This thesis deals with creating a model for cases of hazardous chemicals leakages, especially of agricultural fertilizers. The thesis is divided into two parts ? a theoretical one and a practical one. The theoretical part of the thesis introduces the reader to the concept of population protection and its history. It adds definitions of basic terminology and legislation related to the protection of the population. A look into history brings a selection of the most serious chemical disasters. The last chapters describe in general the principles of plant fertilization and provide a list of the most widely used agricultural fertilizers. The objective of the thesis is to compile a list of commonly used agricultural fertilizers and to create a model of a leakage of hazardous chemicals. The model will be created using a software tool called TerEx. The creation of the model was based on the study of emergency response plans and personal consultations. This thesis, along with photographs taken, can serve the Integrated Rescue System (IRS) as a model study of a given area with its mapping. The research is supplemented by a questionnaire examining the preparedness of the population and the IRS members. Evaluation of the questionnaire enabled to verify the validity of both the hypotheses and to draw recommendations for the protection of the population.

This diploma thesis is focused on evaluating the sources of environmental risks in the safety domain of the Honeywell Aerospace Olomouc company. First part of the diploma thesis is theoretical and serves as an entry to problematics of severe accidents prevention, risks identification and assessment. In the next part all the chemical substances stored in this international industrial company are valorised, the substances most dangerous to the environment are identified and certain precautions to prevent serious accidents are suggested according to valid legislation and recommended methods of the Ministry of the Environment.

This study endeavors to investigate the negative environmental impacts of the prevailing ICT design approaches and to explore some potential remedies for ICT design unsustainability from environmental and corporate sustainability perspectives. More specifically, it aims to spotlight key environmental issues related to ICT design, including resource depletion; GHG emissions resulting from energy-intensive consumption; toxic waste disposal; and hazardous chemicals use; and also to shed light on how alternative design solutions can be devised based on environmental sustainability principles to achieve the goals of sustainable technologies. The study highlights the relationship between ICT design and sustainability and how they can symbiotically affect one another. To achieve the aim of this study, an examination was performed through an extensive literature review covering empirical, theoretical, and critical scholarship. The study draws on a variety of sources to survey the negative environmental impacts of the current mainstream ICT design approach and review the potential remedies for unsustainability of ICT design. For theory, central themes were selected for review given the synergy and integration between them as to the topic under investigation. They include: design issues; design science; design research framework for ICT; sustainability; corporate sustainability; and design and sustainability. Findings highlight the unsustainability of the current mainstream ICT design approach. Key environmental issues for consideration include: resource depletion through extracting huge amounts of material and scarce elements; energy-intensive consumption and GHG emissions, especially from ICT use phase; toxic waste disposal; and hazardous substances use. Potential remedies for ICT design unsustainability include dematerialization as an effective strategy to minimize resources depletion, de-carbonization to cut energy consumption through using efficient energy required over life cycle and renewable energy; recyclability through design with life cycle thinking (LCT) and extending ICT equipment’s operational life through reuse; mitigating hazardous chemicals through green design - low or non-noxious/less hazardous products. As to solving data center dilemma, design solutions vary from hardware and software to technological improvements and adjustments. Furthermore, corporate sustainability can be a strategic model for ICT sector to respond to environmental issues, including those associated with unsustainable ICT design. In the same vein, through adopting corporate sustainability, ICT-enabled organizations can rationalize energy usage to reduce GHG emissions, and thereby alleviating global warming. This study provides a novel approach to sustainable ICT design, highlighting unsustainability of its current mainstream practices. Review of the literature makes an advance on extant reviews of the literature by highlighting the symbiotic relationship between ICT design and environmental sustainability from both research and practice perspectives. This study adds to the body of knowledge and previous endeavours in research of ICT and sustainability. Overall, it endeavours to present contributions and avenues for further theoretical and empirical research and development. / +46704352135/+212662815009

The diploma thesis is focused on a detection and a laboratory control of hazardous substances’ leak into the environment. These hazardous substances are classified. Further, it aims to chemical laboratories of the fire-brigade of the Czech Republic, as well as which place they hold in the fire-brigade system, and it indicates their main duties. This diploma thesis contains a review of some essential types of devices and mediums, which are in terms of the fire-brigade of the Czech Republic usable to practice the detection, determination and assessment of the hazardous substances in various figures of the environment in terrain, i.e. filling of duties of the chemical survey. The output of this diploma thesis is simulation of leaks of the toluene diisocyanate using ALOHA software, TerEx software and Rozex Alarm software. Further on, the proposal of another methodical sheet focused on leak actions of the concrete hazardous industrial substance – toluene diisocyanate. This methodical sheet could therefore broaden pro tempore elaborated sheets for chlorine and ammonia.