Japan establishes monitoring criteria for potential substance exposure

2022-12-20 Reference source : Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare

Exposure monitoring & measurement Risk assessment Risk management

On 21 November 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) published an interim report on worker exposure measuring requirements, in order to assist businesses in getting ready to comply with proposed changes to the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). The report includes mandatory personal sampling for certain substances

The ISHA will be updated by 31 March 2023 to match the suggested measuring requirements contained in the report. The recommendations from the "Panel of Experts on Chemical Substance Management Interim Report" include information on the requirements for measuring worker exposure for the short-term (15 minutes) and long-term (8 hours), sampling location, and evaluation of data for risk assessment. They are intended to ensure that businesses comply with the ministry's allowable concentration limits under the ISHA.

Recommendation from the 'Panel of Experts on Chemical Substance Management Interim Report'

Measures included	Examples:
The MHLW will mandate personal sampling for both short- and long-term exposure for 15 specific chemical compounds, organic solvents, lead, and dust exposures.	Acrylonitrile-Used to make plastics, acrylic fibres, and synthetic rubber. Used in upholstery, fleece jumpers and sportswear.
	Dimethyl sulfate- Dimethyl sulfate is best known as a reagent for the methylation of phenols, amines, and thiols. It is widely used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes.
	1,2-epoxypropane - Used in polyether production.
US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method of measurement will be needed for 7 chemicals.	Dichlorobendizine and its salts- Used as a dye intermediate and in printing inks.
	Chlorine- Used as a bleach and in the production of rubber as well as paper and clothing. Also used in manufacture of pesticides.
	Chloroethene- Used as a solvent, a refrigerant, and dyes.
The measurement of worker exposure to 19 chemicals will be taken into account by the ministry.	Lithium salt- Used in the production of batteries, aluminium, heat-resistant glass and ceramics.
	Hydrogen fluoride- Used in manufacture of aluminium, plastics, and electrical components.
	Hydrogen cyanide- Used in electroplating, mining, production of synthetic fibres, plastic, and dyes.

Japan approved the revisions to ISHA in May 2022. The revision includes the recruitment of workplace risk assessment managers and safety equipment specialists. Furthermore, modifications to the standards for safety data sheets (SDS) and labelling were included. These changes are expected to be implemented gradually over the following two years 2023-2024.

MHLW also plans to provide more technical details on requirements for respiratory protective equipment, sample collection and risk assessment methods.

We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare .

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Japan establishes monitoring criteria for potential substance exposure

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