Working Environment Measurement

To prevent health problems of workers, and secure more comfortable working environments, it is necessary to manage the occupational health by three methods: working environment management, work management, and health management.

In a workplace exposed to ionizing radiation, harmful rays of light, noise and vibration, high/low temperatures, high humidity, etc. in addition to harmful chemical substances such as organic solvent, lead and its compounds, specified chemical substances, etc., and harmful substances such as dust as a cause of pneumoconiosis, etc., the measurement must be made according to the working environment measurement standard. Furthermore, the measurement by a working environment measurement expert is obliged in six designated workplaces. It is specified that depending on the workplace, the measurement result must be evaluated, and proper measures for improvement must be taken. The working environment measurement will be evaluated by three classifications (management classifications No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3) depending on the working environment status.

• Places requiring working environment measurement, types of measurement, etc.

The management classifications are the evaluations of the environment of each workplace based on the measurement result, and there are three classifications as follows.

Management Classification No. 1

It is judged that the working environment management is appropriate.
→ Make efforts to maintain the current status.

Management Classification No. 2

It is judged that there is more room for improvement in the working environment management compared to the Management classification No. 1.
→ Check the equipment, works, etc., and make efforts to take measures for improving the working environment.

Management Classification No. 3

It is judged that the working environment management is not appropriate.
→ It is necessary to make improvements immediately.
Check the equipment, works, etc., and make efforts to take measures for improving the working environment.
As an emergency measure and a last resort, use an effective respirator.
Take measures necessary for maintaining good health of workers by implementing a medical checkup, etc.

Reference

• Places requiring working environment measurement, types of measurement, etc.

• Measurement and evaluation of dust concentration
• Measurement and evaluation of organic solvent concentration
• Measurement and evaluation of specified chemical substances
• Measurement and evaluation of metals

• Measurement of noise in workplaces
• Measurement of summer heat in workplaces
• Measurement of atmospheric environment in workplaces (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, etc.)

• Terms of Agreement