2-13. A Practical Checklist for Compliance with Regulations for the Prevention of Health Impairment due to Specific Chemical Substances

Ordinance on Prevention of Hazards due to Specified Chemical Substances (SPCS Ordinance) is a regulation based on the Industrial Safety and Health Act that must be followed when handling specified chemical substances that have carcinogenic or toxic properties. Many substances, including benzene, asbestos, chromium compounds, nickel compounds, and dichloromethane, are subject to this ordinance, and businesses that manufacture, use, and handle them are required to exercise strict control. Since violations can lead to administrative guidance or criminal penalties, it is essential to prepare a practical checklist and inspect the management status.

1. Identification and Listing of Target Substances

• Confirm whether specified chemical substances are being handled.

• Obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to clarify the content and regulatory classification.

• Create and update a list of specified chemical substances used within the workplace.

2. Facility and Work Environment Management

• Are ventilation systems (local exhaust ventilation systems) properly installed and operating?

• Are records of inspections of exhaust paths and filters maintained?

• Are measures in place to prevent exposure through enclosure or mechanization?

• Is the work environment measured at least every six months?

3. Work Method Management

• Are standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling specified chemical substances in place?

• Are rules to prevent exposure, such as prohibiting eating, drinking, and smoking during work, strictly enforced?

• Is the disposal of waste liquids and other waste compliant with laws and regulations?

4. Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Are gas masks, protective gloves, protective clothing, and other PPE properly provided and used?

• Is the selection of protective equipment compliant with the SPCS Ordinance?

• Are fit tests and wearing instructions provided regularly?

5. Health Management and Education

• Are special health examinations conducted for those who handle specified chemical substances?

• Are records preserved for 30 years?

• Is statutory safety and health education provided regularly to workers?

• Are necessary work restrictions or job transfers implemented based on the results of health examinations?

6. Record Keeping and Reporting System

• Are records of work environment measurements, inspections, and health examinations properly stored?

• Have necessary administrative notifications (e.g., appointment of a chief hazardous materials handling operations officer) been completed?

• Is the reporting flow and corrective action plan for abnormalities documented?

7. Auditing and Improvement Activities

• Are internal audits conducted regularly to confirm compliance with the SPCS Ordinance?

• Are findings reflected in improvement plans?

• Are SPCS compliance statuses reported and discussed at health and safety committees?

Specified chemical substances pose a significant risk to health, and responding after an accident occurs is too late. By using the checklist above and systematically enforcing management, you can achieve both legal compliance and the protection of employee health.