Occupational environment monitoring of a medical glove manufacturing factory

1. Overview of Medical Glove Manufacturing Factories

a. What is a medical glove manufacturing factory?

A factory that manufactures medical gloves is a production facility specialized in producing and processing various types of medical gloves. These factories are usually designed and equipped with modern production lines and technology to create high-quality medical gloves, complying with medical standards and ensuring user safety.

Through these production processes, the medical glove factory ensures mass production of high-quality medical gloves, meeting the demand in the healthcare sector and ensuring user safety.

b. Production stages in a medical glove manufacturing factory

The production stages in a medical glove manufacturing factory may include:

• Material preparation: Preparing necessary materials such as synthetic rubber, additives, and coloring agents. These materials are quality-checked and prepared for the production process.
• Mixing and milling: The materials are mixed together to form a rubber compound. This mixing and milling process softens and shapes the mixture to create a flexible and workable material for medical gloves.
• Molding and shaping: The rubber compound is poured into glove molds. Applying heat and pressure, this process shapes the gloves to precise sizes and dimensions.
• Cleaning and quality inspection: After molding and shaping, gloves are cleaned to remove dust, debris, or any impurities. Then they undergo quality inspection to ensure compliance with medical standards and defect-free production.
• Drying: Gloves are placed in dryers to remove moisture and fully dry them before packaging.
• Packaging: Medical gloves are packed in individual packages or according to specific formats. Packaging ensures gloves are properly stored and protected until use.
• Final inspection and boxing: Before boxing, gloves undergo a final inspection to ensure quality and compliance with medical standards. Then they are boxed for transport and distribution.

c. Machinery used in a medical glove manufacturing factory

In a medical glove manufacturing factory, various specialized machines and equipment are used for the production stages. Common machines include:

• Rubber mixer: Used to blend ingredients such as synthetic rubber, additives, and coloring agents to create the rubber compound.
• Milling machine: Used to soften and shape the rubber compound into a pliable and workable form.
• Glove molding and shaping machine: This machine inserts the rubber compound into glove molds and applies heat and pressure to achieve the correct shape and size.
• Cleaning and quality inspection machine: Used to clean gloves after shaping and inspect for defects such as holes, debris, or impurities.
• Drying machine: Used to completely dry gloves after cleaning to remove moisture and prepare them for packaging.
• Packaging machine: Automatic or semi-automatic machines for packing gloves into individual packages or specific formats.
• Boxing machine: Used to place gloves into cartons or pallets for transport and distribution.

d. Occupational diseases that workers in medical glove manufacturing factories may encounter

Workers in medical glove manufacturing factories may encounter the following occupational diseases:

• Skin diseases: Exposure to chemicals during glove production can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, allergic reactions, and other skin issues.
• Respiratory diseases: Without effective dust and organic vapor management, workers may inhale dust and organic vapors, causing respiratory problems such as pneumonia, asthma, and chemical-induced lung diseases.
• Spine and musculoskeletal diseases: Repetitive work positions during glove production can lead to muscle strain and issues in the spine, bones, joints, and muscles.
• Heat-related illnesses: Working in high or unstable temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and burns.
• Mechanical impact-related diseases: Working with machinery and equipment can lead to injuries to muscles, bones, and other mechanical impact-related issues.

e. Common types of medical gloves on the market

Currently, there are various types of medical gloves used in different fields. Some common types include:

• Latex gloves: Made from natural rubber, latex gloves are elastic, durable, and provide good protection. However, latex allergies exist, so alternatives like vinyl and nitrile gloves are widely used.
• Vinyl gloves: Made from PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), vinyl gloves are low-cost, lightweight, and easy to wear, but they lack elasticity and durability compared to latex or nitrile gloves.
• Nitrile gloves: Made from synthetic nitrile rubber, nitrile gloves are elastic, oil-resistant, chemical-resistant, and offer high protection. Commonly used in healthcare, chemical, and food industries.
• Polyethylene gloves: Made from polyethylene plastic, often used in food handling and medical settings where high protection is not required.
• Touchscreen gloves: (Nitrile, latex, or vinyl) designed for use with touchscreen devices without removing the gloves.
• Anti-static gloves: Used in electronics and industries requiring static electricity protection.
• Antibacterial medical gloves: Designed to reduce infection risks and prevent bacterial spread.

2. Overview of Occupational Environment Monitoring Services

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in a medical glove manufacturing factory?

Occupational environment monitoring (or workplace environment measurement) in a medical glove manufacturing factory involves collecting, evaluating, and analyzing indicators measuring the occupational environment factors in the factory. This aims to implement timely measures to reduce environmental hazards affecting workers’ health and prevent occupational diseases. Occupational environment monitoring is a mandatory requirement for medical glove manufacturing factories.

Occupational environment monitoring plays a crucial role in protecting and enhancing workers’ health because the main resource of a business, directly generating profit, is its workers. Workers exposed regularly to hazards above permissible limits are at risk of health issues and occupational diseases.

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b. Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program

Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program is researched by monitoring engineers in occupational safety and environmental protection. To ensure workers’ health and safety, this program uses modern measurement methods to monitor air, water, microclimate, physical factors, dust, and other environmental factors in the workplace. This program is essential for maintaining a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

Additionally, Nam Viet’s program plays a critical role in researching and developing new solutions to improve occupational environment quality. With the dedication and professionalism of its expert team, Nam Viet’s exclusive monitoring program is a breakthrough in occupational safety and environmental protection management in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in occupational environment measurement procedures

Standardization in Nam Viet’s occupational environment measurement process is crucial for ensuring measurement accuracy and reliability. The program uses standards and standardized procedures recognized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures collected data can be reliably used in workplace environment assessments and decision-making to improve workers’ health protection.

These standardized procedures also guarantee that measurements conducted by highly qualified monitoring specialists with years of experience provide reliable results, enabling managers and experts to make accurate decisions valuable for protecting workers’ health and the environment.

By applying standardization in occupational environment measurement, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment, protecting workers’ health, and contributing positively to improving occupational safety and environmental management in Vietnam.

d. Reporting results of monitoring at medical glove manufacturing factories

Occupational environment monitoring results are prepared according to Form No. 04, Appendix III, issued with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and prepared in two copies: one sent to the workplace that contracted the monitoring service, and one retained by the organization performing the monitoring.

The retention period of occupational environment monitoring results is indefinite, as prescribed by law.

e. Frequency of occupational environment monitoring as required by law

According to Clause 2 of Article 18 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Health 84/2015/QH13, employers must conduct occupational environment monitoring to assess harmful factors at least once per year.

f. Deadline for submitting occupational environment monitoring reports as required by law

The deadline for submission is before December 31 each year. Enterprises belonging to production facilities must submit occupational environment monitoring results to the local Department of Health where the production or business headquarters and employees are located.

When there are changes in technological or production processes, or during renovation or upgrading that may introduce new hazards to workers’ health, enterprises must update their occupational hygiene records regarding harmful factors requiring monitoring.

g. Penalties for violations of occupational environment monitoring regulations for employers

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP dated 17/01/2022, regulating administrative penalties in labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers working abroad under contract:

• Clause 2: A fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who fail to publicly inform workers at the monitored workplace and locations under inspection, evaluation, or management of hazardous factors immediately after receiving monitoring results and inspection outcomes.
• Clause 3: A fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who do not conduct occupational environment monitoring to control health hazards as required by law.
• Clause 4: A fine of 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with monitoring organizations to commit fraud in occupational environment monitoring activities without reaching criminal liability.

3. Harmful Environmental Factors for Workers in Medical Glove Factories

Workers in medical glove factories may encounter the following harmful environmental factors:

• Chemicals: The production of medical gloves may involve chemicals such as rubber compounds, solvents, accelerators, and plasticizers. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and allergies. Some chemicals may also have toxic effects on the nervous system, respiratory system, and overall health.
• Dust and organic vapors: During production, dust may be generated from materials like synthetic rubber or from processing operations. Organic vapors may arise from the use of solvents or other chemicals. Inhalation of dust and organic vapors in the workplace can cause respiratory irritation, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues.
• Temperature and humidity: The working environment in medical glove factories may have high temperatures or unstable humidity. Extreme temperatures can cause heat stress or skin irritation. Inappropriate humidity may promote bacterial and fungal growth.
• Noise: Some processes in medical glove production may produce high noise levels, such as grinding, cutting, and pressing machines. Continuous and loud noise can damage hearing and cause stress and discomfort for workers.
• Lighting: Poor lighting or excessive lighting can cause eye strain, visual fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Medical Glove Factories

To improve working conditions in medical glove factories and ensure workers’ health and safety, the following measures can be applied:

• Chemical management: Ensure the safe use and storage of chemicals according to regulations. Instruct workers on proper handling, protection, and disposal of chemicals.
• Dust management system: Install an efficient dust extraction system to reduce dust generated during production. Maintain cleanliness through regular cleaning and hygiene practices.
• Adjust temperature and humidity: Ensure a stable and comfortable working environment regarding temperature and humidity. Use air conditioning, ventilation fans, and other equipment to regulate temperature and humidity.
• Noise control: Design processes and technology to minimize noise generation. Provide personal protective equipment such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to protect workers’ hearing.
• Provide adequate lighting: Ensure sufficient natural or artificial lighting. Use well-distributed and appropriate lighting to reduce eye strain and enhance work efficiency.
• Training and education: Provide periodic training and education on occupational safety and health. Ensure workers understand and follow safety procedures, use PPE correctly, and know how to handle emergencies.
• Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in factories, collect and analyze harmful factors, and adjust measures to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of Periodic Monitoring in Medical Glove Factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with excellent benefits when using workplace environment monitoring services in accordance with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP on managing and controlling harmful factors in working environments affecting employees.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors in their workshops or factories.
• Receive recommendations on measures to reduce harmful factors and improve the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the key factor in enterprise development.
• Reduce the impact of occupational diseases on human health, thereby lowering future treatment costs.
• Healthier workers lead to higher product quality and consistent production output.
• Comply with labor safety regulations and avoid legal risks.
• Enhance professionalism and reputation, elevating the enterprise’s brand.

Nam Viet’s environmental monitoring service is a solution to minimize occupational disease risks, contributing to a clean and high-quality working environment.

6. Nationwide Workplace Environment Monitoring Center

Nam Viet Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout all provinces of Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In addition to monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes client satisfaction, meets all client needs, and provides the best solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investment in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with objectives including:

• We always prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
• We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
• Alongside a team of experienced Masters and Engineers committed to environmental protection and business benefits.
• By working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, companies receive professional service from experts in the field and the best cost advantages.

The workplace environment monitoring process at Nam Viet includes:

• Before monitoring, all machinery and equipment are calibrated according to legal regulations.
• Implement the complete monitoring process as committed to the Department of Health.
• Report monitoring results honestly to employers.
• If results indicate unsafe conditions, Nam Viet will provide solutions, and the enterprise will implement:
  • Measures to improve working conditions, minimize harmful factor impacts, and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Health check-ups to detect occupational and work-related diseases early for employees in unsafe environments.
  • Provide in-kind benefits to employees according to labor laws.

7. Workplace Environment Monitoring Service Price List

To help businesses perform workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides clients with a quality and reasonably priced service price list.

• Our price list provides detailed information on the costs of monitoring services we offer, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
• We commit to offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market and are always ready to answer questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
• With Nam Viet’s price list, clients can easily choose service packages that meet their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.