Occupational environment monitoring of a pharmaceutical manufacturing factory

1. Overview of the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory

a. What is a pharmaceutical manufacturing factory?

Factory manufacturing pharmaceuticals is a production facility specializing in medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and healthcare-related products. These factories ensure high-quality standards to safeguard the health and safety of consumers. The pharmaceutical manufacturing factory usually strictly complies with government regulations to guarantee product quality and consumer safety.

b. Manufacturing stages in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory

The manufacturing stages in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory typically include:

• Research and development: This stage involves studying active ingredients, manufacturing methods, as well as the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical products.
• Finished product manufacturing: After active ingredients are developed and verified, the pharmaceutical factory begins mass manufacturing. The processes include synthesis, extraction, screening, analysis, and packaging.
• Quality control: The pharmaceutical factory must perform quality inspections to ensure that the products meet pharmaceutical industry safety and effectiveness standards.
• Storage and transportation: After pharmaceutical products are manufactured and quality-checked, they are stored and packaged before being transported to retail facilities or distribution agents.

c. Types of machines used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory

The types of machines used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory may include:

• Mixing machine: used to blend the main ingredients of medicines together into a uniform mixture.
• Tableting machine: after the medicine mixture is prepared, the tableting machine is used to compress it into small tablets with standard size and weight.
• Compression machine: used to compress medicine into solid tablets, making them easier to use.
• Packing machine: after being compressed into tablets, the packing machine is used to package them into proper packaging, ensuring food hygiene and safety.
• Quality inspection machine: used to check the quality of manufactured pharmaceutical products, ensuring that they meet standards and are safe for use.
• Drying machine: for medicines produced in liquid form, the drying machine is used to remove water, turning them into powder or tablet form.
• Extracting machine: used to extract solutions or oils from plants or medicinal substances to create different types of pharmaceuticals.
• Analyzing machine: used to analyze ingredients of medicines, measure quality-related values, and check the purity of pharmaceutical components.

In addition, other equipment and machines may be used in specific manufacturing stages of different pharmaceuticals.

d. What occupational diseases may occur for workers in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory?

Workers in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory may be exposed to harmful chemicals, fine dust, and bacteria. Common occupational diseases among workers in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry include:

• Allergies or dermatitis: caused by contact with chemicals during the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
• Lung diseases or breathing difficulties: caused by inhaling fine dust and toxic vapors from chemical products.
• Kidney toxicity: caused by exposure to harmful chemicals such as phenol and formaldehyde.
• Eye diseases: caused by exposure to harmful chemicals or fine dust.
• Musculoskeletal diseases: caused by repetitive movements, standing for long periods, or working in damp and cold environments.
• Mental health disorders: caused by work pressure, noisy and stressful environments.

These occupational diseases may affect workers’ health and quality of life. Therefore, protective measures and improvement of working conditions are very important in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

e. Common types of pharmaceuticals on the market

Currently, there are many types of pharmaceuticals used to treat various diseases. Below are some common types:

• Antibiotics: used to treat bacterial infections.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines: reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, dermatitis, sinusitis, etc.
• Cardiovascular medicines: used to treat heart-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, etc.
• Painkillers: relieve acute or chronic pain in conditions such as back pain, joint pain, headaches, etc.
• Sedatives: used to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Anti-allergy medicines: used to reduce allergy symptoms such as itching and swelling.
• Cough medicines: used to relieve cough caused by respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Weight-loss medicines: used in cases of overweight or obesity.
• Energy-boosting medicines: improve health and enhance physical performance.
• Anti-cancer medicines: used in cancer treatment.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring service

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory?

Occupational environment monitoring (or workplace environment measurement) in the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measurement indicators of occupational environmental factors at the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory. This helps take timely measures, minimize environmental harm to workers’ health, and prevent occupational diseases. Occupational environment monitoring is a mandatory requirement for pharmaceutical manufacturing factories.

Occupational environment monitoring plays the most important role in caring for, protecting, and improving workers’ health because workers are the main resource of enterprises and directly generate profits. Workers who are frequently exposed to hazardous factors exceeding permissible limits will suffer health damage and may develop occupational diseases.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

b. Occupational environment monitoring program of Nam Viet

The occupational environment monitoring program of Nam Viet is researched by monitoring engineers in the field of occupational safety and environmental protection. With the goal of ensuring workers’ health and safety, this program uses modern measuring methods to monitor air quality, water, microclimate, physical factors, and dust in the workplace. This program is very important in ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

In addition, the occupational environment monitoring program of Nam Viet also plays an important role in researching and developing new solutions to improve workplace environmental quality. With the dedication and professionalism of monitoring experts, Nam Viet’s exclusive monitoring program is becoming a breakthrough in occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in the workplace environment measurement process

Standardization in the workplace environment measurement process of Nam Viet is a very important aspect to ensure measurement quality. To guarantee accuracy and reliability, this program uses recognized standards and standardized procedures from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data are highly reliable for workplace environment assessment and making decisions on improvements to protect workers’ health.

These standardized processes also ensure that measurements are carried out by a highly qualified team of monitoring specialists with years of experience, helping managers and experts rely on results from An Toan Nam Viet to make accurate and valuable decisions in protecting workers’ health and the environment.

By applying standardization in the workplace environment measurement process, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health, while positively contributing to the development and improvement of occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

d. Occupational environment monitoring report of the pharmaceutical manufacturing factory

Occupational environment monitoring results are prepared according to form No. 04 Appendix III issued together with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and made into 02 copies: 01 copy sent to the labor facility that signed the contract for occupational environment monitoring and 01 copy stored at the monitoring organization.

The storage duration of occupational environment monitoring results follows the provisions of law, which is permanent record storage.

e. Frequency of conducting occupational environment monitoring according to legal regulations

According to Clause 2 Article 18 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 84/2015/QH13, employers must organize occupational environment monitoring to evaluate harmful factors at least once a year.

f. Deadline for submitting occupational environment monitoring results report according to legal regulations

The deadline for report submission is before December 31 each year. Enterprises in manufacturing facilities are required to submit the occupational environment monitoring results report to the Department of Health in the locality where the manufacturing facility, business has its headquarters and where employees are working.

When there are changes in technology processes, manufacturing processes, or when renovating or upgrading labor facilities that may generate new hazardous factors affecting workers’ health, enterprises in manufacturing facilities must update occupational hygiene records related to harmful factors requiring occupational environment monitoring.

g. Regulations on penalties for violations of occupational environment monitoring for employers

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP dated January 17, 2022, on administrative penalties in the fields of labor, social insurance, and Vietnamese workers working abroad under contracts.

• Clause 2: A fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who do not publicly announce occupational environment monitoring results and results of inspection, evaluation, and management of hazardous factors at the workplace to employees immediately after having the results.
• Clause 3: A fine of 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct occupational environment monitoring to control harm to workers’ health as prescribed by law.
• Clause 4: A fine of 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with organizations conducting occupational environment monitoring to commit fraud in monitoring activities but not to the extent of criminal prosecution.

3. Harmful environmental factors for workers in pharmaceutical manufacturing factories

In pharmaceutical manufacturing factories, harmful environmental factors affecting workers’ health include:

• Dust and toxic fumes: Chemical active substances used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process can generate dust and toxic fumes, affecting the respiratory system and skin of workers.
• Microbial agents: Microbial agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi can cause infectious diseases for workers, especially in laboratories and injection drug manufacturing areas.
• Toxic chemicals: Toxic chemicals such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, phenol, sulfuric acid, and other solvents used in the manufacturing process increase the risk of negative health impacts for workers.
• Humidity and temperature: Humidity and temperature in pharmaceutical manufacturing factories are very important in preserving pharmaceutical ingredients. However, maintaining the required humidity and temperature may create a damp environment, favorable for the growth of bacteria and fungi, harmful to workers’ health.
• Noise: Machines and equipment in pharmaceutical manufacturing factories generate loud noise, affecting workers’ hearing.
• Lighting: Some tasks in pharmaceutical manufacturing factories require workers to work under strong light or ultraviolet light to check product quality, however, prolonged exposure to this lighting can affect the eyes and reduce workers’ vision.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in pharmaceutical manufacturing factories

To improve the working environment in pharmaceutical manufacturing factories, the following measures should be applied:

• Ensure environmental sanitation: The factory must be designed and operated to ensure hygiene and safety for workers. Air, water, and soil must be clean and unpolluted.
• Provide personal protective equipment: Workers must be provided with personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, protective glasses, cleanroom suits, safety shoes, depending on each manufacturing stage and job safety requirements.
• Ensure ventilation and air circulation in the factory: Ventilation systems, smoke extraction, and air conditioning systems must be designed to minimize the spread of dust particles, toxic fumes, harmful gases, and chemicals.
• Provide sufficient information on safety and health for employees: Employees must be fully informed about the risks and harmful effects of chemicals to protect their health and that of colleagues.
• Conduct periodic health checks for employees: The factory must conduct regular health checks for employees to detect occupational diseases early and provide timely preventive and treatment measures.
• Organize occupational safety training sessions: The factory must organize training sessions for employees on occupational safety, skills in using protective equipment, accident prevention measures, and safe working methods.
• Regularly clean and maintain equipment: The factory must regularly clean and maintain equipment to ensure stable operation.
• Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and then adjust to reduce hazards to prevent occupational diseases for them.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with excellent benefits when using occupational environment monitoring services according to Decree 44/2016/ND-CP on management and control of harmful factors in the working environment affecting workers.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors in workshops or factories.
• Receive consultation and recommendations on measures to minimize harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the key element in the enterprise’s development process.
• Minimize the impact of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future medical treatment costs.
• Improved workers’ health leads to ensured and maintained product quality and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with occupational safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Create credibility and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing the enterprise’s brand value.

The occupational environment monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to minimize the impact of occupational diseases, contributing to creating a healthy and high-quality working environment.

6. National occupational environment monitoring center

Occupational environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “customer is the center”, the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to offering the best solutions for enterprises.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investment in technology, techniques, and human resources, the monitoring center of Nam Viet has been and is becoming one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:

• We always value brand reputation and the quality of our services.
• We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions.
• Together with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and bring benefits to enterprises.
• With the Occupational Environment Monitoring team of Nam Viet, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost incentives.

The occupational environment monitoring process at Nam Viet includes the following basic steps:

• Before carrying out occupational environment monitoring, our company always ensures that the monitoring equipment and machines are adjusted and calibrated in accordance with legal regulations.
• Strictly follow the occupational environment monitoring process committed with the Department of Health.
• Honestly report occupational environment monitoring results to employers.
• In case occupational environment monitoring results do not ensure workers’ safety, Nam Viet company will support by providing remedial solutions, and the labor facility will implement the following:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize harmful factors and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health checks to detect occupational diseases and work-related illnesses early for workers in unsafe working environments.
  • Provide material allowances for workers in accordance with labor law regulations.

7. Occupational environment monitoring quotation

To help businesses perform occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a price list for occupational environment monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.

• Our monitoring price list provides detailed information about the pricing of monitoring services we are offering, including costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market, and we are always ready to provide consultation and promptly answer any questions about monitoring services in the most professional manner.
• With Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, customers can easily choose service packages that best suit their needs. We are committed to bringing the highest satisfaction to customers with professional service quality.