Occupational environment monitoring of a toothpaste manufacturing factory

1. Overview of the toothpaste manufacturing factory

a. What is a toothpaste manufacturing factory?

Factory toothpaste manufacturing is a factory manufacturing oral care products, mainly focusing on toothpaste manufacturing. These factories usually have advanced manufacturing and packaging equipment to produce high-quality toothpaste with various oral care ingredients and flavors.

These factories ensure that the products are manufactured with high quality and comply with safety and hygiene standards.

b. Manufacturing stages in the toothpaste manufacturing factory

The manufacturing stages in the toothpaste manufacturing factory include:

• Ingredient preparation: First, the factory must prepare the necessary ingredients for toothpaste manufacturing, including abrasives, thickeners, flavoring agents, fluoride, salt, purified water, and other components.
• Mixing: The ingredients are put into a mixer and thoroughly mixed together at a specific time and temperature. Mixing is carried out to ensure the components are evenly dispersed in the final product.
• Thickening: After mixing, the toothpaste needs to be thickened by being put into a thickening machine. This machine heats and stirs the product to create the appropriate viscosity and consistency.
• Flavor adjustment: After thickening, the toothpaste needs flavor adjustment to create a product with a pleasant and appealing taste. Flavor adjustment is performed by adding flavoring substances to the product.
• Packaging: Toothpaste is put into plastic bags or tubes for storage and use. After packaging, the products will be quality-checked before being stored in the warehouse for distribution.

c. Types of machines used in the toothpaste manufacturing factory

Common machines in the toothpaste manufacturing factory include:

• Mixing machine: This machine is used to mix the ingredients of toothpaste together. It includes a large mixing chamber with a rotating blade to ensure even dispersion of the ingredients.
• Bagging machine: This machine is used to package toothpaste into plastic bags or tubes. It includes an automatic or semi-automatic bagging machine with components such as a vacuum control system, measuring, and cutting system.
• Cartoning machine: This machine is used to package toothpaste into boxes. It includes an automatic or semi-automatic cartoning machine with components such as product positioning system, closing system, and final packaging system.
• Labeling machine: This machine is used to label the product. It includes an automatic or semi-automatic labeling machine with components such as printing system, cutting system, and positioning system.
• Quality inspection machine: This machine is used to check product quality, including testing color, viscosity, hardness, and fluoride content. It includes an automatic or semi-automatic quality inspection machine with components such as sensors, measuring system, and data processing system.

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

Workers in the toothpaste manufacturing factory may be exposed to many chemicals, such as fluoride and compounds related to toothpaste manufacturing. These workers may face health issues if they do not comply with occupational safety measures and do not use personal protective equipment.

Some common occupational diseases in the toothpaste manufacturing factory include dermatitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, bleeding gums, and other health problems related to chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

To prevent occupational diseases, toothpaste manufacturing factories need to establish occupational safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment, training employees on occupational safety and health, and regularly monitoring the working environment to ensure chemical concentrations are controlled and do not harm workers’ health.

e. Common types of toothpaste on the market

On the current market, there are many different types of toothpaste with various uses and features. Some common types of toothpaste include:

• Whitening toothpaste: a type of toothpaste that whitens teeth, reduces plaque, and removes stains on teeth.
• Anti-cavity toothpaste: a type of toothpaste that helps protect teeth against the effects of bacteria causing cavities.
• Sensitive toothpaste: a type of toothpaste that helps reduce pain and irritation of sensitive teeth.
• Children’s toothpaste: a type of toothpaste specially designed for children with a pleasant flavor and dental protection effect for kids.
• Natural toothpaste: a type of toothpaste manufactured from natural ingredients such as coconut fiber, sea salt, peppermint essential oil, without harmful chemicals.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring service

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

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

Occupational environment monitoring plays the most important role in protecting, caring for, and improving workers’ health because the main resource of enterprises and the direct creator of profits is the worker. Workers who are frequently exposed to hazardous factors exceeding permissible standards will be affected in their health 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 a program researched by monitoring engineers in the field of occupational safety and environmental protection. With the goal of ensuring health and safety for workers, this program uses modern measuring methods to monitor air quality, water, and microclimate, physical, and dust factors in the working environment. This is a very important program 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 the monitoring experts, Nam Viet’s exclusive monitoring program is becoming a breakthrough in the field of occupational safety management and environmental protection in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in workplace environment measurement process

Standardization in the workplace environment measurement process of Nam Viet is a very important aspect in ensuring the quality of measurement results. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results, this program uses recognized standards and standardized processes from Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that the collected data will be highly reliable for workplace environment assessment and decision-making regarding environmental improvements to protect workers’ health.

These standardized processes also ensure that measurement results are carried out by a highly qualified team of monitoring experts with many years of experience, helping managers and experts trust the results from An Toan Nam Viet and 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 also positively contributing to the development and improvement of occupational safety management and environmental protection quality in Vietnam.

d. Occupational environment monitoring report of the toothpaste manufacturing factory

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

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, 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 that require 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 regulations of 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 the toothpaste manufacturing factory

Harmful environmental factors for workers in the toothpaste manufacturing factory may include:

• Toxic chemicals: Toothpaste manufacturing often uses toxic chemicals such as Fluoride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and Sodium Saccharin. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can harm the skin, eyes, lungs, and nervous system.
• Dust and toxic fumes: The processes of manufacturing and packaging toothpaste can generate dust and toxic fumes, such as limestone dust, sediment dust, and toxic gases like CO2, NO2, SO2,… Long-term exposure to these agents can cause respiratory problems and cancer.
• Noise: Some manufacturing equipment in the toothpaste factory can generate high noise levels, and prolonged exposure can harm hearing and cause other health issues.
• Temperature and humidity: Toothpaste manufacturing factories may have high temperature and humidity levels. Continuous exposure to such environments can cause health issues such as dry skin, dehydration, headaches, and exhaustion.
• Lighting: Toothpaste manufacturing equipment often needs to be placed in environments with high brightness. Prolonged exposure to strong light can harm vision and cause eye strain.
• Raw materials: Raw materials used to manufacture toothpaste such as limestone, caustic soda, and abrasive powder can also harm workers’ health if not handled properly.
• Packing materials: Packing materials such as paper, plastic, adhesive tape,..

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in the toothpaste manufacturing factory

Measures to improve the working environment in the toothpaste manufacturing factory include:

• Use of personal protective equipment: Provide workers with personal protective equipment, including masks, goggles, aprons, gloves, and safety shoes, to protect them from harmful substances and minimize the risk of occupational diseases.
• Chemical management: Manage chemicals and additives to minimize exposure. Ensure proper storage, use, and transportation of chemicals according to regulations, while minimizing their release into the environment.
• Working conditions: Ensure safe and comfortable working conditions, with abundant natural light and fresh air. Personal hygiene and comfort must also be guaranteed, including appropriate temperature and humidity control.
• Training and education: Train and educate workers about potential risks and safety measures at work. This includes the use of personal protective equipment, handling chemicals and other tools, and responding to emergencies such as fire or occupational accidents.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure efficiency and minimize occupational accident risks.
• Enhanced supervision: Strengthen supervision of manufacturing activities to detect safety risks early, implement corrective measures, and prevent occupational accidents.
• Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and then adjust to reduce hazards and prevent occupational diseases for them.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring of the toothpaste manufacturing factory

An Toan Nam Viet provides enterprises with great benefits when using occupational environment monitoring services in accordance with Decree 44/2016/NĐ – CP on the management and control of harmful factors in the working environment affecting workers.

• Enterprises can proactively control harmful factors in workshops or factories
• Receive consulting recommendations for measures to reduce harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the key factor in the enterprise’s development process
• Minimize the effects of occupational diseases on human health, thereby reducing future treatment costs.
• Improve workers’ health, leading to assured and sustained product quality and productivity.
• Comply with occupational safety regulations, avoiding legal risks.
• Create credibility and professionalism in all aspects, thereby elevating the enterprise’s brand.

The environmental monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to minimize the effects of occupational diseases, contributing to creating a fresh 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 occupational environment quality throughout all provinces and cities 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 following up on occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are the center”, the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all their needs, and committing to delivering the best solutions for enterprises.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has been and is becoming one of the prestigious units in occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:

• We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
• We provide customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
• Together with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and bring benefits to enterprises.
• By working with the Nam Viet Monitoring team, companies will receive professional services from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost advantages.

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

• Before conducting occupational environment monitoring, we always ensure that the machines and equipment used for monitoring are calibrated and adjusted in accordance with legal regulations.
• Carry out the occupational environment monitoring process correctly and fully as committed to the Department of Health.
• Honestly report occupational environment monitoring results to employers.
• In cases where occupational environment monitoring results do not ensure worker safety, Nam Viet will support by proposing corrective solutions, and the workplace will implement as follows:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions to minimize the impact of harmful factors and prevent occupational diseases.
  • Organize health checkups to detect occupational diseases and related diseases early for workers in unsafe working environments.
  • Provide allowances in kind for workers in accordance with labor laws.

7. Quotation for occupational environment monitoring

To help enterprises conduct occupational environment monitoring in a professional and effective way, Nam Viet provides customers with a quotation for occupational environment monitoring services with high quality and reasonable costs.

• Our quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer, including costs related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market, and we are always ready to provide quick and professional consultation and answers to all inquiries about monitoring services.
• With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.