Occupational environment monitoring at a cold towel manufacturing factory

1. Overview of Cold Towel Manufacturing Factories

a. What is a cold towel manufacturing factory?

A factory that manufactures cold towels is a production facility specialized in producing and packaging cold towels, also known as chilled wet wipes. Cold towels are moist towels soaked in a solution containing cooling agents and antibacterial substances, creating a cooling sensation when used to wipe the face or body.

A cold towel manufacturing factory typically includes equipment and production processes to process, soak, cut, package, and seal the cold towels.

b. Production stages in a cold towel manufacturing factory

Production stages in a cold towel manufacturing factory may include the following steps:

• Raw material preparation: Receiving and inspecting raw materials such as soft fabric paper, cooling solution, antibacterial agents, and other necessary components for production.
• Material processing: Rolls of soft fabric paper are cut into small sheets of the desired size for the cold towels.
• Soaking: The fabric sheets are passed through a soaking system. During this process, the cooling and antibacterial agents are sprayed or immersed onto the sheets so that the towels absorb these substances.
• Quality control: Samples of cold towels are taken from production to check quality, including moisture, cooling effect, and antibacterial properties. Adjustments are made if necessary to ensure product quality.
• Cutting and packaging: The soaked sheets are cut into smaller sizes, usually small towels. Then, cold towels are packaged in sealed packs or simple bags to maintain freshness and product quality.
• Final inspection and boxing: Cold towels undergo a final check before being boxed. Once quality and quantity standards are met, the towels are packed into boxes or pallets for shipment and distribution.

c. Machinery used in cold towel manufacturing factories

In cold towel factories, various machines and equipment are used to carry out the production process. Some common machines include:

• Paper cutting machines: Used to cut rolls of soft fabric paper into small sheets of the desired size for cold towels.
• Automatic soaking machines: Used to soak fabric sheets in a solution containing cooling and antibacterial agents. These machines may use spraying or immersion systems to ensure uniform absorption.
• Towel cutting machines: Used to cut soaked sheets into smaller sizes and desired shapes. They can be adjusted for various sizes and shapes.
• Automatic packaging machines: Used to pack cold towels into sealed packs or simple bags. These machines can automatically measure and package the required quantity of towels.
• Quality inspection machines: Used to check quality parameters of cold towels, including moisture, cooling effect, and antibacterial properties. Ensures products meet technical standards.
• Boxing or palletizing machines: Used to pack and arrange cold towels into boxes or pallets for storage and transport.

d. Occupational diseases workers in cold towel factories may face

Workers in cold towel factories may be exposed to some occupational diseases caused by environmental and job-related factors. Common occupational diseases in the cold towel industry include:

• Respiratory diseases: Workers may be affected by chemicals, dust, and fumes during production, causing respiratory issues such as pneumonia, sinusitis, cough, wheezing, and reduced lung function.
• Skin diseases: Contact with chemicals in the soaking and antibacterial solutions may cause skin irritation, dermatitis, psoriasis, and allergic skin reactions.
• Eye problems: Exposure to fumes, dust, or cleaning agents can lead to eye irritation, redness, conjunctivitis, and vision issues.
• Musculoskeletal and spinal problems: Working in standing positions and handling heavy lifting or pushing may result in spinal issues, muscle fatigue, back pain, and musculoskeletal injuries.
• Ear, nose, throat issues: Contact with chemicals, dust, or irritants can lead to ear infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and related problems.
• Work-related stress: Job pressure, noisy environments, and tight deadlines can cause stress, fatigue, and psychological issues.

e. Common types of cold towels on the market

There are several common types of cold towels on the market. Some popular types include:

• Basic cold towels: Simple towels usually made from soft fabrics like cotton or polyester. They absorb water and provide a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.
• Cold towels with cooling agents: Soaked in a solution containing cooling substances such as gels or polymers for longer-lasting cooling effects. The cooling agent absorbs heat from the skin.
• Cold towels with antibacterial agents: Some towels are soaked in solutions containing antibacterial substances to keep them clean and prevent bacterial growth and odor.
• Sports cold towels: Designed for athletic activities, often larger and highly absorbent to maintain cooling and soothe the skin during exercise.
• Multi-purpose cold towels: Can be used not only as cold towels but also as scarves, face covers, wipes, and for other purposes. Flexible and suitable for various situations.

2. Overview of Occupational Environment Monitoring Services

a. What is occupational environment monitoring in cold towel factories?

Occupational environment monitoring (or workplace environment assessment) in a cold towel factory involves collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measurements of workplace environmental factors to implement timely measures, reduce environmental impacts on worker health, and prevent occupational diseases. Such monitoring is mandatory for cold towel factories.

Workplace environment monitoring is crucial in protecting and enhancing worker health because employees are the primary resource generating profits for the company. Workers frequently exposed to hazards beyond allowed limits may suffer health consequences and occupational diseases.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

b. Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program

Nam Viet’s occupational environment monitoring program is developed by monitoring engineers specialized in labor safety and environmental protection. The program uses modern measurement methods to monitor air, water, microclimate, physical factors, dust, and other elements in the workplace. It is essential for maintaining a safe working environment and protecting worker health.

Additionally, the program supports research and development of new solutions to improve workplace conditions. With the dedication and professionalism of its monitoring experts, Nam Viet’s exclusive program is a breakthrough in labor safety and environmental management in Vietnam.

c. Standardization in occupational environment measurement procedures

Standardization in Nam Viet’s measurement procedures ensures accuracy and reliability of results. The program follows recognized standards and procedures from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data is reliable for workplace evaluation and guiding improvements to protect worker health.

Standardized procedures are conducted by highly qualified monitoring specialists, allowing managers and experts to trust Nam Viet’s results and make precise, valuable decisions.

By applying standardized procedures, Nam Viet demonstrates its commitment to a safe work environment and contributes to improving labor safety and environmental management in Vietnam.

d. Reporting occupational environment monitoring results for cold towel factories

Monitoring results are prepared according to Form 04, Appendix III issued with Decree 44/2016/ND-CP in two copies: one sent to the workplace that signed the monitoring contract and one retained by the monitoring organization.

Records are stored indefinitely according to legal requirements.

e. Frequency of occupational environment monitoring according to the law

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

f. Deadline for submitting occupational environment monitoring reports according to the law

The deadline for report submission is before December 31 each year. Enterprises must submit monitoring results to the local Department of Health at the location of the main office and workplaces.

Whenever there are changes in technology, production processes, or upgrades that may introduce new hazardous factors, enterprises must update occupational hygiene records with relevant data for monitoring.

g. Penalties for violations of occupational environment monitoring by employers

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

• Clause 2: Fines from 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who do not publicly inform workers at the monitored workplace and relevant sites about monitoring results immediately after receiving results.
• Clause 3: Fines from 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct occupational environment monitoring to control hazards affecting worker health.
• Clause 4: Fines from 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who collude with monitoring organizations to commit fraud in occupational environment monitoring activities, without reaching the level of criminal liability.

3. Harmful Environmental Factors for Workers in Cold Towel Manufacturing Factories

Workers in cold towel manufacturing factories may be exposed to several harmful environmental factors. The following are some potential factors that could affect employees’ health:

• Chemicals: The cold towel production process may involve the use of chemicals such as cooling agents, disinfectants, solvents, and other compounds. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory damage, and toxic effects on the body.
• Dust and fumes: Cold towel production may generate dust and fumes from materials such as soft fabric, wetting agents, and chemicals. Inhaling dust or fumes can lead to respiratory irritation, pneumonia, and other health problems.
• Temperature: Cold towel factories may have hot working environments, especially during drying or heat treatment processes. High temperatures can cause heat stress, exhaustion, dehydration, and other health issues.
• Noise: Machinery and equipment in cold towel factories can produce high levels of noise. Continuous and loud noise may affect hearing, cause stress, and contribute to related health problems.
• Lighting: Certain production stages require strong lighting or ultraviolet light. Overexposure to strong light can cause glare, eye damage, and other health concerns.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to Improve the Working Environment in Cold Towel Factories

To improve the working environment in cold towel factories and protect employees’ health, the following measures can be applied:

• Ensure ventilation and exhaust fans: Provide a good ventilation system and strong exhaust fans to remove dust, fumes, and chemicals from the working air. This helps reduce the risk of pneumonia, eye irritation, and other respiratory issues.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure employees are equipped with appropriate PPE such as masks, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. PPE protects the skin, respiratory system, and eyes from direct contact with chemicals and dust.
• Training and guidance: Provide comprehensive training on occupational safety, including proper use of PPE, handling chemicals, and safe operation of machinery. Ensure employees understand potential hazards and know how to prevent them.
• Regular inspection and maintenance: Conduct periodic inspections and maintenance of machinery and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation. This helps reduce the risk of work-related accidents due to equipment failure.
• Improve temperature conditions: Ensure the factory has cooling or air conditioning systems to control the working environment temperature. If ideal conditions are not possible, provide temporary solutions such as fans, cooling water, or cool rest areas to reduce heat stress.
• Regularly conduct occupational environment monitoring in factories to collect and analyze harmful factors affecting workers, then implement adjustments to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of Periodic Monitoring in Cold Towel Factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with excellent benefits when using occupational environment monitoring services according to Decree 44/2016/NĐ – CP on managing and controlling harmful factors in the workplace affecting employees.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors in workshops or factories.
• Receive advice and recommendations to minimize harmful factors and improve workplace environmental quality.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the key factor in business development.
• Reduce the impact of occupational diseases on health, thereby lowering future medical costs.
• Improved employee health leads to higher product quality and ensures consistent production output.
• Ensure compliance with labor safety regulations and avoid legal risks.
• Enhance credibility and professionalism, elevating the company’s brand.

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

6. Nationwide Occupational Environment Monitoring Center

An Toan Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for supervising and measuring occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

In addition to monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes client satisfaction and provides optimal solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investments in technology, equipment, and workforce, An Toan Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:

• We value our brand reputation and the quality of our services.
• We provide clients with the best and most suitable solutions.
• Alongside experienced Masters and Engineers, aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
• Clients using An Toan Nam Viet monitoring services receive professional support from experts and the best cost advantages.

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

• Before monitoring, ensure all equipment is calibrated according to legal regulations.
• Follow the committed occupational environment monitoring procedures with the Department of Health.
• Report monitoring results honestly to employers.
• If results indicate unsafe conditions, An Toan Nam Viet will support remediation measures, and the workplace will:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions, minimizing harmful factor exposure and preventing occupational diseases.
  • Organize health check-ups to detect occupational diseases early for employees in unsafe positions.
  • Provide material compensation to employees according to labor law regulations.

7. Occupational Environment Monitoring Pricing

To help businesses conduct professional and effective occupational environment monitoring, An Toan Nam Viet provides a detailed price list for monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.

• Our price list provides detailed information on all monitoring services offered, including costs for travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
• We commit to offering competitive and reasonable prices, while providing fast and professional consultation for all monitoring service inquiries.
• With An Toan Nam Viet’s monitoring price list, clients can easily select service packages suitable for their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.