Occupational environment monitoring of an instant noodle manufacturing factory

1. Overview of instant noodle manufacturing factories

a. What is an instant noodle manufacturing factory?

Factory producing instant noodles is an industrial facility specializing in producing instant noodles or packaged noodles. It is a place that produces various types of noodles packaged in bags or boxes for consumer convenience. These factories usually have automated production lines and noodle processing procedures depending on the manufacturer’s technology and recipe.

Instant noodle manufacturing factories are typically equipped with modern technology and advanced production processes to ensure mass production of instant noodles to meet market demand.

b. Production stages in instant noodle manufacturing factories

The main stages in the instant noodle production process at a manufacturing factory may include:

• Raw material preparation: This step involves preparing the main ingredients such as rice, wheat flour, starch, water, and other components according to specific proportions and quantities.
• Mixing and kneading dough: The ingredients are mixed and kneaded together to create a homogeneous mixture. This step may include adding water to the flour and kneading to develop the dough’s elasticity.
• Shaping: The kneaded dough passes through production lines to form different noodle shapes, such as strand noodles, bone-shaped noodles, or broken noodles. This process may involve cutting, stretching, and folding the dough to achieve the desired shape.
• Pre-cooking and cooking: After shaping, the noodles undergo pre-cooking processes such as steaming, drying, or boiling. The process may vary depending on the type of noodles and the specific recipe.
• Seasoning and flavoring: After cooking, noodles may be seasoned by spraying oil, nutrients, or other spices to enhance flavor and product quality.
• Packaging: After all the above steps, instant noodles are packaged into bags or boxes. The packaging process is usually carried out automatically by specialized machinery.
• Quality inspection and final packaging: The instant noodle product undergoes a final quality inspection to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Then, the noodles are finally packaged, labeled, and prepared for shipment.

The production stages may vary depending on the technology, process, and recipe of each instant noodle manufacturing factory.

c. Machinery used in instant noodle manufacturing factories

In instant noodle manufacturing factories, various types of machinery and equipment are used to perform the production stages. Below are some commonly used machines in the instant noodle production process:

• Dough mixer: Used to mix ingredients such as flour, water, starch, and other components to create homogeneous dough and knead it.
• Pressing and cutting machines: Used to create different noodle shapes. Dough is pressed through molds or tools to form strand noodles, bone-shaped noodles, or broken noodles. Then the noodles are cut to the desired length.
• Shaping machine: Used to create different shapes and sizes of noodles. It may include tools and molds to form round noodles, twisted noodles, or other special shapes.
• Cooking machine: Used to cook noodles to the desired doneness or to steam them to soften. Cooking machines usually have temperature and time control systems to ensure noodles achieve the required quality and doneness.
• Drying machine: Used to remove moisture from noodles after cooking or steaming. Drying helps extend shelf life and keeps noodles dry.
• Packaging machine: Automatic packaging machines are used to pack noodles into bags or boxes. These machines often have automatic systems to measure and package noodles accurately and efficiently.
• Quality inspection machine: Used to check quality parameters such as moisture content, size, color, and flavor.

d. Occupational diseases for workers in instant noodle manufacturing factories

Workers in instant noodle manufacturing factories may be exposed to some occupational diseases due to working conditions and job-related factors. Some common occupational diseases in the instant noodle industry include:

• Respiratory diseases: Workers may be affected by dust during noodle production, such as flour or flavoring substances. Prolonged inhalation of dust can lead to respiratory issues like pneumonia, asthma, or sinusitis.
• Allergies: Workers may have allergic reactions to substances in noodles, including gluten. This can cause skin irritation, itching, or respiratory allergic reactions.
• Skin diseases: Chemical products used in production, such as bleaching agents or colorants, can cause skin irritation or dermatitis.
• Musculoskeletal disorders: Tasks involving lifting, transporting, and packaging can strain joints and bones, causing issues like joint degeneration or work-related injuries.
• Hand and wrist disorders: Repetitive actions during production, such as packaging or cutting noodles, can lead to wrist problems or carpal tunnel syndrome.

To ensure worker safety and health, instant noodle factories usually implement protective measures such as safety training, providing personal protective equipment, and ensuring compliance with working procedures.

e. Common instant food similar to instant noodles

There are many instant foods similar to instant noodles available on the market. Some examples include:

• Instant egg noodles: Similar to instant noodles, instant egg noodles are pre-packaged and can be cooked quickly. They are usually made with eggs and seasonings to create a unique flavor.
• Instant vermicelli: Thin, soft noodles packaged in bags or boxes. They can be cooked or soaked in hot water to soften before consumption.
• Instant wonton noodles: Instant noodles combined with wonton dumplings, usually shrimp or meat wontons. Users just need to cook the noodles and wontons in boiling water, then add seasonings for a quick wonton noodle bowl.
• Instant stir-fried noodles: Usually pre-cooked noodles mixed with vegetables, meat, and seasonings. Users cook the noodles in boiling water and then mix with the included stir-fry seasoning for a quick stir-fried noodle dish.
• Instant rice: Pre-cooked rice packaged in boxes or bags. Users just heat the rice in a microwave or pan, then add seasonings, meat, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Instant vegetarian noodles: Instant noodles prepared in a vegetarian style, without meat or animal products. They usually include vegetables, mushrooms, and other vegetarian ingredients for diverse flavors.

2. Overview of labor environment monitoring services

a. What is labor environment monitoring in instant noodle manufacturing factories?

Labor environment monitoring (or occupational environment measurement) in instant noodle manufacturing factories is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing measurements of labor environment factors at the factory. Its purpose is to take timely actions to minimize environmental harm to workers’ health and prevent occupational diseases. Labor environment monitoring is mandatory for instant noodle factories.

It plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting workers’ health because the workforce is the main resource generating profits for the enterprise. Workers regularly exposed to risk factors exceeding allowed standards may suffer health impacts and occupational diseases.

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b. Nam Viet’s labor environment monitoring program

Nam Viet’s labor environment monitoring program is developed by monitoring engineers specializing in occupational safety and environmental protection. Its goal is to ensure workers’ health and safety, using modern measurement methods to monitor air quality, water, microclimate, physical conditions, dust, and other labor environment factors. This program is critical for ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers’ health.

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

c. Standardization in labor environment measurement processes

Standardization in Nam Viet’s labor environment measurement process is very important to ensure the quality of measurement results. To guarantee accuracy and reliability, the program follows recognized standards and procedures from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data can be reliably used to evaluate the labor environment and make decisions to improve it, protecting workers’ health.

These standardized procedures also ensure measurements are performed by highly qualified monitoring specialists with years of experience, helping managers and experts trust An Toan Nam Viet’s results and make accurate, valuable decisions to protect workers and the environment.

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

d. Labor environment monitoring report for instant noodle factories

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 labor facility that signed the monitoring contract and one kept by the monitoring organization.

Retention period for labor environment monitoring results is unlimited according to legal regulations.

e. Frequency of labor environment monitoring as required by law

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

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

The deadline for report submission is before December 31 each year. Enterprises of mandatory production facilities must submit labor environment monitoring results to the local Department of Health where the facility is headquartered and where workers are employed.

When there are changes in technology, production processes, or during renovation/upgrading that may introduce new hazardous factors affecting workers’ health, enterprises must update occupational hygiene records regarding harmful factors to be monitored.

g. Regulations on penalties for violations of labor 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 contract:

• Clause 2: Fines from 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND for employers who do not publicly disclose monitoring results to employees at the monitored workplace and at locations where hazardous factors are checked, evaluated, and managed immediately after obtaining labor environment monitoring results.
• Clause 3: Fines from 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND for employers who fail to conduct labor environment monitoring to control harm to workers’ health as required by law.
• Clause 4: Fines from 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND for employers who cooperate with monitoring organizations to commit fraud in labor environment monitoring activities but do not reach the level of criminal liability.

3. Harmful Environmental Factors for Workers in Instant Noodle Factories

Workers in instant noodle factories may encounter some harmful environmental factors that can affect their health. Below are some potentially harmful environmental factors:

• Dust: The production of instant noodles may generate dust from ingredients such as wheat flour and additives. Inhaling airborne dust can cause respiratory irritation, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues.
• Chemicals: Chemical products used in production, such as bleaching agents, colorants, preservatives, and flavor enhancers, can cause skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory problems.
• Temperature: The working environment in instant noodle factories may have high temperatures due to cooking and drying processes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat stress and heat burns.
• Noise: Machinery and equipment in instant noodle factories can generate high noise levels. Continuous and loud noise can cause hearing problems and psychological stress.
• Lighting: The working environment may have strong or flickering light from equipment and lamps. Continuous exposure to strong or uneven lighting can cause eye strain, glare, and visual fatigue.
• Confined spaces: Instant noodle factories often have limited space and cramped work processes. Working in confined spaces can cause muscle strain and issues with the back, shoulders, and neck.

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4. Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Instant Noodle Factories

To improve working conditions in instant noodle factories and protect workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:

• Ensure ventilation and extraction systems: Provide effective ventilation to clean the air in the factory. Simultaneously, install dust extraction and fume extraction systems to reduce dust and chemicals during production.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide workers with PPE such as masks, gloves, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing to protect them from dust, chemicals, and other harmful agents.
• Training and education: Ensure workers are trained in occupational safety and health. Provide knowledge about potential hazards, proper PPE usage, safety procedures, and preventive measures.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of machinery, equipment, and systems in the factory to ensure effective operation and reduce the risk of accidents and malfunctions.
• Noise management: Implement measures to reduce noise at its source, such as using noise reducers and isolating machinery noise. Provide hearing protection for workers to minimize the impact of noise.
• Create a comfortable working environment: Ensure a well-ventilated workplace, sufficient natural light, and comfortable temperature. Provide spacious work areas and well-designed workstations to reduce muscle strain and increase worker comfort.
• Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in the factory, collect and analyze harmful factors for workers, and adjust measures to reduce risks to prevent occupational diseases.

5. Benefits of Periodic Monitoring in Instant Noodle Factories

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

• Enterprises can proactively control harmful factors in their factories or workshops.
• Receive recommendations for measures to reduce harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main factor in enterprise development.
• Minimize the impact of occupational diseases on workers’ health, reducing future medical costs.
• Improve workers’ health, ensuring and maintaining product quality and output.
• Comply with labor safety laws, avoiding legal risks.
• Enhance professionalism and reputation, elevating the enterprise’s brand.

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 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 focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all client needs, and providing the best solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

With investments in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become a reputable unit in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with goals including:

• We always prioritize brand reputation and the quality of our service products.
• We provide the best and most suitable solutions for our clients.
• With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
• By working with Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field, along with the best cost advantages.

The workplace environment monitoring process at Nam Viet includes:

• Before conducting workplace environment monitoring, we ensure that all monitoring machines and equipment are calibrated according to legal regulations.
• Implement the monitoring procedures fully as committed to the Department of Health.
• Report monitoring results honestly to employers.
• If monitoring results indicate unsafe conditions for workers, Nam Viet will support solutions, and the enterprise will implement the following:
  • Implement measures to improve working conditions, minimizing harmful factor impacts and preventing occupational diseases.
  • Organize 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 cost of monitoring services we offer, including costs related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can be confident in the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring reports.
• We are committed to providing the most competitive and reasonable prices in the market and are always ready to quickly and professionally answer any questions about monitoring services.
• With Nam Viet’s price list, clients can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to delivering the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.