Occupational environment monitoring of a medical equipment manufacturing factory

1. Overview of the medical equipment manufacturing factory

a. What is a medical equipment manufacturing factory?

Factory manufacturing medical equipment is a production facility designed to manufacture medical devices. This can include basic medical equipment such as syringes, bandages, and gloves, as well as more advanced medical equipment such as imaging diagnostic machines, surgical instruments, and electronic medical devices.

The medical equipment manufacturing factory must comply with strict safety and quality regulations and standards, including those of domestic and international medical regulatory authorities. It must use tightly controlled manufacturing processes to ensure that the final product meets established quality, performance, and safety standards.

b. Manufacturing stages in the medical equipment manufacturing factory

The manufacturing stages in the medical equipment manufacturing factory may vary depending on the type of product being manufactured. However, common manufacturing stages in medical equipment factories include:

• Product design and development: This process includes research, development, and design of new products or improvement of existing products.
• Raw material procurement: Raw materials are purchased from selected suppliers with the best quality and meeting the specific technical requirements of the product.
• Production: The production process includes casting, machining, assembling, and testing the product. These production processes must comply with strict safety and quality standards.
• Quality control: Products must be inspected according to specified standards. The quality control process includes rigorous inspection of all details, components, and finished products to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
• Packing and transportation: After being inspected and packed, products are transported to distribution points or storage warehouses for preparation for distribution.

These manufacturing stages must be carried out with attention to the safety and reliability of the product. Compliance with safety and quality regulations and standards helps ensure that the product meets the requirements and expectations of users and health authorities.

c. Types of machines used in the medical equipment manufacturing factory

The types of machines used in the medical equipment manufacturing factory depend on the type of product being manufactured. However, below are some common types of machines that may be used in the manufacturing process of medical equipment:

• Casting machine: used to manufacture small components of medical equipment by pouring material into molds.
• CNC machining machine: used to process components of medical equipment, including blanks and details, with high precision.
• Welding machine: used to weld components of medical equipment.
• Electronic manufacturing machine: used to manufacture electronic components of medical equipment, including microchips and other parts.
• Measuring and inspection machine: used to measure and inspect finished products and components during the production process.
• 3D printing machine: used to produce models or blanks of medical equipment products.

These machines must be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure efficiency and high reliability in the manufacturing process.

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

Workers in the medical equipment manufacturing factory may suffer from some occupational diseases due to the following factors:

• Exposure to toxic substances: Some toxic substances may be used in the medical equipment manufacturing process, such as chemicals, solvents, and heavy metals. If workers are not properly protected, they may suffer damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart.
• Exposure to ultraviolet rays: Medical devices such as ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, and MRI machines use ultraviolet rays to create images. If workers are not properly protected, they may suffer from sunburn, skin cancer, or blindness.
• Exposure to bacteria and viruses: During the manufacturing process of medical equipment, workers may be exposed to bacteria and viruses. If they do not wear protective gear, they may contract infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C or HIV/AIDS.
• Repetitive working conditions: Highly repetitive tasks in the medical equipment manufacturing process can cause injuries due to continuous use of body parts such as hands, wrists, and shoulders. This can lead to hand, shoulder, neck disorders, and back pain.

e. Common types of medical equipment on the market

Common types of medical equipment on the market include:

• X-ray and ultrasound machines: These are the most common medical devices used to create images of parts inside the patient’s body. X-ray machines use X-rays to create images, while ultrasound machines use sound waves.
• Electrocardiogram machines: A type of medical device used to monitor heart activity and measure the volume of blood pumped.
• Respiratory machines: These devices are used to support or replace the natural breathing process of patients, especially those with respiratory-related diseases.
• Artificial blood generators: A type of medical device used to produce and provide blood for patients in cases of anemia or surgery.
• Testing equipment: Including devices for testing blood, urine, fat, blood sugar, and many other tests.
• Nerve support devices: Including devices that support nerve functions, such as vision measuring devices and pain relief equipment.
• Household medical devices: Including devices used at home such as blood pressure monitors, blood sugar monitors, heart rate monitors, and blood oxygen saturation meters.

These types of medical equipment play an important role in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients’ health and are widely used in the healthcare industry worldwide.

2. Overview of occupational environment monitoring service

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

Occupational environment monitoring (or workplace environment measurement) in the medical equipment manufacturing factory is the activity of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing indicators measuring occupational environmental factors at the medical equipment 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 medical equipment manufacturing factories.

Occupational environment monitoring plays the most important role in caring for, protecting, 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 measurement methods to monitor air quality, water, 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 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 the 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 the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. This ensures that collected data will be highly reliable for workplace environment assessment and for making decisions on environmental improvement to protect workers’ health.

These standardized processes also ensure that measurement results are performed by a highly qualified team of monitoring specialists 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 medical equipment 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, 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 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 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 medical equipment manufacturing factories

Harmful environmental factors for workers in medical equipment manufacturing factories include:

• Noise: Machinery and equipment in medical equipment manufacturing factories can generate loud noise, especially when operating for long periods of time. Noise can harm workers’ hearing if not properly protected.
• Dust and chemicals: During the manufacturing process, dust and chemicals may be released into the air, posing health risks to workers. Chemicals such as formaldehyde, lead, and mercury can cause serious health problems, including cancer, lung disease, and nerve cell damage.
• Temperature and humidity: Medical equipment needs to be manufactured and stored under specific temperature and humidity conditions. However, if the working environment in the factory does not meet these requirements, temperature and humidity can affect workers’ health.
• Lighting: Medical equipment may require high levels of lighting for quality control. However, lighting that is too strong or too weak can affect workers’ vision.
• Electromagnetic impact: Some medical equipment can generate electromagnetic effects. If not properly protected, these effects can harm workers’ health, especially when working with such equipment for long periods of time.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

4. Measures to improve the working environment in medical equipment manufacturing factories

To improve the working environment in medical equipment manufacturing factories, the following measures can be implemented:

• Ensure safety in the use of chemicals and protect workers’ respiratory systems: use appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, helmets, and chemical-resistant gowns.
• Implement proper waste management and treatment: ensure waste treatment is carried out by specialized waste treatment companies and in compliance with environmental protection laws.
• Maintain appropriate humidity and temperature in the factory: use air conditioning systems to maintain humidity and temperature within a safe range.
• Provide sufficient lighting for workers: use suitable lighting to ensure adequate illumination in working areas.
• Control noise: use noise reduction equipment to minimize noise in the working area.
• Ensure electrical equipment safety: use lightning protection devices and ensure worker safety when working with electrical equipment.
• Conduct regular inspections: ensure periodic inspection of equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other facilities in the factory to maintain safe and efficient operation.
• Regularly organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze harmful factors to workers, then adjust to reduce risks and prevent occupational diseases for them.

5. Benefits of periodic monitoring in medical equipment manufacturing factories

An Toan Nam Viet provides businesses with great advantages 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.

• Businesses can proactively control harmful factors at workshops or factories.
• Receive consulting and recommendations on measures to reduce harmful factors and improve the quality of the working environment.
• Indirectly protect human resources, the main factor in the development process of the business.
• Reduce the harmful effects of occupational diseases on workers’ health, thereby minimizing future medical treatment costs.
• Improve workers’ health, leading to guaranteed and maintained product quality and output.
• Comply with labor safety regulations and avoid legal risks.
• Create credibility and professionalism in all aspects, thereby enhancing the brand reputation of the business.

The occupational environment monitoring service of Nam Viet is the solution to reduce the harmful effects 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 specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the occupational environment throughout 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 monitoring occupational environment issues. With the motto “customers are the center,” the center cares about customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.

REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

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

• We always value 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 benefit businesses.
• With the Nam Viet Environment Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the field of monitoring, along with the best cost benefits.

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

• Before carrying out occupational environment monitoring, our company always ensures that equipment and machinery used for monitoring are adjusted and calibrated in accordance with legal regulations.
• Perform correctly and fully the occupational environment monitoring process committed with the Department of Health.
• Report monitoring results honestly to employers.
• If occupational environment monitoring results are unsafe for workers, Nam Viet will support by providing remedial 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 checks to detect early occupational diseases and job-related illnesses for workers in unsafe environments.
  • Provide material benefits for workers in accordance with labor laws.

7. Quotation for occupational environment monitoring

To help businesses implement occupational environment monitoring in a professional and effective way, Nam Viet provides customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring service quotation.

• Our quotation provides detailed information about the costs of monitoring services we offer, including expenses related to transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting results. Customers can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring reports we provide.
• We are committed to always offering competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also ready to quickly and professionally consult and answer all questions about monitoring services.
• With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily select service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.