Measures to protect workers’ health with occupational exposure to alcohols in the electronics manufacturing industry

In reality, with the requirement to clean some impurities on the surface of electronic components and printed circuit boards, the electronic manufacturing industry often uses mixture of different alcohols. Here are some commonly used alcohol blends:

– Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is effective in removing residue of fluxes, oils and greases from electronic components.

– Ethanol is another alcohol that can be used to clean electronic components. Ethanol is also the main ingredient in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine or spirits. Although using ethanol to clean electronic components is less expensive than IPA, it may not be as effective at removing some kinds of contaminants.

– Methanol is the third alcohol that can be used to clean electronic components. It is a strong solvent that can dissolve a wide variety of contaminants, but it is also more toxic than IPA and ethanol, so stricter safety precautions are required.

– Acetone is a non-alcoholic solvent but can also be used to clean electronic components. It is effective at removing oils, greases and fluxes, but can also damage some plastics and associated accessory materials due to its better solubility of compounds.

Impacts on workers’ health

These mentioned compounds are all hazardous substances that can cause health impacts when workers are exposed to them in production, especially when they are exposed to high concentrations or for long periods of time. Here are some potential impacts on workers’ health:

– Central Nervous System: Methanol or alcohol affects the central nervous system and causes symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion and disorientation. In severe cases, it may lead to convulsions, coma and even death.

– Effects on the respiratory system: Exposure to methanol or alcohol solvents can also cause respiratory effects like irritation of the nose and throat, coughing and shortness of breath.

– Skin and eye irritation: Methanol and alcohol in general can also cause skin and eye irritation, especially when workers are exposed to high concentrations or when in contact with liquids.

– Liver and kidney damage: Alcohols are metabolized in the liver and can cause liver and kidney damage when workers are exposed to high concentrations for a long time.

– Reproductive effects: Alcohol has also been associated with reproductive effects including decreasing fertility and increasing risk of birth defects in animals.

GHS toxicity categories

GHS: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

In the manufacture of electronic components, the proportion or concentration of methanol or other alcohols in the mixture used for cleaning can vary depending on the specific cleaning application and the type of contaminant to be removed. Methanol is a strong solvent and can be effective at removing a wide variety of contaminants, but it can also be more toxic and require more stringent safety precautions than other alcohol blends such as isopropyl (IPA) or ethanol.

Precautions

Preventing occupational exposure to methanol and alcohols in general is essential to ensure the safety and health of workers in the electronics manufacturing industry. Here are some ways to prevent workers’ occupational exposure to methanol:

– Use engineering controls: Implement engineering controls such as local ventilation and closed systems to minimize worker exposure to alcohol vapors. These systems can capture and remove alcohol vapors from the workplace, preventing workers from inhaling alcohol vapors.

– Take measures to maintain equipment: Implement occupational safety and health measures such as cleaning, maintaining and regularly checking equipment which use mixed solvents to clean electronic components. Provide workers with occupational safety and chemical safety training, including handling and storing the aforementioned solvents, responding to chemical spills, and emergency procedures. Workers must be provided with information regarding chemical exposure through the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

– Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide workers with appropriate PPE, such as respirators, gloves and goggles, to protect them from exposure to methanol or alcohol. Make sure workers use the correct type and size of PPE, and they are trained in how to use and maintain PPE.

– Monitor worker exposure: Regularly monitor worker exposure to alcohol solvents to ensure that exposure is within safe limits. Conduct air monitoring by measuring alcohol levels in the workplace and biological monitoring to detect pollutant concentrations in workers’ bodies.

– Provide workers with information about the hazards of methanol and solvent exposure, including health effects and symptoms of overexposure. Encourage workers to report any symptoms or concerns related to methanol or organic solvent exposure and provide them with information on where to seek medical attention.

In summary, preventing occupational exposure of workers to alcohols in the electronic component manufacturing industry requires a comprehensive approach that includes the use of engineering controls, PPE, safe work practices, exposure monitoring and safety training for workers. By taking these measures, employers can create a safer and healthier workplace for their workers.

It is worth noting that while alcohols are effective in cleaning electronic components, they can also be flammable and potentially pose physical hazards. Therefore, when an enterprise implements occupational health protection measures for workers, it must be matched with measures to prevent physical hazards.

It is important that chemical users follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safety instructions when using methanol or any cleaning mixture for electronic components. This may include proper use of PPE, working in a well-ventilated area and proper storage and disposal of cleaning compounds to minimize potential hazards.

M.Sc. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang

(Source: Vnniosh.vn)