FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN DAN TEKNOLOGI AWAM

(FKTA)
Universiti Malaysia Perlis

Problem Based Learning 2 (PBL 2)

SEMESTER & ACADEMIC

SEMESTER 2 – 2022/2023
SESSION

AMJ21403 – ENVIRONMENTAL LAW, HEALTH AND

COURSE CODE & NAME
SAFETY

LECTURER DR. NORAZRIN RAMLI

1. AMMAR RAJAIE BIN RUSMADI (211133006)

NAME & MATRIC NUMBER 2. MUHAMAD FAHMI SAFWAN BIN AWANG ADANI
(211131802)

TOTAL MARKS (100%)

Part 1 – Introduction

Part 2 –Analysis and Discussion

Part 3 - Conclusion

Part 4 – References
 LIST OF CONTENTS

NO. TITLE PAGE

COVER PAGE
LIST OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION
QUESTION 1 1
QUESTION 2 11

2 REPORT CONTENT

(ANALYSIS AND

DISCUSSION)

QUESTION 1 3
QUESTION 2 13

3 CONCLUSION
QUESTION 1 9
QUESTION 2 16

4 LIST OF REFERENCES1
QUESTION 1 10
QUESTION 2 17
CASE STUDY 1:

CHEMICALS USED IN FKTA

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Laboratories frequently use a variety of chemicals in various studies and operations,

including those in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Technology (FKTA) at UniMAP.
Despite the fact that these chemicals are necessary for study and analysis, it's crucial to be
aware that some of them can pose serious risks to one's health and safety if not used properly.
Maintaining a secure lab setting and safeguarding the health of lab personnel, researchers,
and students requires an understanding of the potential threats posed by these compounds.

When utilized in laboratories, certain chemicals can be dangerous if ingested, inhaled, or

come into contact with the skin. The specific characteristics of each chemical, such as its
toxicity, flammability, reactivity, and physical state, determine the kind and degree of these
dangers. The potential dangers can also be further influenced by elements including
concentration, exposure time, and the presence of other substances.

Laboratory chemicals can cause a variety of health risks, from short-term ones like chemical
burns, respiratory irritation, or poisoning to long-term ones like chronic respiratory disorders,
organ damage, or even cancer. Therefore, it is essential for laboratory staff to be aware of any
potential concerns and to put in place the necessary controls to reduce exposure and minimize
the associated risks.

The types and quantities of chemicals present in the laboratory should be recorded in an up-
to-date Chemical Register in order to handle chemical hazards properly. Comprehensive
safety data sheets (SDS) for each chemical that provide crucial details on safe handling,
storage, emergency measures, and disposal techniques should be used in conjunction with
this register.

Laboratory staff can operate in a safer environment and reduce the risks of chemical-related
mishaps or health issues by being aware of the hazards connected with laboratory chemicals
and putting in place the proper control measures. The right handling, storage, and disposal of
hazardous chemicals depend greatly on following rules and regulations, such as those set up
by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

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It is the duty of laboratory management, researchers, and staff to remain knowledgeable
about any risks posed by the chemicals they employ and to take proactive steps to safeguard
the health and safety of everyone participating in laboratory activities. Laboratories can
successfully reduce the hazards and provide a secure working environment for everyone by
fostering a culture of chemical safety and offering proper training and tools.

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2.0 ANALYSIS & FINDINGS

Based on the “Guidelines for the Preparation of a Chemical Register” provided by

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the “Guidelines for the Preparation
of a Chemical Register” provided by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
were aimed to help guide the employer in preparing the Chemical Register in pursuit of the
above requirement of the law. In the case of Faculty of Civil Engineering and Technology
(FKTA), UniMAP uses variety of chemicals in the laboratories that are hazardous to health,
an employer is required to identify and register all chemical hazardous to health at workplace
and record a register known as REGISTER OF CHEMICAL HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH.
The purpose of this requirement is to provide the employees to be informed of the existence
of hazardous chemicals at their workplace, the health risks involved, and the necessary
protective measures. Also, as a reference to employer on how to train the employees in the
correct way to handle chemical hazardous to health and assist assessor in getting information
for risk assessment. The Chemical Register must contain a list of all chemical hazardous to
health that are to be used in workplace, current Chemical Safety Data (CSDS), the average
monthly or yearly amount of each chemical produced or processed in the workplace, average
monthly or annually amount of each chemical are handled, stored, transported, disposed or
treated at the workplace and the name, address, and contact information of the local of
foreign suppliers of each of the chemicals hazardous to health. The Chemical Register must
be maintained by the employer to be in good condition and up to date. These are five
chemicals that are used in FKTA which are hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, acetone,
benzene, and ammonium chloride.

Hazardous chemicals can pose significant threats and various risks to deal with. Some risks
associated in labs include exposure to chemicals by inhalation, skin contact and ingestion.
This may cause harm to human health and must be avoided in serious matters. There are few
ways on how to suggest a control measure for specific respective hazardous chemicals.

HYDROCHLORIC ACID

The control measure that can be taken for hydrochloric acid is as follows:

a) Store HCl in a dedicated, well-ventilated acid cabinet.

b) Implement a spill response plan and have neutralizing agents readily available, such
as sodium bicarbonate.

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 c) Enhance training programs to educate laboratory personnel on the safe handling,
storage, and disposal of HCl, emphasizing proper ventilation and PPE usage.
d) Improve signage and labeling on containers to clearly indicate the presence of HCl
and its associated hazards.
e) Provide appropriate PPE, such as acid-resistant gloves, goggles, and aprons.

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

For sodium hydroxide, these are the control measure that can be taken:

a) Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and a lab
coat, when handling NaOH.
b) Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and a lab
coat, when handling NaOH.
c) Improve ventilation in the laboratory to minimize inhalation of vapors.
d) Develop and communicate specific procedures for diluting and transferring NaOH
solutions safely.
e) Enhance training programs to educate laboratory personnel on the hazards of NaOH
and the importance of proper handling techniques.

ACETONE

The control measures that can be taken for acetone is:

a) Store acetone in a cool, well-ventilated area away from open flames and heat sources.
b) Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, such as gloves and safety goggles,
when handling acetone.
c) Implement procedures to minimize the quantity of acetone used or stored in the
laboratory.
d) Improve ventilation systems to control vapors and reduce exposure risks.
e) Enhance waste management practices, including proper disposal of acetone-soaked
materials and regular disposal of waste containers.

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BENZENE

Benzene is a hazardous chemical that can pose significant risks to health and safety. Here are
some control measures:

a) Store benzene in approved containers and in a designated area specifically designed

for flammable chemicals.
b) Implement proper labeling on containers to clearly indicate the presence of benzene
and its associated hazards.
c) Store benzene away from ignition sources, such as open flames or electrical
equipment.
d) Minimize the quantity of benzene stored to reduce the potential for spills or accidents.

AMMONIUM CHLORIDE

It is important to implement appropriate control measures to ensure the safety of laboratory

personnel. Here are some control measures to consider when dealing with ammonium
chloride:

a) Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat or protective
clothing, when handling ammonium chloride.
b) Store ammonium chloride in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from
incompatible substances.
c) Ensure containers are tightly sealed and properly labeled with the chemical name,
hazard warnings, and appropriate safety symbols.
d) Follow proper handling procedures, such as using appropriate tools and equipment to
minimize the release of dust or fumes.

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It is important for a company to register hazardous chemical into the REGISTER OF
CHEMICAL HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH. To register the chemical, firstly, a company must
fill in a form prepared by DOSH that was divided into 3 section which is: section A:
Company information about the company using or producing the hazardous chemicals,
section B: list of hazardous chemicals for every process or location, section C: Name of the
person responsible to prepare or review the hazardous chemical, and lastly section D:
Declaration by employer or top management that emphasize the need for Chemical Register
to be accessible to all employees. Below are the REGISTER OF CHEMICAL HAZARDOUS
TO HEALTH of five chemicals used in FKTA.

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 Section A:

Section A COMPANY INFORMATION

Name
DOSH Registration no.
ROC no.
Address
City
1 Company Details:
Postcode
State
GPS Coordinate
Telephone no.
Company Email
Name
Designation
2 Contact Person
Telephone no.
Email
a) Industrial Sector Division:
3 Industrial Classification Code:
b) Industrial Classification (fraction) Code:
Manufacturer
Importer
Formulator
4 Company Activity Distributor
End-user
Reformulator
Redistributor

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 Section B & C:

Section B LIST OF CHEMICALS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH

Work Area: No. Of Male
Work Process: Worker: Female

Average Availability of
Name of Composition of Physical Quantity Name, Address of Current SDS
Name of CAS Hazard
No. Hazardous Hazardous Form of Processed, Supplier and (Y/N)
Chemical No. Classification
Ingredient Ingredient (%) Chemical Produced or Contact No. (Prepared date)
Stored (Revised date)
1 Hydrochloric Water 2016- Water (62-65) Liquid Skin Corrosion Fisher Scientific 24-Aug-2009
Acid Hydrochloric 01-18 Hydrochloric Serious Eye Company
Acid Acid (35-38) Damage One Reagent Lane
Fair Lawn, NJ
07410
Tel: (201) 796-
7100
2 Sodium Sodium 1310- Sodium Liquid Skin Corrosion Arachem (M) Sdn 27-Dec-2018
Hydroxide Hydroxide 73-2 Hydroxide (3-7) Serious Eye Bhd 11, Persiaran
Damage Industri Taman
Periundustrian Sri,
Damansara 52200

Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Tel: 603-
62762323
3 Acetone Acetone 67-64-1 Acetone (>99) Flammable 27-29, Jalan 6, 2016-01-18
Serious Eye Taman Batu
Irritation 68100 Batu Caves,
Selangor Darul
Ehsan.
Malaysia.
Tel: 603-
61868666
4 Benzene Benzene 71-43-2 Benzene (90- Flammable liquid Ever Gainful 2007-07-01
100) Skin Irritation Enterprise Sdn.
Bhd. (80867-M)
17, Jalan PJU
1A/16, Taman
Perindustrian
Jaya,
Ara Damansara,
47301 Petaling
Jaya, Selangor
Darul Ehsan
Tel: 603-7845
8818
5 Ammonium Ammonium 12125- Ammonium Harmful if PROGRESSIVE 2017-09-15
Chloride chloride 02-9 chloride (<=100) swallowed. SCIENTIFIC
Eye irritation SDN BHD 27-29,
Jalan 6, Taman
Batu
68100 Batu Caves,
Selangor Darul
Ehsan.
Malaysia.
Tel: 603-
61868666

Section C NAME OF PERSON WHO PREPARED OR APPROVES

Prepared by: Approved by:

Name: Name:

Designation: Designation:

Date: Date:

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 Section D DECLARATION BY EMPLOYER
I ___________________ hereby declare that this chemical register shall be accessible to all
employees at the place of work who may be exposed or are likely to be exposed to chemicals
hazardous to health.

Signature of employer:

Designation:

Date:

3.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is crucial to prioritize chemical safety in laboratories to protect the health

and well-being of laboratory personnel. By implementing appropriate control measures,
laboratories can minimize the risks associated with hazardous chemicals. In its laboratories,
the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Technology (FKTA) at Universiti Malaysia Perlis
(UniMAP) employs a range of chemicals. If these substances are not handled appropriately,
they could be harmful to your health. To increase the security of the laboratories in FKTA, a
number of control measures might be put in place.

Some key suggestions for improving chemical safety include conducting a comprehensive
risk assessment for each chemical used in the laboratory, implementing engineering controls
such as proper ventilation systems, storage cabinets, and safety showers and, providing and
enforcing the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for laboratory
personnel. These measures should be tailored to the specific chemicals used in the laboratory
and should be in accordance with the guidelines and regulations set forth by DOSH or other
applicable authorities. By promoting a culture of chemical safety, providing adequate
training, and implementing these control measures, laboratories can create a safer working
environment for all individuals involved in laboratory activities.

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4.0 REFERENCE

Osh Information Centre free statistics. Available at: https://www.dosh.gov.my/

(Accessed: 02 July 2023).

Department of Labor Logo United States department of Labor Laboratories - Overview |

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Available at:
https://www.osha.gov/laboratories (Accessed: 02 July 2023).

SDS FTKA Chemical Store - Dragon Google Drive. Available at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1Vhx1IKA91EvO01W4msO9dKo9pmgOjM
Lu (Accessed: 02 July 2023).

Guidelines for the preparation of a chemical register under the ... Available at:
https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/list-of-documents/eparticipation/2023/draf-
guidelines-for-the-preparation-of-a-chemical-register/4366-guidelines-for-the-
preparation-of-a-chemical-register (Accessed: 02 July 2023).

Guidelines on monitoring of Airborne Chemical Hazardous to health 2022 free statistics.

Available at: https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/legislation/guidelines/chemical
(Accessed: 02 July 2023).

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CASE STUDY 2:

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In the field of job safety and health, controlling airborne contaminants is the most important
thing can do to make sure our workplace is safe and healthy. If dust, mist, fumes, vapours, and
gases, among other dangerous substances, are not properly handled, they can hurt the health of
workers. One effective engineering control measure that can be implemented to mitigate these
risks is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).

LEV is a type of engineering system that is made to protect employees from airborne
contaminants. It does this by capturing emissions at their source and transporting them to a safe
place of emission or a scrubber. By doing this, LEV helps stop harmful chemicals from getting
into the workplace, which protects workers from possible health risks.

Regulations and laws have been put aside to make sure that LEV systems are set up and
used properly in workplaces. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1994 and
the Factories and Machinery Act (FMA) of 1967 are two significant pieces of legislation in
Malaysia that guide safety and health at work. These acts present regulations and standards that
stress how important it is to use LEV devices to control and limit exposure to airborne
contaminants.

The OSHA 1994 is a set of regulations in Malaysia that are meant to make sure
employees have a safe and healthy place to work and keep it that way. It tells companies what
they have to do legally to keep their employees safe from hazards on the job. In Section 15 of
the OSHA 1994, the control of dangerous chemicals is talked about in detail. This part of the
legislation says that companies have to make sure their workplaces are safe and keep them that
way by making sure they have safe equipment and safe ways to do their jobs.

The FMA 1967 is another important regulation in Malaysia that controls how
companies and machines work. It has rules and guidelines for safety and health on the job. Part
VI of the FMA of 1967, which is about health, safety, and welfare, has rules about airflow.
Section 40(1)(a) of the FMA of 1967 makes it clear that employees' health and safety depend
on having enough air. LEV systems are a key part of meeting this requirement because they

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are made to catch and get rid of airborne pollution, which helps create a well-ventilated
workplace.

By looking at the OSHA 1994 and FMA 1967, will learn more about the law
requirements and rules that show how important it is to have LEV systems at work.
Understanding these rules will help us figure out how companies are required to keep workers
safe from airborne contaminants and improve safety and health on the job.

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2.0 ANALYSIS & FINDINGS

As of April 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of Malaysia, which
had been enacted in 1994, has several sections and regulations that highlights the use of Local
Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) in the workplace. These sections and regulations show how
important it is to control airborne contaminants and make sure workers have a safe place to
work. Here are a few of the important parts.

Part IV Section 15 - General Duties of Employers to Their Employees:

Under Section 15 of OSHA 1994, employers have a general duty to ensure, as far as reasonably
practicable, the safety, health, and welfare of their employees. This section encompasses the
responsibility of employers to identify and control hazards, including airborne contaminants,
by implementing appropriate engineering control measures such as LEV systems.

Part VI Section 24 - General Duties of Employees at Work:

Section 24 states that employees have to take reasonable care of their own safety and health
and the safety and health of others who may be affected by their acts. This means that
employees should work with their employers to use LEV systems and other control measures
to limit the amount of airborne contaminants they are exposed to.

Part V (Use and Standard of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous To Health) Section 15 - Control
of Chemical Substances Hazardous to Health:

Section 15 specifically addresses the control of hazardous substances, including chemicals

present as airborne contaminants in the workplace. Employers are required to assess the risks
associated with these substances and take appropriate measures to prevent or control exposure.
The use of LEV systems can be an effective control measure to reduce the concentration of
airborne contaminants and protect employees' health.

Part V (Use and Standard of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous To Health) Section 16 - Duty
to Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Section 16 highlights the obligation of employers to provide suitable personal protective

equipment (PPE) where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. While LEV is

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an engineering control measure rather than PPE, this section emphasizes the hierarchy of
control, which prioritizes the use of engineering controls like LEV over-reliance on PPE alone.

In addition to these sections, there may be more detailed requirements for the design,
installation, operation, and maintenance of LEV systems in different industries in specific
regulations, guidelines, and codes of practice. Employers should look at these extra tools and
discuss them with the right experts to make sure they are following all the rules and regulations
for putting LEVs into their workplaces.

Factories and Machinery Act (FMA) 1967 is another important legislation in Malaysia
that specifically addresses the safety, health, and welfare of employees in factories and
machinery workplaces. By referring to the FMA 1970 (Safety Health and Welfare), several
sections and regulations can be identified that emphasize the use of Local Exhaust Ventilation
(LEV) in the workplace. These provisions highlight the importance of controlling airborne
contaminants and ensuring a safe working environment for employees. Here are the relevant
sections and regulations:

The FMA 1967 focuses on health, safety, and welfare in the workplace. This part
includes several regulations that are relevant to the use of LEV systems. Some of the specific
sections include Regulation 25 (Ventilation), Regulation 26 (air cleanliness), and Regulation
28 (Temperature). These sections address the need for proper ventilation and airflow within
the workplace, which can be achieved through the implementation of LEV systems.

Section 25 - Ventilation:

Insufficient natural ventilation requires additional natural or mechanical ventilation

methods, as per the Act's section 22, where adequate ventilation is defined by a minimum of
ten air changes per hour for processes with little or no heat, smoke, or fume, and a minimum
of twenty air changes per hour for processes with heat, smoke, or fume, unless the fumes pose
a risk of bodily injury, in which case a minimum of thirty air changes per hour is required while
ensuring that the total free area of ventilation air inlets is at least fifty percent greater than that
of the air outlets, with inlets positioned at floor level and outlets placed as high as feasible.

Regulation 26 - Air cleanliness:

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 Regulation 26 of the FMA In factories where processes emit harmful or offensive fumes
or dust, measures must be implemented to protect individuals from inhalation and prevent
accumulation, including the extraction of dust-laden air to a safe outdoor location where it can
be treated using settling chambers, water sprays, cyclones, filters, or other appropriate methods;
additionally, all stationary internal combustion engines, steam boilers, cupolas, furnaces, or
fuel-burning plants must have provisions for safely directing the combustion byproducts to the
open air.

It is important to understand that the FMA 1970 (Safety, Health, and welfare) is a broad
regulation that covers many different areas of safety and health at work. Even though these
sections and regulations stress how important ventilation and airflow are, there may be more
detailed requirements and suggestions for the use of LEV systems in different types of factories
and machinery workplaces in specific guidelines, codes of practice, and industry-specific
regulations. Employers should look at the appropriate guidelines and appeal to the local
government to make sure they are following the rules and standards for their industry.

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3.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, both the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1994 and the Factories
and Machinery Act (FMA) of 1970 Malaysia highlight the importance of Local Exhaust
Ventilation (LEV) as an engineering control tool in the workplace. These acts show that
companies are responsible for making sure their workers are safe, healthy, and happy by
controlling airborne contaminants through the use of LEV systems. The relevant sections and
regulations of these acts explain the responsibilities of employers and employees, how to
control dangerous substances , and the order of control measures. They also show how
important LEV is for reducing employee exposure to airborne contaminants and keeping the
workplace safe.

Also, the FMA of 1970 describes the safety, health, and comfort of employees in
factories and other places with machinery. The regulations for this act, like Regulation 25
(airflow) and Regulation 26 (Air cleanliness), highlight how important it is to have good
airflow and keep fumes and dust under control. These rules say that LEV systems must be used
to get rid of dusty air and clean it, as well as to safely release burning waste into the open air.
But it is important for employers to look at additional regulations, codes of practice, and
industry-specific legislation to make sure that their LEV systems meet the specific
requirements for their workplaces.

In a nutshell, LEV is a very important part of keeping employees from being exposed
to airborne pollution at work. The OSHA in 1994 and the FMA in Malaysia in 1970 both know
how important it is to control these contaminants and have parts and rules that stress the use of
LEV as a good way to do this. Employers are required to set up LEV systems, measure the
risks of working with dangerous substances, and put engineering controls ahead of relying on
PPE. Employers can make their workplaces safer and healthier for their workers by following
these rules and speaking with other resources.

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REFERENCES

1. (Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (act 514) regulations and orders: As at 5th
April 2021)
2. (n.d.). Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Design, Inspection, Testing and
Examination of Local Exhaust Ventilation System. Official Website Department of
Occupational Safety and Health. 1.
https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/legislation/guidelines/general/598-05-guidelines-on-
occupational-safety-and-health-act-1994-act-514-2006/file
3. (Factories and machinery act, with regulations: All amendments up to 1 JUNE, 2019)

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