A S E M. Indo-German Environment Programme on Environmental Policy, Urban and Industrial Environment. Anita Kumari, Environmental Consultant

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1 A S E M Indo-German Environment Programme on Environmental Policy, Urban and Industrial Environment Anita Kumari, Environmental Consultant 7 th July

2 Experiences from the Programme Chemicals Management for SMEs 7 th July

3 What is the problem? India s émergence as economic power vastly depends SMEs. SMEs are believed to account for more than 90% of industries Trained manpower or procedures for dealing with hazardous substances responsibly often do not exist Health of employees and environmental health often endangered. Losses to the enterprise: spillages and wastage chemicals, sick leave. Losses to the worker: medical cost, reduced life expectancy. 7 th July

4 Specific problem areas Workers have very limited information on chemicals used (properties, hazards, safety information, first aid measures) Several substances are stored in unlabelled containers, contents know only to some. Hazards are thus unknown. Workers are unaware of hazards. Casual handling of substances without the required precautions and protection, spillages Absence of an inventory leading lack of knowledge of quantities available, occasionally even to chemicals expiring. 7 th July

5 Approach of the Programme Imparting knowledge about safe management of chemicals and environment, health and safety (EHS) in SMEs through an interactive and participatory 5 day workshop. Guiding participating enterprises in adapting these concepts to their needs and encouraging the implementation in the course of the workshop Guiding participating enterprises in the implementation through 3 network meetings and, if necessary, on-site reviews in solving problems encountered, leading to a successfull implementation. 7 th July

6 Programme elements Knowing all chemicals on hand (inventory) Implementing measures to use chemicals more efficiently and safely Identifying situations where hazards are present (hazard = anything that can eventually cause harm to people or environment) Determining amounts > lost > wasted > contaminated > expired Monitoring implementation 6 7 th July

7 Chemical Management Programme Group of Participants (companies and Consultants / trainees) Network meeting Network meeting Network meeting Continuous improvement in the company 4,5 days training workshop, including 0.5 day company visit Hot Spot Identification + Chemicals Inventory Improved Chemical Management Individual support / visits to Companies by consultants 7 th July

8 Benefits for participating enterprises Reducing production costs through better utilisation of chemicals and lesser sick leave calls. Reducing hazards through improving occupational health and safety of workers, reducing their medical expenses. Building in-house capacities for safe management of chemicals Actual results through guided step-by-step approach 7 th July

9 Electroplating Industry, Peenya, Brief Profile of Company No. of Employee: 25 Investment: 1 Crore Bangalore Turn over : 10 Crores per annum Products: Gold Plating on watches, Pens, Religious Implements, Idols etc

10 Electroplating industry in Bangalore Hot spots Acid store: Open lids Acid store: Some containers unlabelled Proposed measure Close lids Label containers Acid store: Containers Fencing Workshop: Development of an Action Plan Aim of measure Avoid spillage Clear identifica tion of all substances Avoiding accidents Time frame 1 day 1 day 2 days 1 week Results to be monitore d Lids closed 100% of containe rs are labelled Fence in place 7 th July

11 Example: Electroplating industry in Bangalore Lids close d Acid Store Labels attache d Containers more securely stowed 7 th July

12 Example: Electroplating industry in Bangalore Dry Store Before: No labeling Shelve s cleane d Orderly arrangement and labeling 7 th July

13 Example: Electroplating industry in Bangalore Dry Store Temporary coverage of leaching tubs 7 th July

14 Example: Electroplating industry in Bangalore Pantry Cooking arrangeme nt shifted 7 th July

15 Conclusions In this case, almost all hot spots addressed Measures mostly of engineering nature involving little or no cost Proprietor very happy with results Behavioral challenges seen as greatest challenge Tangible improvements are in reach where both the participant and proprietor are commitment to improvements 7 th July