at Waste Incineration Facilities

April 1999
Ministry of Labour

1. Measurement and Evaluation of Working Environments (Refer to Figure 1)

Within six months, please measure and evaluate the concentration of dioxins in the air of locations where employees are present, including around incinerators, near dust collectors, and other workplaces. We prefer that such measurements and evaluations be performed by a working environment measurement organization.

2. Workplace Measures

When conducting work in the secondary or tertiary control zones indicated in Figure 1, please establish the following measures:

(1) Measures for suppressing the release of ash and other materials at the workplace

(2) Use of protective equipment for respiration

Please use effective protective equipment for respiration (refer to Figures 2 and 3), protective goggles, protective gloves, and clothing to which dust does not easily adhere. Contact the manufacture regarding the proper use of their protective equipment for respiration. Also, always have employees wear protective equipment if they will be entering areas where ash may be released but measurements have not been made.

3. Maintaining of Cleanliness

Work clothes contaminated by dust to which dioxin has adhered are a source of secondary dust. Please keep such work clothes away from other clothing and wash them so as not to release the adhering dust. Also, please take care of how you deal with the wastewater after washing.

4. Work Inside of Incinerators and Dust Collectors

Employees who work inside of incinerators and dust collectors may be exposed to high concentrations of dioxins. Please have such employees wear a full-face air mask, respirator, or some other protective equipment for respiration (refer to Figure 3).