Ss34-05 Workplace Health Without Borders (Whwb) Projects: The Devil Is in the Measurements!

Abstract Introduction Many WHWB projects require exposure measurements. Knowing that in many cases the resources to perform measurements and analyses are not available, a specific program has been developed to ensure that projects can meet these needs in a sustainable manner. Materials and Methods To assist local experts, authorities and workers, specific training on exposure assessment was provided. This training consisted of an overview of applicable international standards related to the measurement of chemical agents in the workplace and an application session in which practical training of experts was developed and provided for the specific measurement methods needed for the project. At the same time, a system for materials donation and capacity-building for simple laboratory analyses was offered. Results Since the inception of the program, approximately US50, 000 worth of equipment and materials have been donated to various worker exposure assessment organizations. MOUs were signed between the Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene (BeCOH) and these organizations to conduct the analyses and provide the necessary consumables at no cost, and to keep the projects and relationships sustainable. A total of 1, 055 samples, including air and biological samples, were analyzed for various chemicals, such as silica, metals, and metalloids. The repeated training programs paid off, as the initial 30% of samples which were dropped due to problems during sampling, reduced to only 10% more recently. Conclusions Good specific training and properly functioning equipment are essential when setting up measurement programs in low- and middle-income countries to ensure that important exposure data of workers in these countries is not lost.