CV
John HUBBARD is a chemist who co-ordinates SATRA’s response to the developing worldwide chemical legislation including REACH and CPSI (SATRA is a leading authority on international legislation and testing, and on the technical aspects of a wide range of products including footwear, leather). John HUBBARD also helps SATRA’s member companies keep their restricted substances lists up to date with all the latest requirements and test methods and provides advice on environmental and sustainability issues. He is the UK representative to the ISO and CEN footwear standardization committees and provides technical training on a wide range of topics to our worldwide customer base.
ABSTRACT
There are a number of operations in footwear manufacturing processes that use chemicals that may lead to long term harm to the operatives who are exposed to them. Therefore it is important from a corporate social responsibility perspective to ensure the safety of operatives by protecting them from these agents. The extent of exposure will depend on a number of factors but the concentration of airborne contaminants can often be controlled by the simple use of extraction, ventilation and closed systems. However where exposure is likely to occur it is important not only to identify which operatives are at risk, by making measurements on the potential exposure levels, but also verify that any work to improve safety has had meaningful impact. The key parameters and risks that exist in a footwear factory include chemical risks such as dusts produced during scouring, roughing and cutting operations, solvents used in adhesives, primers and cleaners and isocyanates which are used in the two part polyurethanes systems. In addition to exposure to chemicals there are a number of physical hazards to which workers may be exposed, these include; noise, slips, trips and falls, cutting equipment, electrical machinery and the risk of fire. Managing these issues can be achieved through a combination of risk assessment, measurement, observation, employee engagement and awareness.