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Safe handling of vinyl chloride monomer
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A key health and safety concern in the manufacture of PVC is the safe handling of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). VCM reacts with heat and other chemicals to create the polymer PVC.
In the 1970s, VCM was found to be carcinogenic under conditions of prolonged, high exposure resulting in the rare cancer, angiosarcoma of the liver. At that time, the manufacturing processes for PVC were changed resulting in the potential risks of exposure to VCM being significantly reduced. Modern manufacturing and regulatory controls mean the potential risks associated with VCM are well controlled.
AV strictly monitors all handling of the VCM used in its manufacturing. In addition, the transportation of VCM was voluntarily included in the scope of our Safety Case.
All emissions to the atmosphere are monitored systematically from several locations around the plant. The company also monitors occupational exposure levels within the plant. Exposure levels are recorded by taking regular readings from carbon tubes worn by employees on site.
Controls on the way VCM is used at all stages of the PVC life cycle aim to reduce VCM exposure to below nominated levels.
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