Estimation of the degree of knowledge about Chemical risk among Transformation Operators in the Polyurethane Industry Estimación del grado de conocimiento sobre el riesgo Químico en Operadores de Transformación de la Industria del Poliuretano
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This study assessed knowledge of chemical hazards among polyurethane-processing operators at a company in Malambo (Atlántico, Colombia). The process involves diisocyanates (TDI/MDI), polyols, catalysts, and solvents; Safe handling requires chemical literacy grounded in the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and effective use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS). An observational, cross-sectional design was applied to a population frame of 65 workers, yielding 57 valid self-administered surveys. The instrument was the questionnaire by Oropesa et al. (2011), adapted to GHS and polyurethane-specific hazards; Content validity was ensured through expert review and piloting, and reliability through KR-20 and Cronbach's alpha. Analyzes included descriptive statistics and bivariate comparisons to explore factors associated with knowledge levels. Results showed heterogeneity: no formal training (0%), high recognition of GHS pictograms (96.5%), universal self-reported PPE use (100%), and occupational exposure (31.6%). Greater conceptual clarity and training correlated with better PPE adherence and fewer respiratory and dermal symptoms, although self-report may reflect social desirability bias. Findings reveal gaps between hazard communication and safe operating practice and underscore the need for continuous training, behavioral verification of PPE use, engineering controls, and health surveillance focused on diisocyanates. The study offers local evidence to guide decisions on training, engineering measures, and provisioning, aligning prevention systems with international standards to reduce risk and improve occupational health and safety performance.
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