Drugs and Pharmaceutical Industries (Narcotics, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals)
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Bulk-drug (API) and formulation plants, narcotics manufacture.
Principal hazards
- Reactive solvents and reagents (methanol, toluene, acetonitrile, halogenated solvents)
- Potent/sensitising active pharmaceutical ingredients and cytotoxics
- Corrosive acids/alkalis; flammable solvents; dust
Health effects
Solvent narcosis and organ toxicity, occupational asthma and dermatitis from sensitisers, reproductive/cytotoxic effects, chemical burns, fire/explosion injury.
Key engineering controls
Closed reactors and containment (isolators, glove-boxes, downflow booths) for potent compounds; LEV and solvent-vapour control; flame-proof areas; exposure-band (OEB) based controls; solvent recovery; spill containment.
PPE
- Respirators matched to OEB (FFP3 to air-fed)
- Chemical-resistant gloves and gowns/coveralls
- Goggles/face shields
- Cytotoxic-rated PPE for potent APIs
- Safety footwear
This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.