| dc.description.abstract | Abstract
This study, grounded in the concepts and principles of “systemic thinking” and “operational mechanisms,” examines hazard analysis and management strategies in the metal surface treatment industry through an in-depth case study of an electroplating plant. Electroplating involves the use of various chemicals and high-risk operational procedures, often leading to health impairments and environmental contamination. Therefore, this research focuses on developing proactive hazard management methods to enhance workplace safety and health.
The research methods include a literature review to outline the characteristics of electroplating processes and existing issues in the industry. Risk assessment tools, such as risk matrices and decision tree analysis, were employed to systematically identify potential hazard sources and high-risk nodes within the electroplating plant’s operational processes. The findings indicate that electroplating can be divided into three major stages—pre-treatment, intermediate treatment, and post-treatment—each posing multiple hazard factors, including chemical spills, equipment failures, and operational errors. Further analysis reveals that the overall process system is composed of several subsystems. The inputs and outputs of these subsystems (e.g., mechanical equipment, chemicals, and the work environment) have a direct impact on engineering controls and protective measures.
In the results, the electroplating process is categorized into six parts, each examined in a tabular format to discuss common hazards using risk matrices. Decision tree analyses are then developed to devise strategies for addressing these operational hazards and preventive measures. Through a thorough examination of daily operations in the electroplating plant, it was found that the process system comprises multiple subsystems, each consisting of various operational units and involving several steps—such as plating, polishing, and cleaning. The inputs and outputs of these steps, including mechanical equipment, chemicals, and the work environment, have a direct influence on engineering controls and protection. From a systemic perspective, closely scrutinizing the overall workflow is essential for identifying both risks and potential problems. Adopting a system-focused methodology not only clarifies how individual units are interlinked but also facilitates the classification of potential hazards to which employees may be exposed, thereby creating a comprehensive strategy for preventing occupational hazards and effectively enhancing workplace safety and health.
In response to these findings, targeted improvement measures have been proposed, including the enhancement of chemical management, equipment operation procedures, employee safety training, and the establishment of a hazard management system. An integrated management framework is introduced, emphasizing a systemic perspective supported by data analysis and onsite verification, thereby reducing the likelihood of occupational accidents and increasing overall industrial safety. This research not only offers a practical hazard management framework that can serve as a valuable reference for electroplating facilities seeking to improve occupational safety and health management, but it also provides feasible solutions for mitigating accidents and safeguarding worker health in the broader metal surface treatment sector. Lastly, the study discusses its limitations and suggests directions for future research, hoping to spur more in-depth exploration and practical applications in related fields. | en_US |