Risk analysis in the operation of waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling plants

Abstract

when inappropriately carried out, management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) may potentially damage the environment and affect the health of workers. The identification and evaluation of environmental and occupational health risks are essential tools in the prevention of accidents and environmental protection. Despite extensive regulation, WEEE management organizations in Brazil fail to recognize the importance of appropriately address risks associated with their processes and activities. This study developed and tested a methodology to analyze environmental and occupational health risks. The aim was to produce a tool to help WEEE management organizations in decision-making in high priority scenarios. The results show that most environmental impacts and occupational risks classified as significant are associated with the production processes sorting and disassembly of WEEE. However, potential environmental impacts are associated with the transportation of WEEE and coproducts. Accident risks represented 69% of the sum of all risk levels associated with occupational health.