The project’s primary use of carbon tetrachloride requires a significant level of risk assessment. Therefore, the consideration of exposure, toxicity and ecological risk assessments should be prioritized before the implementation of the project. Exposure assessment should consider the context of exposure. This can be occupational exposure or exposure from being in the proximity of the project.
Significantly occupational exposure assessment should define the methods and tools to be used in the assessment (CDC 2002). These tools should be able to provide reliable and actionable results. However, exposure assessment may not give definitive solutions to the risks posed. The determination of the degree of exposure cannot be implicitly conclusive since other factors may contribute to the levels and degrees of exposure. The dependence of historical data and predictive models may not realize the objective of the Assessment. A degree of uncertainty should be considered given the circumstances and method of exposure.
Risk assessment in the work place aims at identifying and categorizing the risks while evaluating the significance of the exposure. Toxicity assessment is significant in the determination of the extent of exposure. Carbon tetrachloride is characteristic to high toxic levels. The need for toxicity assessment protocols is significant in overall risk assessment functions. The chemical, physical and biological aspects of the project should be clearly defined (CDC 2002). This will enable effective toxicological analysis of the project in aiding risk management.
However, the toxicity assessment may be influenced by other factors, which are not, part of the project. The projects toxicity will differ from one individual to the other. Therefore, it will be difficult to determine the toxic level that will affect all individuals exposed.Carbon tetrachloride exposure to the environment has significant risk implications to the ecosystem.
The exposure of carbon tetrachloride to the environment is essentially through Air and water. Therefore, exposure through water impacts critically to the ecosystem especially water bodies. The ecological risk assessments entail the collection, analyzing and organizing viable data (EPA 2008). The data are critical in establishing the basis of the risk assessment in lieu of the project.
However, given the disparity in ecological risk assessment methods, it is difficult to assess the risks posed to the ecosystem. The project cannot rely on previous data on the effects of carbon tetrachloride. This is a result of the data being significantly case studies, which characterize the, exposure and the associated ecological effects (EPA 2008). A method of ecological risk assessment must, therefore, be conducted to include the projects parameters and the extent of dependency on carbon tetrachloride.However, a detailed, inclusive examination of the project’s risks and the risks management options available is critical.
The regulatory requirements for the uses of carbon tetrachloride should be strictly adhered to by the project. The implementation of safety protocols and operating procedures in the workplace may aid in mitigating the risks associated with the use of carbon tetrachloride. The governmental, regulatory bodies like the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be intimately involved offering guidelines in implementing safety mechanisms. This action would significantly contribute to the risk management efforts of the project. The governing regulations and laws on the industrial applications of carbon tetrachloride should be the principle considerations when choosing the project and implementation decisions to be made.A significant consideration of options and alternatives to Carbon tetrachloride is crucial (UNEP 2010).
However, other options available to the project include initiatives to recycle waste materials resulting from the use of carbon tetrachloride. The alternative to dumping Carbon tetrachloride residue as waste materials is to recycle for re use or to be used for other industrial applications. However, the recycling should be done in compliance to the stipulated safety protocols and procedures. The minimization of carbon tetrachloride’s exposure to the environment is essential. Carbon tetrachloride is characterized by assimilation into the atmosphere; hence it acts a significant contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer (EPA 2007).The pollutant prospects of carbon tetrachloride should be considered when it is assimilated into the project.
The probability if the project contributing significantly to air pollution and global warming should be discouraged by the hefty penalties and fines imposed on such enterprises. The project should consider the atmospheric pollution standards and regulations. In the event, that the project is unable to meet the stipulated standards, then it should be restructured to meet the requirements. Controlled atmospheric emissions will reduce the probability of risks occurring. This will enable the project to control the risk environment while complying with all the stakeholders’ requirements.The hazard nature of carbon tetrachloride poses significant risks to the population and the ecosystem.
Therefore, the disposal of carbon tetrachloride should consider these aspects critically to reduce the possibility of risks. Hazardous materials are subject to strict disposal protocols to prevent the possibility of contaminating the environment and the surrounding population (ATDSR 2011). The project while considering these should find alternative methods of disposing hazardous materials. The risk probability of mishandling of hazardous materials is extremely high.
Given the governments requirements on handling and disposal of hazardous materials, the overall costs of the project may outweigh the expected benefits.The use of carbon tetrachloride, though it may effectively aid in the projects intended purpose, has significant drawbacks. The associated costs of maintaining the project's viability may not be feasible given the contributing factors. Therefore, a considerable solution that has no significant risk implications should be considered. Given, its harmful nature, Carbon tetrachloride may not be the ultimate solution to the projects dilemma (UNEP 2010). A more profound solution which requires minimal safety protocols, guidelines and procedures, should be considered.
The risks associated with the project culminate to significant liabilities in human resources and mitigation costs. Therefore, the complete abandonment of Carbon tetrachloride as the primary project resource should be considered. This will avoid all the possible risks associated with the project.
