Safety and precaution in handling enzymes

This chapter provides information on safety of enzyme-handling practices for plant managers, industrial hygienists, occupational and safety professionals, medical personnel and employees in the enzyme-handling industry. It includes a medical surveillance program describing measures the employer can use to help ensure employee health and safety in the workplace. Enzymes have been used for over 35 years in the textile industry for the desizing of cloth and fabric finishing. Implementing an enzyme safety program is important for limiting exposure to enzymes and maintaining employee health and safety in the workplace. The chapter then discusses the modern biotechnology techniques utilized to improve microbial production strains to increase the enzyme yields and to make minor amino acid changes that improve the functionality of the enzyme. These changes are not known to increase the ability of enzymes to cause allergies. Work-practice controls include appropriate management systems and operational controls, education, safe work practices and good housekeeping practices have been discussed.