Risks in New Technologies: Controlling Toxic and Hazardous Gas Releases During Photovoltaic Cell Manufacture

摘要

A large variety of materials may be used in the manufacture of photovoltaic devices; some may be released as by-products of normal or abnormal plant operations. These may adversely affect occupational and public health. This paper describes a logical and consistent framework for reviewing potential hazards associated with such releases and for their management. The most important hazards relate to accidental releases of toxic or flammable gases used in large quantity in thin-film photovoltaic cell manufacture. Analysis suggests that the most efficient strategies for reducing risks are to choose material and process options which inherently possess small risks (e.g., choice of processes which do not use hazardous gases) and to prevent accident initiating events (e.g., employee training). If accidents do occur, then strategies to prevent catastrophic releases (e.g., flow restricting valves), to control releases (e.g., flare towers and wet scrubbers), and to prevent public exposures to toxic agents (e.g., water curtains, siting and emergency evacuation) become important. Prevention and mitigation of consequences (e.g., medical treatment), form the final defensive barriers. Evaluations of these options before plant operation can permit plant engineers to design systems which are technologically competitive and present limited risks to health. 5 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs. (ERA citation 12:028468)