Occupational safety and health implications of the millennium bug: embedded microchips

Personnel working in the field of environmental safety and health need to be aware that their exposure monitoring equipment as well as various laboratory and work site test and safety systems are candidates for a Y2K problem. The focus here is on the Y2K problem associated with embedded microchips contained in measurement and analytical equipment with internal date functions. With the turn of the century, the year 99 (i.e., 1999) will turn to 00 (i.e., 2000). The expectation is that the date change over will result in some form of malfunction or failure. The media has provided us with basic information on Y2K, particularly as it impacts computer hardware and software users. We know less, however, about how the Y2K issue may affect date-sensitive embedded microchips in safety and health equipment. To manage this problem, we propose a familiar public health strategy involving risk assessment (surveillance and prioritizing) and risk management (intervention/contingency planning). Success in dealing with Y2K-embedded chips will be increased by engaging managers, operators, employee-management safety teams, safety professionals and their organizations, trade associations, local, state and federal regulatory agencies, and the public, where appropriate. A list of Internet sites is provided with information on managing problems arising from date-dependent embedded chips and the Y2K problem.