The trials were carried out in a pasta factory in Bari Province and confirmed that the existent studies regarding health risks in the pasta production sector can be used as the starting point. However it is necessary to make a specific analysis of the parameters which constitute risk factors, using scientific apparatus. Evaluation of the risks deriving from noise involved a problem of interpretation. The differences found between data obtained with a phonometer and data obtained with a dosimeter may be in contrast, and the dosimeter data can be a source of concern for the workers’ health and therefore for their employers who are responsible for health and safety. In actual fact, when the reality of the situation was examined, it was seen that different plant operations involve workers’ movements which can stress the microphones differently from acoustic pressure. Therefore, the noise levels which are actually indicative of the situation in the workplace are the phonometer data. However, these too were quite high: daily exposure levels of over 80 dB(A), 85 dB(A) and 90 dB(A) in one case, while the impulsive noise levels were always lower Lpk=112 dB(C). Evaluation of the risk from exposure to particulate matter showed concentrations of inhalable particulate matter PM 10 which were constantly below the level of TLV-TWA = 0.5 mg/m3 adopted by the ACGIH as the maximum inhalable dose in eight hours of work. This shows the efficiency of the dust extractor system, which the firm recently upgraded. However, we looked at preventive measures which consisted of: - working regulation defined by applying industrial health and safety procedures ; - correct and continuous maintenance of the extractor system; - identification of workers who are more susceptible to respiratory diseases – mostly caused by semolinas powder - even when exposed to levels below TLW. This study has further confirmed that the risk evaluation is not an exact science; in that it does not consist only of technical and mechanical factors, but needs also to consider the many factors connected to workers’ interaction with the workplace.
Experimental trials to evaluate risks from noise and particulate matter in a pasta factory
BIANCHI, Biagio;CASSANO, Filippo;
2008-01-01
Abstract
The trials were carried out in a pasta factory in Bari Province and confirmed that the existent studies regarding health risks in the pasta production sector can be used as the starting point. However it is necessary to make a specific analysis of the parameters which constitute risk factors, using scientific apparatus. Evaluation of the risks deriving from noise involved a problem of interpretation. The differences found between data obtained with a phonometer and data obtained with a dosimeter may be in contrast, and the dosimeter data can be a source of concern for the workers’ health and therefore for their employers who are responsible for health and safety. In actual fact, when the reality of the situation was examined, it was seen that different plant operations involve workers’ movements which can stress the microphones differently from acoustic pressure. Therefore, the noise levels which are actually indicative of the situation in the workplace are the phonometer data. However, these too were quite high: daily exposure levels of over 80 dB(A), 85 dB(A) and 90 dB(A) in one case, while the impulsive noise levels were always lower Lpk=112 dB(C). Evaluation of the risk from exposure to particulate matter showed concentrations of inhalable particulate matter PM 10 which were constantly below the level of TLV-TWA = 0.5 mg/m3 adopted by the ACGIH as the maximum inhalable dose in eight hours of work. This shows the efficiency of the dust extractor system, which the firm recently upgraded. However, we looked at preventive measures which consisted of: - working regulation defined by applying industrial health and safety procedures ; - correct and continuous maintenance of the extractor system; - identification of workers who are more susceptible to respiratory diseases – mostly caused by semolinas powder - even when exposed to levels below TLW. This study has further confirmed that the risk evaluation is not an exact science; in that it does not consist only of technical and mechanical factors, but needs also to consider the many factors connected to workers’ interaction with the workplace.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.