Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Industrial hygiene'
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1
Sims, Robert H. "Hazard abatement as a function of firm size the effects of internal firm characteristics and external incentives /." Santa Monica, CA : RAND, 2008. http://www.rand.org/pubs/rgs_dissertations/RGSD227/.
2
Noecker, Trent. "An analysis of employee perception of industrial hygiene equipment at Company XYZ." Online version, 2009. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2009/2009noeckert.pdf.
3
Getschman, Benjamin John. "Evaluation of the validity of the inhalable and "total" dust concentration ratio." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2500.
Abstract:
Industrial hygienists can compare "total" dust concentrations to higher inhalable concentrations using a value called the performance ratio. A commonly used performance ratio of 2.5 is used for dusts found in the workplace, after results from multiple studies were compiled. The objective of this study was to evaluate the "total" and inhalable dust performance ratio over a range of conditions to investigate whether the commonly used value of 2.5 varies between: (1) dust type (2) IOM and Button inhalable samplers and (3) distance from the dust source.
Dust concentrations were generated in a still air chamber using three dust types; sawdust, flour, and glass microbeads. The IOM, Button, and CFC samplers were used to measure concentrations at four locations increasing in distance from the source. Linear regressions in the form of [Inhalable mg m-3] = S x ["Total" mg m-3] were used to calculate the appropriate performance ratio, S. The intercept of this regression was forced through the origin. Linear regression was also used to examine whether the effect of distance on S was significant and a distance factor (β1) was calculated.
The calculated performance ratios, S, differed between sawdust, flour, and glass microbeads, and were 1.62, 2.82, and 2.97 respectively when comparing IOM concentration to CFC concentration. Performance ratios computed for the Button sampler for sawdust, flour, and glass microbreads were 0.82, 1.04, and 0.57 respectively. Performance ratios were significantly different (p=0.049) between the two inhalable sampler types. The IOM/CFC performance ratio for all three dusts averaged 2.47 (SD=0.74), whereas the Button/CFC performance ratio for the three dusts averaged 0.81 (SD=0.24). Only the IOM/CFC performance ratio had a statistically significant distance factor at α=0.05.
The authors caution against using a single performance ratio of 2.5 for all dusts due to the large variance involved with dust sampler and dust type. Distance from the source did not significantly affect the performance ratios computed under laboratory conditions. Industrial hygienists are advised to perform side by side sampling with inhalable and "total" dust samplers to create specific performance ratios appropriate for tasks found in the workplace.
4
Thedell, T. Aron. "Comparisons of a novel industrial hygiene filter material, wash solutions, and extraction methods in the detection and quantification of influenza virus." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5862.
Abstract:
The collection and quantification of influenza virus is important in determining exposure, and in the control of infection. There are a number of bioaerosol samplers and analytical methods available to do this, however few researchers have been able to detect influenza virus in the environment. Therefore, new samplers and methods should be considered.
This study compared influenza virus recovery from three filter types (PTFE, PVC, and PS) treated with sampling air or no air, using HBSS or PBS as wash buffers, and the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit or Trizol method in the extraction of viral RNA. Twenty, 30-minute laboratory trials were completed in a sampling chamber designed to control RH at 50%. Samples were analyzed using RT-qPCR.
Viral recovery for each filter type was significantly different (p-value < .0001), with the new PS filter material resulting in the recovery of the most viral RNA. Treating filters with simulated sampling air did not affect the recovery of viral RNA from the filter materials (Kit, HBSS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.615; Trizol, HBSS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.947; Kit, PBS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.224; Trizol, PBS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.1122). Using HBSS and PBS as a filter wash buffer resulted in viral recoveries that were significantly different, depending on the RNA extraction method used (Kit, Air or No: HBSS vs. PBS p-value = 0.0001, 0.0001; Trizol, Air or No: HBSS vs. PBS p-value = 0.0322, 0.499). Viral RNA counts were significantly different when using the Kit and Trizol extraction methods for all comparisons (HBSS, Air or No-Air: Kit vs. Trizol p-value = 0.0021, 0.0013; PBS, Air or No-Air: Kit vs. Trizol p-value = 0.0001, 0.0002).
Our results demonstrated that the novel PS filter material resulted in the highest counts of extracted RNA compared to the commonly used PTFE and PVC, and that sampling air did not have a significant effect on viral recovery. Also, that the combination of HBSS with QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit, and PBS with the Trizol method, resulted in the highest counts of RNA extracted.
5
Brown, Maximillian. "Trust, power, and workplace democracy : safety and health works councils in Oregon /." view abstract or download file of text, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/uoregon/fullcit?p3072576.
Abstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2002.Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 383-408). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.
6
Clark, Shelby. "The effect of bioaerosol sampling on the viability of aerosolized influenza A." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2019. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6717.
Abstract:
Influenza virus kills thousands of humans annually around the globe. The primary mode of transmission for influenza virus occurs via an aerosol that is generated when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk (CDC 2018). Exposure assessment methods for influenza virus aerosols need to be developed to assess risk among workers in occupations were aerosol hazards are present (e.g., health care). Furthermore, developing methods to assess the viability of virus collected during filter-based aerosol sampling will improve exposure assessment methods. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that filter-based sampling has on the viability of influenza virus. A bioaerosol chamber was used to generate influenza virus and sample the aerosolized influenza virus onto a polystyrene filter. This study consisted of 10 trials that each lasted 30 minutes. For each trial, a polystyrene filter was spiked with influenza virus and then compared to the aerosolized sample from the bioaerosol chamber. After the chamber trial was completed, both filters were washed with Hanks Balanced Salt Solution to remove the viral particles from the filter. After the filters were washed, viral RNA was extracted from the viral solution using the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit. Quantification of the viral particles was completed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Viability of the influenza virus was analyzed using propidium monoazide dye. Average total RNA copies were analyzed for the spiked and aerosolized samples. Average total RNA copies were less for aerosolized samples compared to spiked filter samples, suggesting that the aerosolization process may decrease the number of viral particles that are collected on the filter. Viability was analyzed by determining the percent of intact membranes for the spiked and aerosolized samples. No difference was observed in the proportion of intact influenza virus membranes among aerosolized and spiked samples, suggesting that aerosolization and sampling had no effect on the viability of the influenza virus when compared to spiked filter samples.
7
Thean, Hock Ch'ng. "Malaysia and Singapore occupational health and safety : an exploratory study." Thesis, the author [Mt. Helen, Vic.] :, 1994. http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/42772.
8
Christopher, Yvette. "Inadvertent ingestion exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace." Thesis, Available from the University of Aberdeen Library and Historic Collections Digital Resources, 2008. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIGITOOL-3&owner=resourcediscovery&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=24665.
9
Svedberg, Urban. "Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Industrial Hygiene Applications : Assessment of Emissions from and Exposures in Wood Processing Industries." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala : Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis : Univ.-bibl. [distributör], 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-4225.
10
Whitaker, Joseph Mathew. "How EHS managers can influence environmental excellence within their organization /." Online version of thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/1850/4892.
11
Vosburgh, Donna Jean Holzer. "Use of direct-reading instruments for measuring airborne nanoparticles in the workplace." Diss., University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/901.
Abstract:
This work strived to increase knowledge of assessing airborne nanoparticles in the workplace by characterizing nanoparticle concentrations in a workplace using direct-reading instruments, evaluating a DC2000CE diffusion charger, and the creation of a personal diffusion battery (pDB).
Direct-reading instruments were used with aerosol mapping and task monitoring to evaluate airborne nanoparticle concentrations in an apparel company that produces waterproof jackets composed of polytetrafluoroethylene membrane laminated fabric. Jacket production required that sewn seams be sealed with waterproof tape applied with hot air (600°C). Particle number concentrations were greater in the sewing and sealing areas than the office area while respirable mass was negligible throughout the facility. The breathing zone particle number concentrations of the workers who sealed the sewn seams were highly variable and significantly greater when sealing seams than when conducting other tasks (p<0.0001). The effectiveness of the canopy hoods used to ventilate sealing operations was poor. These measurements support the idea that work places were hot processes are conducted may have substantially greater concentrations of airborne nanoparticles than background measurements even with control measures in place.
Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate a commercially available diffusion charger, the DC2000CE, that measures nanoparticle surface area concentration. The surface area concentrations of unimodal and multimodal polydispersed aerosols measured by the DC2000CE were less than the surface area concentrations measured by the reference instruments. The differences in results were attributed to a difference of measuring active versus geometric surface area concentration and the design of the DC2000CE. The maximum measurable active surface area concentration (2,500 mm2 m-3) was found to be greater than the manufacturer stated maximum (1000 mm2 m-3). Moving or vibrating a DC2000CE while taking measurements can cause the appearance of increased surface area concentration results. The DC2000CE has limitations that must be acknowledged when using the DC2000CE to measure airborne nanoparticle surface area concentrations in a workplace.
A four stage pDB (3.2 kg) composed of a screen-type diffusion battery, solenoid valve system, and an electronic controller was developed. The pDB was combined with a CPC and a data inversion was created that could be used to solve for the number median diameter, geometric standard deviation, and particle number concentration of a unimodal distribution. The pDB+CPC with inversion was evaluated using unimodal propylene torch exhaust and incense exhaust. For particle number concentration of particles with diameters less than 100 nm, the pDB+CPC with inversion results were between 86% to 109% of reference instrument results when the inversion did not solve to an inversion constraint and between 6% to 198% for results that solved to an inversion constraint. When coupled with a direct-reading instrument, the pDB with an inversion was able to measure the size distribution of particles with a NMD smaller than 290 nm.
12
Paulik, Jacklyn Christine. "ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT GROUP INTERNSHIP: ASBESTOS HAZARD EVALUATION SPECIALIST -- INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND SAFETY SERVICES." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1377076619.
13
Eturki, Mohamed. "Industrial Hygiene Exposure Estimation Accuracy: An Investigation of Micro-Environmental Factors Impacting Exposure." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1563273672613013.
14
Ross, Catherine M. "The Feasibility of Applying an Industrial Hygiene Sampling Method to Measure Airborne Microcystin." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1513365627637454.
15
Jennissen, Theresa E. (Theresa Emilia). "Regulating the workplace in industrial Ontario : the origins of occupational health and safety policy, 1880-1914." Thesis, McGill University, 1991. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=70208.
Abstract:
This thesis examines the development of occupational health and safety policies in Ontario from 1880 to 1914 focusing on the Railway Accidents Act, Ontario Factory Act, Workmen's Compensation for Injuries Act and the Workmen's Compensation Act. Together they formed the basic regulatory framework that endured in Ontario until the 1970s.The rise of industrial capitalism and the growth of the private market in the mid-1880s brought forward the factory system which depended on an unskilled labouring class and the use of power-driven machinery. Thus system of production created many risks for workers including accidents and diseases, and resultant financial problems caused by an inability to work.
The role of, and interactions among, workers, employers, and the state were key in determining the particular patterns of policy development. Although health and safety policies provided only minimal protection to workers, while at the same time causing little disruption to business, the policies were more beneficial to workers when labour played an active role in the policy-making process.
16
Wu, Hon-Fan. "A study of behavioural change in occupational safety in a metal works at Shenzhen, China." Thesis, University of Hull, 2001. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:8284.
Abstract:
The present study applied a combined behavioural and attitudinal approach in occupational safety in a Hong Kong-based metal house in Shenzhen, China in an attempt to modify the safety behaviours and attitudes of the workers by means of posted feedback plus goal-setting. To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is the first study of this type to be attempted in a Chinese industrial setting. A total of 142 respondents from the four departments, namely Heavy Duty, Small Press, Hand Press and Drilling were involved in the survey with a multiple-based line design for an environment where random sampling was impossible. Meanwhile, the study also intended to explore the underlying factors that affected the safety attitudes of the respondents. These factors included influences from traditional culture and religions. A self-constructed observation checklist and a questionnaire adopted from the Health and Safety Executive Report No. 81 (HSE, 1996) on attitude investigation were the major research instruments. Percentaged analysis, ANOVA, T-Test and Fisher Exact Test set at 0.05 level were applied to determine the significance of differences in the workers' behaviours and attitudes before and after the intervention. From the results of the research, it was found that i) there were relationships between the workers' behaviours in occupational safety and posted-feedback plus goal-setting in the Heavy-duty Press, Small Press and Hand Press Departments; ii) there were relationships between the intervention and the workers' attitudes in terms of -'Supervisor Satisfaction' in the Heavy Duty and the Small Press Departments; -'Shop-floor Training' with the Heavy Duty Press and the Small Press Departments; -'Safety Meeting' with the Small Press Department; -' Safety Working Procedures' with the Heavy Duty Press and the Small Press Departments; iii) the results demonstrated that there were relationships between attitudes of the formally trained workers and those of their peer workers without formal training towards occupational safety in terms of -'Supervisor Satisfaction' with the Heavy Duty Press Department; -'Safety Meeting' with the Heavy Duty Press Department; -' Safety Working Procedures' with the Small Press department; iv) there were relationships between workers with self-reported accident rates and those without in terms of their safety attitudes towards -'Supervisor Knowledge' with the Heavy Duty Press Department; -'Shop-floor Satisfaction' with the Heavy Duty Press Department; -'Shop-floor Environment: Hardware' with the Small Press Department. Intervention was related to both the workers' attitudes and their behaviours in work safety in the Heavy-duty Press, the Small Press and the Hand Press departments. Throughout the investigation, no significant change was found with both the respondents' safety behaviours or attitudes in the Drilling Department during the periods when interventions were introduced to other departments. Concerning the controlling factors for the workers' attitudes towards work safety, cultural and religious factors could explain the workers' under-reporting of accidents and injuries. These findings implied that researchers needed to be aware of the tremendous local cultural and religious concerns when applying western rationales to constructing a safety culture in developing countries.
17
Jones, Martyn C. "The nature, measurement and management of student nurse stress, distress and coping." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/7279.
Abstract:
Following a review of the stress, distress and coping reported by student health professionals and students in higher education, see Chapters 2 and 3, the hypothesis that a problem existed with distress early in training was confirmed by screening two cohorts of first year student nurses, see Chapter 4. Some 50.5% of students, in Cohort one (N=109, Week 40) and 67.9% of students in Cohort two (N=111, Week 24) suffered significant levels of affective distress. All students were enrolled on the newly implemented 1992 scheme of nurse education in Tayside. The underlying dimensions of situational sources reported by student nurse stress were clarified with the development of the Student Nurse Stress Index, see Chapter 5. A reliable 22 variable solution with oblique structure and non-orthogonal factors of "academic load", "clinical sources", "intet/ace worries", "personal problems" was obtained. This measure showed cross sample factor congruence, good internal reliabilities, and concurrent and discriminant validity across a range of reporting conditions. A stress reduction/management intervention set at individual and interface levels, designed to reduce levels of student nurse distress revealed by the earlier screening study, was implemented during a second series of hospital placements, see Chapter 6. A randomised controlled trial revealed the success of this programme in reducing affective distress in 73 student nurses shown to have experienced significant levels of distress earlier in training. A series of significant treatment x time interactions were found with a range of context-free measures of affective distress, e.g. General Health Questionnaire-30 (Goldberg, 1972), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (Speilberger, et aI., 1983), Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, et aI., 1987), with situational sources of stress (Beck & Srivastava, 1991), and Domestic Satisfaction (Derogatis, 1980). Similar treatment x time interactions were found with Direct Coping (Parkes, 1984), and Relaxation Potential (Derogatis, 1980). Adaptive changes were confmed to the experimental group alone. In addition, State Anxiety on the morning of an important exam was lower for students receiving stress management (Treatment X= 45.88, Control X =59.09). The intervention had no detectable effect on organisational variables of sickness, absence and examination performance. However, logistic regression and hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that initial distress at screen did not predict pre or post-treatment changes in sickness or absence, or subsequent examination performance. Stress management delivered in groups reduced affective distress and increased adaptive coping use in both clinical and academic settings. Possible future directions for this research targeting student nurses are outlined in Chapter 7.
18
Sivaraman, Karthik Reguram. "Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Homopolymer and Monomer Exposure Assessment and Characterization at an Automobile Manufacturer in the United States." Scholar Commons, 2016. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6392.
Abstract:
A variety of paint products are used for their aesthetic and anti-corrosive properties. Isocyanates are consistently found in automobile paint products, particularly in clear coat polyurethane products. Clear coat is typically sprayed via pressurized air by means of an auto-spray robot. In clear coat repair situations, manual, air-powered spray guns are used, and manual spray Operators administer the clear coat material. The isocyanates are a primary anti-corrosive agent in polyurethane products. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not established a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have set Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) and Threshold Limit Value (TLV), respectively. NIOSH recommends a 0.005 parts per million (ppm), 10-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA), and a ceiling exposure of 0.020 ppm in a 10 minute period. Similarly, ACGIH recommends a 0.005 ppm, 8 hour TWA.
Automobile manufacturers use clear coats in a variety of ways. Some may use clear coats with blocked isocyanates, or isocyanates that are completely reacted, and others may use clear coat products that allow isocyanates to be liberated during an application, baking, and curing process. The research objective of this study was to characterize exposure, focusing on a single manufacturer’s use of isocyanate-containing clear coats in their Paint Department. A newly evaluated medium (ISO 17734) using di-n-butylamine as a derivative agent, in a denuder tube, was selected instead of NIOSH methods 5521, 5522, and 5525. The ISO evaluated medium was selected to reduce secondary hazard exposure to toluene in impingers. Second, a medium developed by SKC, Inc., called ISO-CHEK®, was not selected because of the short collection time, sensitivity of the medium after collection, and storage and shipping requirements for analysis.
Sampling took place over two days, one day for manual spray operations with 2 personal samples from Operators, and 4 area samples collected, and the second day for auto-sprayer Inspectors with 4 personal samples collected. The samples were then analyzed for hexamethylene diisocyanates (HDI) monomer and homopolymer species. The 0.005 ppm, 10 hour TWA; the 0.020 ppm ceiling limit (10 minutes); and the 0.005 ppm 8-hour TWA TLV were not exceeded on either day of sampling. Neither the area nor the personal samples exceeded the 10 hour TWA, ceiling limit, or TLV. In fact, the results had to be recalculated in to parts per billion (ppb). The average exposure for manual spray Operators was 0.052 ppb for the homopolymer, and 0.024 ppb for the monomer species. For auto-spray Inspectors, the average was 0.053 ppb for the homopolymer component and 0.021 ppb for the monomer species. Though the average isocyanate concentration was similar for both Operators and Inspectors, the averages are still below REL and TLV recommendations. These data provided preliminary information regarding the exposure to isocyanates from clear coat use, and also provide context for future evaluation of isocyanate use at this automobile manufacturer. The low concentration of isocyanates could indicate working ventilation systems, liberation of isocyanate species to non-hazardous forms, or low volatilization of isocyanates from the clear coat.
19
Anderson, Kimberly Rose. "Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study investigating the effects of torso geometry simplification on aspiration efficiency." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/774.
Abstract:
In previous studies truncated models were found to underestimate the air's upward velocity when compared to wind tunnel velocity studies, which may affect particle aspiration estimates. This work compared aspiration efficiencies using three torso geometries: 1) a simplified truncated cylinder; 2) a non-truncated cylinder; and 3) an anthropometrically realistic humanoid body. The primary aim of this work was to (1) quantify the errors introduced by using a simplified geometry and (2) determine the required level of detail to adequately represent a human form in CFD studies of aspiration efficiency. Fluid simulations used the standard k-epsilon turbulence models, with freestream velocities at 0.2 and 0.4 m s-1 and breathing velocities at 1.81 and 12.11 m s-1 to represent at-rest and heavy breathing rates, respectively. Laminar particle trajectory simulations were used to determine the upstream area where particles would be inhaled. These areas were used to compute aspiration efficiencies for facing the wind. Significant differences were found in vertical velocity and location of the critical area between the three models. However, differences in aspiration efficiencies between the three forms was less than 6% over all particle sizes, indicating that there is little difference in aspiration efficiency between torso models.
20
Spielmann, Brian. "Development and implementation procedures of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program." Menomonie, WI : University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2006. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2006/2006spielmannb.pdf.
21
Gardner, Jan Maria. "Assessment of effective implementation of respirator programs in industry in NSW /." View thesis, 2002. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20040603.130247/index.html.
Abstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Western Sydney, 2002.A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Western Sydney, College of Science, Technology and Environment, 2002. Includes bibliographical references (p. 352-370).
22
Wing, Hayden. "Implementing best practice protocols for occupational hygiene monitoring." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2005. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/111.
Abstract:
This thesis outlines the results of an occupational hygiene monitoring program implemented at Minara Resources' Murrin Murrin mine site. The research was conducted as part of a collaborative agreement between Edith Cowan University and Minara Resources, the title of which was "Establishing best practice protocols in the management of occupational and environmental health in a high risk mining and ore processing environment". To form the basis of this research it was hypothesised that chemical hazards had not been adequately identified, that existing occupational hygiene monitoring programs did not adequately quantify employee exposures to these hazards, and that the implementation of a comprehensive hazard identification and monitoring program would greatly improve the capacity to quantify the health risks posed to employees.
23
Lim, Lum-peng. "Longitudinal evaluation of scaling and oral hygiene education for an industrial population in Hong Kong." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 1991. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B36544395.
24
Lim, Lum-peng, and 林南屏. "Longitudinal evaluation of scaling and oral hygiene education for an industrial population in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1991. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B36544395.
25
Amado-Cuadros, Luis-Alberto, and Mirtha-Carolina Huerta-Díaz. "Diseño de un sistema de gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo en una empresa de servicio de consultoría ambiental." Bachelor's thesis, Universidad de Lima, 2016. http://repositorio.ulima.edu.pe/handle/ulima/3489.
Abstract:
Tecandina S.A., es una empresa peruana que desarrolla trabajos de Consultoría
ambiental en el subsector minería, cuenta con 12 trabajadores en oficina y contrata por
proyectos a profesionales especializados en temas minero–ambiental. Las labores
administrativas son realizadas en las oficinas ubicadas en la ciudad de Lima mientras
que trabajo de campo necesario para la recopilación de información, es realizado en las
zonas donde se desarrollan los proyectos mineros ubicados, en su gran mayoría, en la
sierra del Perú. El principal objetivo del presente trabajo es diseñar un Sistema de Gestión de
Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (SGSST), que le permita a Tecandina S.A. llevar a
cabo la implementación, verificación y control del mismo, para conseguir este objetivo,
se realizó un análisis del entorno externo e interno de la empresa, el diagnóstico (línea
base) de la situación actual en la que se encuentra la empresa relacionada a la seguridad y salud en el trabajo, finalmente se calculó el costo que involucra implementar y mantener el SGSST.Tecandina S.A. is a Peruvian company that develops environmental consultant work in the mining subsector; has 12 workers in its office and hires professionals specialized in mining and environmental issues for their projects. Administrative labors are done in Lima, while the necessary fieldwork to gather information is performed in areas where mining projects are located, mostly in the highlands of Peru. The main objective of this research is to design a Work Safety and Health Management System (OHSMS), that allows Tecandina S.A. to carry out its implementation, verification and control; to achieve this goal , an analysis of the external and internal environment of the company was performed; the company´s current situation diagnose (baseline) related with safety and health at work; and finally the cost involved in implementing and maintaining OHSMS was calculated.
Trabajo de investigación
26
Gadea-García, Adrián-Wilfredo. "Propuesta para la implementación del sistema de gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo en la empresa SUMIT S.A.C." Bachelor's thesis, Universidad de Lima, 2016. http://repositorio.ulima.edu.pe/handle/ulima/3497.
Abstract:
El presente trabajo de investigación plantea la implementación de un Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (SGSST) a partir de la adecuación a los requisitos legales vigentes de la Ley N° 29783: Ley de Seguridad y Salud en el trabajo (SST)1 y sus modificatorias; desarrollándose en SUMIT S.A.C., empresa dedicada a brindarel servicio de confección y exportación de prendas de vestir ubicada en el distrito de Ate, Lima – Perú, debido a que la empresa ha decidido implementar un SGSST que le permita adecuarse a los requerimientos de la Ley mencionada.This research proposes the implementation of an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSH-MS) from the adjustment of the current legal requirements from Law N° 29783: Occupational Safety and Health peruvian law and its modifications; developed in SUMIT S.A.C., a company dedicated to providing the service of manufacturing and garments exportation, located the district of Ate, Lima – Peru, because the company has decided to implement an OHSMS that allows suit the requirements of the aforementioned law.
Trabajo de investigación
27
Cena, Lorenzo. "Assessment of exposure to composite nanomaterials and development of a personal respiratory deposition sampler for nanoparticles." Diss., University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/935.
Abstract:
The overall goals of this doctoral dissertation are to provide knowledge of workers' exposure to nanomaterials and to assist in the development of standard methods to measure personal exposure to nanomaterials in workplace environments.
To achieve the first goal, a field study investigated airborne particles generated from the weighing of bulk carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the manual sanding of epoxy test samples reinforced with CNTs. This study also evaluated the effectiveness of three local exhaust ventilation (LEV) conditions (no LEV, custom fume hood and biosafety cabinet) for control of exposure to particles generated during sanding of CNT-epoxy nanocomposites. Particle number and respirable mass concentrations were measured with direct-read instruments, and particle morphology was determined by electron microscopy. Sanding of CNT-epoxy nanocomposites released respirable size airborne particles with protruding CNTs very different in morphology from bulk CNTs that tended to remain in clusters (>1µm). Respirable mass concentrations in the operator's breathing zone were significantly greater when sanding took place in the custom hood (p <0.0001) compared to the other LEV conditions. This study found that workers' exposure was to particles containing protruding CNTs rather than to bulk CNT particles. Particular attention should be placed in the design and selection of hoods to minimize exposure.
Two laboratory studies were conducted to realize the second goal. Collection efficiency of submicrometer particles was evaluated for nylon mesh screens with three pore sizes (60, 100 and 180 µm) at three flow rates (2.5, 4, and 6 Lpm). Single-fiber efficiency of nylon mesh screens was then calculated and compared to a theoretical estimation expression. The effects of particle morphology on collection efficiency were also experimentally measured. The collection efficiency of the screens was found to vary by less than 4% regardless of particle morphology. Single-fiber efficiency of the screens calculated from experimental data was in good agreement with that estimated from theory for particles between 40 and 150 nm but deviated from theory for particles outside of this range. New coefficients for the single-fiber efficiency model were identified that minimized the sum of square error (SSE) between the experimental values and those estimated with the model. Compared to the original theory, the SSE calculated using the modified theory was at least threefold lower for all screens and flow rates. Since nylon fibers produce no significant spectral interference when ashed for spectrometric examination, the ability to accurately estimate collection efficiency of submicrometer particles makes nylon mesh screens an attractive collection substrate for nanoparticles.
In the third study, laboratory experiments were conducted to develop a novel nanoparticle respiratory deposition (NRD) sampler that selectively collects nanoparticles in a worker's breathing zone apart from larger particles. The NRD sampler consists of a respirable cyclone fitted with an impactor and a diffusion stage containing eight nylon- mesh screens. A sampling criterion for nano-particulate matter (NPM) was developed and set as the target for the collection efficiency of the NRD sampler. The sampler operates at 2.5 Lpm and fits on a worker's lapel. The cut-off diameter of the impactor was experimentally measured to be 300 nm with a sharpness of 1.53. Loading at typical workplace levels was found to have no significant effect (2-way ANOVA, p=0.257) on the performance of the impactor. The effective deposition of particles onto the diffusion stage was found to match the NPM criterion, showing that a sample collected with the NRD sampler represents the concentration of nanoparticles deposited in the human respiratory system.
28
Mines, Levi Walden Dyer. "Porous polyurethane foam for use as a particle collection substrate in a Nanoparticle Respiratory Deposition Sampler." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1701.
Abstract:
Porous polyurethane foam was evaluated as a potential replacement substrate for the eight nylon meshes currently being used in the diffusion stage of the Nanoparticle Respiratory Deposition (NRD) Sampler. A semi-empirical particle deposition model and preliminary tests were used to select the dimensions of foam substrate needed to match the collection of the NRD sampler at recommended sampling conditions. The foam substrate consisted of a cylinder nominally 25-mm diameter by 40 mm in depth, housed in a conductive plastic cassette cowl (internal diameter of 23 mm) compatible with the existing NRD sampler. Pristine foam was evaluated for metals content via acid-assisted microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma-optical emissions spectroscopy (ICP-OES) chemical analysis. Foam collection efficiency was evaluated using salt (NaCl) and metal fume test aerosols in independent tests. Foam collection efficiency was compared to the nanoparticulate matter (NPM) criterion (established to reflect the total deposition in the human respiratory system for particles smaller than 300 nm) and theoretical modeling.
The collection efficiency of NaCl particles was similar to the NPM criterion (R2 = 0.98) and the model underestimated the experimental efficiency (R2 = 0.38). Increased collection efficiency of metal fume was observed for particles larger than 70 nm presumably due to increased interception effects of fractal shaped particles. The pressure drop across the pristine foam was 1/12th that of the nylon meshes. Foam and nylon meshes were loaded with metal fume particles to evaluate performance under simulated field conditions. Changes in collection efficiency and pressure drop were used as measures of performance. Foam had substantially lower changes in collection efficiency and pressure drop with ~ 19 mg metal fume loaded compared to the nylon meshes with ~ 3 mg metal fume loaded.
29
Harbison, Stephen Casey. "Evaluation of Pulmonary Risks Associated with Selected Occupations." Scholar Commons, 2013. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/4687.
Abstract:
Occupational health surveillance programs are designed to evaluate and reduce injury, illness, and deaths related to workplace hazards. In the state of Florida, there are numerous industries where workers are potentially exposed to airborne hazards from gases, vapors and dusts. Airborne occupational exposures to irritants, vesicants, and fibrogens have the potential to cause pulmonary function impairment if exposures are not properly controlled for high-level acute exposure as well as chronic exposure. For occupations that demand workers be exposed to substances known to be associated with pulmonary function impairment, respirators may be a principal method for exposure
control. OSHA requires pulmonary function testing for specific substances and it is a best practice that is utilized in a majority of occupational settings and is typically included in an organizations respiratory protection program. A literature review identified that boat manufacturing, utilities, and first responders in the State of Florida have the potential for increased pulmonary impairment amongst workers. This research demonstrated the feasibility of using pulmonary function data collected for the purposes of compliance and/or best practices for workers who use respiratory protection because they are potentially exposed to pulmonary toxicants in the workplace. This research did not identify any pulmonary function deficits in the target occupational populations and it demonstrated that in most cases, the study populations had modestly superior pulmonary function compared to a baseline population.
30
Lidén, Göran. "Sampling cyclones for respirable dust." Lund : Dept. of Industrial Engineering, Division of Working Environment, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund University, 1996. http://books.google.com/books?id=g0ttAAAAMAAJ.
31
Sawvel, Russell. "Evaluation of shaker dust collector for use in a swine farrowing barn." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2014. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1393.
Abstract:
A shaker dust collector was evaluated to 1. determine filter capacity in terms of mass loading, pressure drop, airflow, and runtime; 2. determine particle collection efficiency by size prior to and following repeated loadings.
A shaker dust collector was setup in the laboratory to take in contaminated air, collect dust, and exhaust treated air. For each loading test, Arizona road dust (~1 to 200 μm) was introduced into the airstream entering the dust collector at an emission rate and duration equivalent to 3-months in a swine barn in winter. Filter pressure drop and exhaust velocity pressure were measured throughout loading. Filter collection efficiency was tested using polydisperse solid glass microspheres (~1 to 10 μm) and measured with an aerodynamic particle sizer at the startup and end of loadings. Cleaning cycles were run between loading tests.
Overall efficiency was 44% for new filter, and ranged from 27% for 1-μm particles, increasing to 96% for 10-μm particles. Collection efficiency for loaded filter was 99% overall, and 99% over the range of 1 to 10-μm particles. Following cleaning, overall efficiency was 91%, and 91% for 1-μm particles, increasing to 99% for 10-μm particles.
Exhaust airflow decreased linearly with pressure drop (r2=0.99) for all three loading tests. At shutdown, system airflows were approximately 700 cfm. Significant recovery of filter residual pressure was observed following primary and secondary cleanings (p<0.001).
High removal efficiency was achieved after an initial loading period. The shaker dust collector filter is anticipated to be sufficient to treat air continuously in a swine barn over a 3-month winter period. The engineering control system is recommended for further testing to improve indoor air quality inside a Midwestern farrowing barn during winter.
32
Messer, Shawn Arden. "Assessment of regional fungal concentrations and diversity and their possible association with self-reported health effects among a national sample of office building occupants in the United States." Diss., University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6472.
Abstract:
Data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Building Assessment and Survey Evaluation (BASE) study was analyzed for culturable fungi detected in air samples collected from 100 office buildings located among ten climate regions in the United States. Fungi identified and quantified in the study were evaluated in indoor and outdoor environments. Evenness of species for both summer and winter, and the diversity and similarity indices of species were calculated between climate region groups in order to observe potential climate-based differences in the fungal microbiome. Respiratory and neurological health symptoms of study building occupants (n = 4,326) were self-reported by questionnaire, and were analyzed in order to assess seasonal and climate differences.
33
Meppelink, Shannon M. "Certified safe farm injuries as they pertain to chronic disease." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2014. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/4696.
34
Coleman, Kristen. "Detection of silica particles in lung tissue of non-occupationally exposed individuals by computer controlled scanning electron microscopy." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1572.
Abstract:
For years crystalline silica has been recognized as an occupational hazard of the dusty trades with exposures resulting in silicosis. As recently as 1997, IARC categorized the respirable portion of crystalline silica as a Grade 1 human carcinogen indicating that silica may be implicated in the development of lung cancer. Evidence in the literature indicates that silica may be not only an occupational hazard, but an environmental hazard as well, with patients with no known exposure showing measurable quantities of silica within cancerous tissue samples.
This study aims to establish a methodology using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy to examine silica content in lung cancer tissue. Furthermore, demonstrating that silica is not evenly distributed within the tissue will establish the need to use automated full scanning techniques, such as CCSEM, in order to guarantee that the analysis is not subject to random sampling error or researcher driven error, which may be rendering the traditional random sampling of zones for analysis under-representative of silica concentration in the tissue.
35
Mills, Jessica Breyan. "Evaluation of the DiSCmini personal aerosol monitor for submicrometer sodium chloride and metal aerosols." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2584.
Abstract:
This work evaluated the robust, lightweight DiSCmini (DM) aerosol monitor for its ability to measure the concentration and mean diameter of submicrometer aerosols. Tests were conducted with monodispersed and polydispersed aerosols composed of two particle types (sodium chloride, NaCl, and spark generated metal particles, which simulate particles found in welding fume) at three different steady-state concentration ranges (Low, <103; Medium, 103-104; and High, >104 particles/cm3). Particle number concentration, lung deposited surface area (LDSA) concentration, and mean size measured with the DM were compared to those measured with reference instruments, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and a handheld condensation particle counter (CPC). Particle number concentrations measured with the DM were within 16% of those measured by the CPC for polydispersed aerosols. Poorer agreement was observed for monodispersed aerosols (±35% for most tests and +101% for 300-nm NaCl). LDSA concentrations measured by the DM were 96% to 155% of those estimated with the SMPS. The geometric mean diameters measured with the DM were within 30% of those measured with the SMPS for monodispersed aerosols and within 25% for polydispersed aerosols (except for the case when the aerosol contained a substantial number of particles larger than 300 nm). The accuracy of the DM is reasonable for particles smaller than 300 nm but caution should be exercised when particles larger than 300 nm are present.
36
Pierson, Austin Isamu. "Noise exposure for bus drivers in an Iowa City transit system." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6485.
Abstract:
General noise regulations and guidelines protect workers against 8-hour time-weighted average noise exposures > 85-90 dBA that can cause health outcomes and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), but the bus transportation industry has guidelines limiting lower noise exposures > 75-80 dBA to reduce safety hazards, including distraction and poor communication. These hazards can create dangerous driving conditions, especially for urban bus drivers, potentially causing a collision. Further research was necessary to characterize U.S. urban transit bus driver noise exposures to assess whether they exceeded 75, 80, 85, and 90 dBA, time-weighted, and to identify statistically significant noise exposure risk factors for this local transit system.
Time-weighted average noise exposures collected from the local transit system, a small urban bus system serving a university in Iowa City, showed the majority of drivers did not exceed 85 dBA due to short shift times, but these drivers may have been at a safety risk for distractions and poor communication due to loud environments > 75-80 dBA. The driver's AM/FM radio was a statistically significant risk factor (p = 0.004) affecting driver-shift TWA noise exposures. Projected noise exposure calculations showed that with bus driver shifts greater than or equal to 8 hours, the TWA noise exposures measured may exceed 85 dBA. Actual 8- hour time-weighted average noise exposures using sequential bus driver shifts did not exceed 90 dBA.
37
Cao, Yanyan. "An epidemiological analysis of a university threat assessment team case load." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1206.
38
Knowlton, Samantha Dawn. "Measuring bioaerosol concentrations generated from toilet flushes during hospital-based patient care." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5539.
Abstract:
Infectious diseases account for over 15 million deaths worldwide. Those who are at greatest risk of contracting an infectious disease are immunocompromised. These individuals may be admitted to a healthcare-based setting where they may become infected. In the United States, 1.7 million immunocompromised individuals contract a healthcare-associated infection which lengthens stay, increases medical costs, and puts lives at stake. The transmission routes for these infections occur from direct contact with healthcare staff and contaminated surfaces. Indirect contact methods, such as bioaerosols suggest, but are not a well-examined route of infection. One possible bioaerosol generator includes the flushing of loose stools in toilets from infected patients. To date, no study has investigated the particle or bioaerosol changes in the air resulting from toilet flushing loose fecal wastes in a healthcare setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the air before and after a toilet flush to support hypotheses that toilets can produce an aerosol containing viable microorganisms, potentially spreading infectious disease.
Particle and bioaerosol concentrations were measured in hospital bathrooms across 3 sampling conditions; no waste no flush, no waste with flush, and fecal waste with flush. Particle concentrations were measured with a particle counter 3 minutes before a flushing event and throughout the bioaerosol collection period. Bioaerosol concentrations were measured with BioStage impactors fixed on a sampling cart at distances of 0.15, 0.5, and 1 m that was placed in front of a toilet. For each sampling trial, 3 time measurements were recorded after a flushing event (i.e., 5, 10, 15 minutes).
Particle concentrations measured before and after the flush were found to be significantly different in 0.3 (p-values= 0.002, 0.002, 0.015), 0.5 (p-values= 0.002, 0.002, 0.018), 1 (p-values= 0.003, 0.003, 0.027), and 3 µm (p-values= 0.016, 0.032) size bins of the no waste with flush and 0.3 (p-values= 0.009, 0.007, 0.007), 0.5 (p-values= 0.018, 0.006, 0.004), 1 µm (p-values= 0.023, 0.013,) size bins of the fecal waste with flush conditions. Bioaerosol concentrations measured in the no waste no flush and fecal waste with flush were found to be significantly different (p-value= 0.005). However, the bioaerosol concentrations measured were not significantly different across time (p-value= 0.977) or distance (p-value= 0.911).
From the study, we concluded that toilets in this unit produce particles when flushed. The particles aerosolized include microorganisms remaining from previous use or from loose fecal wastes. Differences in bioaerosol concentrations across conditions also suggest that toilets flushed containing wastes may be a likely source of bioaerosols that could allow transmission of infectious microorganisms. No observed differences across time and distance of bioaerosol concentrations suggests that generated aerosols quickly diffuse in the air. Since this study is the first to quantify particles and bioaerosols produced from flushing a hospital toilet, future studies are needed for comparison and for intervention development.
39
Kersten, Joshua Todd. "Measuring manufacturing assembly worker task duration with radio frequency identification technology." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5534.
Abstract:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among working populations, especially manufacturing workers, with exposure to non-neutral postures frequently cited as a risk factor. However, the magnitudes and precision of risk estimates vary between field-based studies, as it is difficult to continually follow and sample large study samples with time-varying exposures to non-neutral postures. Development of a low cost location-tracking system may help overcome this methodological limitation. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the utility of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for extracting task-specific exposure data from full-shift measurements of upper arm posture as machine-paced assembly workers rotated job tasks.
Full-shift upper arm posture and movement velocities were recorded using inertial measurement units (IMUs) across up to 15 consecutive working days from among a sample of 8 participants. Workers scanned RFID tags with RFID readers at job task workstation as they started and finished performing a task, effectively measuring task duration. At the end of each shift, workers self-reported task duration estimates in a diary. Self-report and RFID-based measurement bias and agreement range were estimated using Bland-Altman analyses. Fully nested, random-effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were used to estimate the relative contribution of components of exposure variance to overall posture and movement exposure variance.
The study observed a slight measurement bias for self-reported task duration estimates when comparing both incomplete (i.e., single measurement from either self-report or RFID methodology) and complete task observation data (i.e., measurements from both methodologies), while the RFID system displayed a similar bias when comparing only complete task observation data. However, regardless of the data set, a large measurement agreement range was observed. The between-subjects and between-tasks-within-day (and within-subject) variance components generally contributed the most to total exposure variance, with the between-day-within-subject component contributing little if nothing at all. Depending on velocity level summary measure, between 65.7% and 84.5% of the total exposure variance was associated with the between-tasks-within-day (and within-subject) component. The RFID system did prove useful in extracting task-specific exposure data from full-day IMU measurements. However, there were unexpected instances in which workers failed to follow RFID system user protocol and generate irregular timestamp sequences. Future research and development is encouraged to refine the pairing of RFID technology with IMUs for ergonomic exposure assessment. Specifically, an active RFID system with adjustable read range could potentially overcome the limitation of requiring that a worker place the RFID tag within inches of the low frequency RFID reader to perform a scan.
40
Leach, William Andrew. "Effect of deposited polydispersed particles on respirable cyclone penetration." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2560.
Abstract:
Workplace aerosol sampling has been used to assess exposure to airborne materials that are known to cause adverse health effects in the respiratory system. Respirable cyclones are a common instrument used to monitor occupational exposures to respirable particles and are designed to have a penetration similar to the definition for the respirable fraction. However, deposited particles inside the walls of the cyclone may influence the penetration of cyclones. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in collection efficiencies of a clean SKC 37-mm aluminum cyclone compared to a SKC 37-mm aluminum cyclone deposited with polydispersed dust.
Glass beads (Count Median Diameter CMD 3.3 µm, Geometric Standard Deviation GSD 1.7) were used to test a clean cyclone. The cyclone was then loaded by sampling with one of three dust types individually for three hours at concentrations of at least 3 mg/m3: Arizona Road Dust (CMD 1.04 µm, GSD 1.57), organic dust (CMD 2.90 µm, GSD 1.77), and titanium oxide (CMD 0.85 µm, GSD 1.28). After the cyclone was deposited with dust without cleaning, glass beads were used to retest the penetration. Particle penetration was measured using the Aerosol Particle Sizer (APS, TSI 3321). Particles depositing on the walls of the cyclone caused a shift in the penetration compared to clean samplers. When the cyclone was loaded with Arizona Road Dust, the penetration of particles increased as much as 5% at 3.5 µm. Depositing with Organic Dust increased particle penetration as much as 4% at 3.5 µm. Depositing did not occur with Titanium Oxide and did not significantly particle penetration.
Sampling with cyclones deposited with polydispersed particles can cause sampling errors by oversampling, and therefore overestimate the respirable concentration relative to a clean sampler. To counteract sampling errors from deposited particles would require the cyclone to be thoroughly dried and clean before sampling.
41
Ellickson, Daniel Emick. "Assessment of microscopy methods for distinguishing engineered nanoparticles from incidental nanoparticles." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/960.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to assess the utility of electron microscopy for the purpose of distinguishing engineered nanoparticles from "incidental" nanoparticles. Methods included the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze samples of known ratios of titanium dioxide (TiO2) to Arizona road dust (ARD) or incense particles. TEM collection methods were analyzed for two different samplers: a Marple impactor and an electro-static precipitator (ESP). TEM grids were placed on the four lowest stages of the impactor. Results for impactor stages of a 10:1 ratio of TiO2/ARD mixture displayed the following percentages TiO2: 44%, 44%, 83%, and 90%. TiO2/incense samples had very high (79%-90%) TiO2 proportions, which was not expected since the ratio was 1:1. These combustion particles did not collect with the same efficiency as TiO2 or ARD. In conclusion, incense particles were entirely carbon based and were not identifiable using TEM/EDS. The TiO2/ARD mixture demonstrated that the impactor would remove most of the larger particles so that grids on the filter stage could be used to analyze and image TiO2 mostly alone. Sampling criteria for desired particle loading had to be established in order to obtain usable TEM grids. TiO2 was distinguishable from all other particles, but accurate particle identity and proportion in samples was not obtainable for combustion particles using these methods.
42
Hill, Barry Keith. "Field portable X-Ray fluorescence for rapid analysis Of titanium dioxide on air filters." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2012. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/3312.
Abstract:
Field portable x-ray fluorescence (FPXRF) was evaluated as a method for screening titanium dioxide (TiO2) on air filters. Mixed cellulose ester (MCE) and polycarbonate (PC) filter types were compared to gravimetric filters to determine if there was a benefit of using one over the other during FPXRF analysis. No significant difference (p-value = 0.92) was found between MCE and PC filters for FPXRF. MCE filters had a higher coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.97) with the FPXRF analyzer than the PC filters (R2 = 0.70) when compared to gravimetric filter results. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the FPXRF analyzer were determined through the analysis of blank filters and filters with low levels of TiO2 analyte. The LOD for TiO2 using filter blanks was 7.3 μg/filter, and 25 μg/filter with low levels of TiO2 analyte. The LOQ was 12.8 μg/filter determined with filter blanks, and from the low level analyte samples was 0.82 μg/filter. Filter samples were collected at varying TiO2 concentrations and submitted to FPXRF and inductively couple plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the two methods for TiO2 assessment. A high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.90) was found between FPXRF and ICP-MS at lower TiO2 concentrations while a low coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.24) was shown for the high TiO2 concentrations. Statistical analysis was used to determine the overall accuracy of the FPXRF method. The FPXRF method did not meet the NIOSH accuracy requirements to be considered an acceptable method; however there were unexplained anomalies within the ICP-MS data.
43
Gray, Alyson. "Response of inexpensive particulate matter sensors following aerosol exposure and sensor cleaning." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6429.
Abstract:
Inexpensive instruments that measure concentrations of airborne particles in workplaces have grown to become an efficient way to estimate personal aerosol exposure of workers. This study evaluates the performance of two types of inexpensive instruments: an “active” version which pulls particle-laden air into a sensing zone for measurement, and a “passive” version which does not. The response of these instruments to clean air over time was evaluated as an indicator of contamination in laboratory and factory settings. Additionally, the effect cleaning of the instruments had on performance was evaluated.
After exposure to high concentrations of particles in the laboratory, the active and passive versions of the instruments lost partial to full ability to detect particle concentrations. In the factory, this change was only seen in the active version, and occurred over a longer amount of time. Cleaning of the instruments returned some ability to detect particles, but not to the ability a new instrument.
The accumulation of particles within instruments used to estimate aerosol exposures can affect the output of and overall performance of the instruments. Cleaning of the instruments after accumulation results a lessening of the effect, but not completely. Cleaning can be a way to extend the lifetime of these instruments. However, the time and financial costs related to cleaning several sensors within a workplace should be considered.
44
Purdy, Matthew. "Comparison of facemask characteristics with user assessment of comfort." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2019. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6838.
Abstract:
According to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated five million workers are required to wear respirators in over one million workplaces in the United States. Occupational respiratory diseases are strongly correlated to inhalation exposure to causative agents. Wearing a respirator has the potential to reduce worker exposure to safe concentrations. Many brands of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are available with various designs and sizes. Studies have indicated that respirator use is often low in many industries. Comfort is a factor that workers use both directly and indirectly to decide if they will wear an FFR. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ten N95 FFRs to determine their physical properties. Physical properties were compared to the perceived comfort ratings given by study participants to determine the strength of the associations. Six FFRs were evaluated using qualitative surveys (n=50).
Physical properties of FFRs that were evaluated include: breathability, pressure drop, surface area, water vapor transmission and weight. Several methods were used to evaluate the N95 physical properties. A modified American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method was used to measure water vapor transmission. A pass through column apparatus was used to evaluate pressure drop through each sample at 0.6, 1.6, 2.6, and 3.6 LPM. The N95 FFRs were scanned and evaluated using Adobe Photoshop to determine surface area. A temperature probe was used to measure the influence of an exhalation valve on internal temperature. An inverted microscope was used to determine thickness, a balance was used to determine sample weight. Density could then be used to solve for solidity. Physical properties varied between N95 FFRs. Between two similar FFRs, the exhalation valve was attributed to a 0.59 oC lower temperature in the FFR with and exhalation valve. Pressure drop values at a 3.6 LPM applied flow rate varied between 4.55-12.77 mm H2O. The water vapor transmission between masks was very small with a range of 0.16 mg H2O. Solidity values varied between 0.02 and 0.07, surface area from 134.95- 313.87, and total weight from 9.47-109.41 g. The total scores varied from 10.76 to 14.26 (out of 18).
Survey participants were asked to evaluate the N95 FFRs on the basis of fit, temperature, and ease of breathing using a Likert scale of 1-6. Six of the N95 FFRs were worn by participants. Based on participant rankings, the Honeywell 4200 had the highest total score, followed by the Moldex 4200, 3M Aura 9210+, 3M 8511, Moldex 2200, and 3M 8210. The scores for fit varied from 3.16-4.36, temperature 3.66-5.24, and ease of breathing 3.94-4.66. Fit was found to be the most important in terms of discomfort followed by temperature, and ease of breathing.
The Kruskal-Waillis test results indicate that there is a significant difference in the median scores between masks types for fit, temperature, and ease of breathing (p<0.001). However, participants’ rankings of fit, temperature, and ease of breathing were not strongly related to a physical property. For example, the Spearman’s correlation coefficient between pressure drop and ease of breathing score was 0.2, and 0.6 for water vapor transmission and temperature. Neither Spearman’s coefficient was statistically significant (p=0.7, p=0.2).
In general, the differences in physical properties between N95 FFRs were too small for participants to perceive. The magnitude of difference in physical properties and short use duration and sedentary activity level are likely responsible for this finding.
45
Kolbe-Mims, Margie L. "University Baccalaureate curriculum analysis for safety and health in the United States of America (USA) toward a model University Baccalaureate curriculum." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2000. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1361.
Abstract:
The goal of this research was to determine a model safety and health baccalaureate curriculum. A secondary target was to ascertain if safety and health practitioners and safety and health educators would concur on course offerings. To simplify this study effort, a search of literature was conducted on the Occupational Safety and Health field. There were no in-depth studies of this type for such a general population; therefore no instrument was available for this study. The perusal of literature indicated that most such studies had been conducted using a more specific target group of subjects. That is, faculties or former students of a particular university, one was completed on only certified safety professionals (CSP), or members of the National Safety Managers Society (NSMS) and the like. This study included most geographical areas of the United States of America and thus faculties and former students from many universities. First, it was necessary to determine the competency required for a successful career in Occupational Safety and Health. Second, devise a survey instrument to collect the competency information to function well in his area and essential to the development of a curricula questionnaire. Directories used to select expert subjects to serve as judges for this research included the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), National Safety Council, Business and Industry Division (NSC/B&I), and the World Safety Organisation (WSO). Since the Delphi technique was being used, a pilot study was employed to collect information from a selected group of practitioners and educators. This information served as the basis for creating a survey instrument that was mailed to 489 health and safety practitioners and educators. A total of 355 or 72 per cent of the surveys were returned. Eighteen surveys were undelivered for various reasons, with a total of 337 usable surveys, of this population list responding to the survey ranking the importance of the courses. The data from the returned surveys were analyzed by several different methods suggesting: (I) There was a preference for certain core, elective and preparatory courses. (2) There were some significant differences of the responding safety practitioners and safety educators. (3) There was no evidence of non-respondent bias for the total group; however, considering only the safety practitioners there was some evidence of regional bias. These analyses facilitated the recommendations that certain course offerings be required for: (1) a core curricula, (2) particular preparatory courses and (3) a choice from several electives course listings.
46
Hameed, Ayisat Titilola. "The National Industrial Court of Nigeria : what future for occupational health and safety." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2014. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=226063.
Abstract:
The importance ascribed by a nation to the subject of occupational safety and health is reflective in the growth, sustainability and the national development of an economy. Besides the economic benefits stood to be derived from an occupational safety and health structure that is constantly nurtured, there is also the human rights issue. Less industrialised nations still grapple with fundamental challenges brought about by occupational health and safety, challenges which more advanced nations seem to effortlessly address. Nigeria falls into the former category, hence, the interest of this thesis. The knowledge of this menace has been in the consciousness of stakeholders in Nigeria particularly in the recent past years. However, no significant action has been taken to alleviate the situation. There are instruments that deal with the subject of occupational health and safety but they all seem to have their attendant issues which make them either inoperable or of insignificant benefit to the situation of workers in Nigeria. The tardy attitude of the Nigerian Law makers also does not help the situation. This thesis is therefore of the view that until the period the Nigerian Government is able to get its bearing right in designing a suitable piece of legislation that shall address the challenges caused by occupational health and safety, it is possible to seek an alternative approach that shall serve as a safety net towards the protection of workers particularly those that are most vulnerable. This alternative approach that the thesis proposes is the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), a Court that recently acquired the status of a superior court of record and conferred with extensive Constitutional powers over occupational safety and health matters amongst others. It is the anticipation of this thesis that the Court shall make a positive impact where legislation had failed to succeed in its bidding.
47
Chesson, Barry. "In pursuit of best practice : Benchmarking tools and processes for the management of hazardous substances in the workplace." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2003. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1300.
Abstract:
Many organisations now strive to achieve excellence in various aspects of occupational health and safety. Benchmarking of the techniques and approaches of other organisations is becoming a popular way of bridging gaps and seeking to achieve high levels of performance. There exist many sources of guidance in the form of external and internal standards, regulations, codes of practice, publications by professional institutions and similar. However, there are clear shortfalls in terms of tools and processes needed to identify areas of opportunity and to overcome barriers to the efficient transfer of ideas and techniques from one enterprise to another. This is true for all organisations, but particularly so for small/medium sized facilities with limited resources and expertise. This study has sought to develop and test new tools and processes to make benchmarking activity and the transfer of technology, ideas and approaches more efficient and meaningful. It has drawn heavily from state-of-the-art management theory and has sought to establish the linkage between the people factor, the workplace environment factor and the organisation of work factor as they contribute to workplace health and safety performance. It has used qualitative inquiry methodologies and an approach based on personal contact and insight, as expressed by Patton (1990, p. 46), to generate data. The fieldwork component of the study was conducted at eight mining, mineral processing and related industry sites within Western Australia. The subject of the study was the facility's processes and practices in regard to the management of hazardous materials. This was chosen partly because chemical-induced injury and disease remain a significant problem for workers in industry (Winder, 1999b, p. 168) and partly because of its complexity and degree of difficulty. Data collection was based on the three qualitative inquiry methods, namely in-depth, open-ended interviews with the Site Manager and the Site Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professional, direct observation and review of written documents. Also tested was the assumption that if the materials developed during the study can be applied successfully in the area of hazardous materials, then other less complex areas under the OHS umbrella could be approached with confidence. There is potential for the tools and processes developed and evaluated in this work to be used widely in the transfer of best practice, that is, to be deployed beyond the hazardous substances focus of this study and beyond the Mining Industry of Western Australia. Study outcomes and the new materials that have been generated will assist with the selection of benchmarking partners and will help to identify "pockets of excellence" for focused attention. This will encourage and assist organisations to take steps towards identifying and implementing Industry best practice in the element of interest. There is potential for study outcomes to impact positively on OHS practices within many organisations - and thereby to reduce the personal and societal cost of injury and illness outcomes associated with the use of hazardous materials at work.
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Verdonk, Alan D. "A retrospective cohort study of workers' compensation indicators from an occupational safety and health perspective." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2002. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1604.
Abstract:
Since 1984 the role of the government in Western Australia, has changed in relation to occupational safety and health. This study considers the effect of the occupational safety and health legislation using workers' compensation accident data. Academic and general staff accident data from a Western Australian University were researched. The time period is 20 years- 1979 through 1998 inclusive. 2,773 worker's compensation claims were analysed using Mann Whitney -U tests and cross-tabulations of safety prevention expenditure against the claims. The work environment provides the full spectrum of workplace activities ranging from domicile duties (student housing services) to heavy machinery work (mechanical maintenance) through to construction activity (building and operations), along with exposures to hazardous substances through research programs, and different types of office work activities. The staff numbers were 2949 staff in 1979 increasing to 6938 staff in 1998. The ages of the staff population were from school leavers to staff retirement age (in the latter years this being beyond the age of 65 years). The demographics indicated an aging workforce population with the predisposition to remain in the employ of the University for extended periods of their working lives. There were more female staff members than male staff members and a greater number of male staff hold more senior positions. This tendency was changing in the latter years. The study is unique in that it studies the topic of occupational health and safety from a 'micro' perspective of safety performance on a tertiary education work environment.
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Shamsul, Ramesh Zakir bin. "Video exposure monitoring as a tool in workplace exposure assessment." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/738.
Abstract:
Video exposure monitoring (VEM) consists of taking video recording of a worker performing a task at the same time while personal monitoring is performed using a direct-reading instrument. The video and the exposure data are then merged and synchronized and analyzed together. The industrial hygienist conducting the VEM is able to identify any high level of exposure and note the time when the excessive level happened. The corresponding task of the worker is then identified based from the video shot taken at the same time as the exposure data.
The objective of this thesis was to study the implementation of a low cost means of conducting VEM in workplaces with hazardous chemicals in use, by utilizing commercially-available direct reading instruments, a digital video camera, and either off-the-shelf software or freeware downloadable from the internet. It was intended that VEM done by such means would still have the same ability of conveying workplace exposure results and, at the same time, capable of pinpointing work areas where controls could be initiated to reduce excessive levels of contaminants.
50
Pisaniello, Dino. "Isocyanate exposures and health outcomes in local industries /." Title page, table of contents and abstract only, 1992. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09MPM/09mpmp674.pdf.