Abdorreza Zarei; Mehdi Jahangiri; Alireza Koohpaei; Ahmad Zolfaghari; Abolfazl Barkhordari; Morteza Mortezavi Mehrizi
Abstract
Background: Crystalline silica is one of the compounds used in different industries. One of the industries in which this compound is used is the tile industry that can cause disabling lung disease. The purpose of this study was to reduce and eliminate workplace air pollutants by Local Exhaust Ventilation ...
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Background: Crystalline silica is one of the compounds used in different industries. One of the industries in which this compound is used is the tile industry that can cause disabling lung disease. The purpose of this study was to reduce and eliminate workplace air pollutants by Local Exhaust Ventilation system (LEVs). Methods: In this interventional-practical study, designing LEVs is accomplished according to the velocity pressure method balanced system design of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and is performed in spray dryer hall in a tile factory. The studied population consisted of 22 workers selected randomly. After implementation, the LEVs efficiency was evaluated, both in terms of occupational health and fluid mechanics. In order to evaluate the system from the point of view of occupational health, the measurement of Crystalline silica, inhalable and total dust was done before and after installation of LEVs by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7601, 0600 and open face methods, respectively; also, to evaluate the system as to fluid mechanics, we measured the velocity and flow rate in some hoods and ducts. Results: Results showed that the obtained mean values of total, inhalable and silica dust after installation of LEVs had a statistically significant difference before the use of LEVs (p<0.05); also, the efficiency of removing the mentioned pollutants was 66, 94 and 96%, respectively. Conclusion: The performance of the ventilation system was in accordance with the values obtained in the design.
Mehdi Jahangiri; Korosh Azizi; Parvaneh yekzamani; Seyedeh Fatemeh Ahmadi; Bahare Mahmoudabadi; Fariborz Behbood; Mahdieh Delikhoon
Volume 5, Issue 1 , January 2017, , Pages 38-42
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the extent of implementation of safety measures in 14 student housings in one of the largest universities in Fars province, Shiraz, Iran.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 student housings of one of the largest universities, located in Shiraz, ...
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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the extent of implementation of safety measures in 14 student housings in one of the largest universities in Fars province, Shiraz, Iran.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 student housings of one of the largest universities, located in Shiraz, Iran. Audit checklists were completed and rated thought field inspection and interview. Safety Requirement Index (SRI) was then used to evaluate the safety of student housings. SRI was graded on five scales (0-19%: very poor (unsafe); 20-39%: poor (relatively unsafe); 40-59%: moderate; 60-79%: good (relatively safe): and 80-100%: excellent (safe). Results: The mean SRI score was 71.01±15.46%. The highest and lowest level of SRI was 94.11±6.60% for dimensions of public health (and 47.70±18.42% for elevator safety.Conclusion: None of the studied housings was completely safe in all dimensions. Most of the studied housings were categorized as safe in the dimensions of public health and ventilation and air-conditioning systems; relatively safe in the dimensions of electrical, building, fire and kitchen safety; and moderate in the elevator safety and emergency response. Establishment of safety management system is necessary to promote safety in the studied housings. The results of this study indicated the need to inform the authorities about the safety priorities in housings, to promote the safety conditions. The results could also be used to raise awareness regarding their role and responsibilities about the safety of housings.