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Abstract Life cycle assessment was carried out for a conventional wooden furniture set produced in Mardan division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan during 2018-19. Primary data regarding inputs and outputs were collected through questionnaire surveys from 100 conventional wooden furniture set manufacturers, 50 in district Mardan and 50 in district Swabi. In the present study, cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment approach was applied for a functional unit of one conventional wooden furniture set. Production weighted average data were modelled in the environmental impacts modelling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5. The results showed that textile used in sofa set, wood preservative for polishing and preventing insects attack and petrol used in generator had the highest contribution to all the environmental impact categories evaluated. Total cumulative energy demand for wooden furniture set manufactured was 30,005 MJ with most of the energy acquired from non-renewable fossil fuel resources.
Resumo A abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida foi realizada para um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional produzido na divisão Mardan da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa do Paquistão durante 2018-19. Os dados primários sobre entradas e saídas foram coletados por meio de pesquisas por questionário de 100 fabricantes de conjuntos de móveis de madeira convencionais, 50 no distrito de Mardan e 50 no distrito de Swabi. No presente estudo, a abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida do berço ao portão foi aplicada para uma unidade funcional de um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional. Os dados da média ponderada da produção foram modelados no software de modelagem de impactos ambientais, isto é, SimaPro v.8.5. Os resultados mostraram que os têxteis usados no conjunto de sofás, o preservativo de madeira para polir e prevenir o ataque de insetos e a gasolina usada no gerador tiveram a maior contribuição em todas as categorias de impacto ambiental avaliadas. A demanda total acumulada de energia para o conjunto de móveis de madeira fabricado foi de 30.005 MJ, com a maior parte da energia adquirida de recursos de combustíveis fósseis não renováveis.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Life cycle assessment was carried out for a conventional wooden furniture set produced in Mardan division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan during 2018-19. Primary data regarding inputs and outputs were collected through questionnaire surveys from 100 conventional wooden furniture set manufacturers, 50 in district Mardan and 50 in district Swabi. In the present study, cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment approach was applied for a functional unit of one conventional wooden furniture set. Production weighted average data were modelled in the environmental impacts modelling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5. The results showed that textile used in sofa set, wood preservative for polishing and preventing insects attack and petrol used in generator had the highest contribution to all the environmental impact categories evaluated. Total cumulative energy demand for wooden furniture set manufactured was 30,005 MJ with most of the energy acquired from non-renewable fossil fuel resources.
Resumo A abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida foi realizada para um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional produzido na divisão Mardan da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa do Paquistão durante 2018-19. Os dados primários sobre entradas e saídas foram coletados por meio de pesquisas por questionário de 100 fabricantes de conjuntos de móveis de madeira convencionais, 50 no distrito de Mardan e 50 no distrito de Swabi. No presente estudo, a abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida do berço ao portão foi aplicada para uma unidade funcional de um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional. Os dados da média ponderada da produção foram modelados no software de modelagem de impactos ambientais, isto é, SimaPro v.8.5. Os resultados mostraram que os têxteis usados no conjunto de sofás, o preservativo de madeira para polir e prevenir o ataque de insetos e a gasolina usada no gerador tiveram a maior contribuição em todas as categorias de impacto ambiental avaliadas. A demanda total acumulada de energia para o conjunto de móveis de madeira fabricado foi de 30.005 MJ, com a maior parte da energia adquirida de recursos de combustíveis fósseis não renováveis.
Subject(s)
Environment , Interior Design and Furnishings , PakistanABSTRACT
{L-End}Objective To analyze sound pressure level and spectrum characteristics of noise from various equipment in noise-related worksites in wooden furniture enterprises in Zhongshan City. {L-End}Methods A total of 107 wooden furniture enterprises with equipment sound pressure levels ≥85.0 dB(A) were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Individual noise meters were used to detect the sound level and spectrum of equipment in noise-related worksites. Cluster analysis was used to analyze the noise spectrum characteristics of each noise equipment. {L-End}Results The incidence of sound pressure level exceeding the national standard of occupational exposure limits for noise in workplace among the research subjects was 60.4% (365/604). The equipment with the highest sound pressure level was the sliding table saw (rough shape cutting position) at 101.4 dB(A), while the lowest was the sanding machine (grinding position) at 85.0 dB(A). The clustering analysis results showed that the noise spectrum characteristics of nail guns, sliding table saw, edge banders, spray guns, and drilling machines were similar, with the highest sound pressure level of 4 000.0 Hz, mainly concentrating in the high-frequency. The noise spectrum characteristics of punching machines, sanding machine, lathes, and engraving machines were similar, with the highest sound pressure level ranging from 500.0 to 1 000.0 Hz, mainly concentrating in the mid-frequency. The noise spectrum characteristics of drilling machines, planers, hot press machines, and mortise and tenon machines were similar, with the highest sound pressure level ranging from 500.0 to 1 000.0 Hz, mainly concentrating in the mid- and high-frequency. The sound pressure level of the mixer reached its peak at 8 000.0 Hz, demonstrating a wide frequency domain characteristic of sound pressure level with the presence of low-, mid- and high-frequencies. {L-End}Conclusion The noise-exposed hazards of wooden furniture enterprises are relatively serious, and the spectral characteristics of the equipment with noise are distinct. It is recommended to implement targeted noise reduction measures and personal hearing protection based on the specific spectrum characteristics of equipment noise.
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Background Furniture manufacturing is one of the typical labor-intensive industries, and workers in this industry face a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which seriously affect the physical and mental health of workers. Objective To explore the prevalence and potential risk factors of WMSDs among workers in a large-scale furniture manufacturing factory. Methods A cross-sectional study of 3431 workers in a furniture factory in Guangdong Province was conducted from September to December 2019. Information including reported WMSDs in various body parts in the past year, demographic characteristics, work organization factors, job characteristics, and work postures was collected by an electronic version of Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. Pearson χ2 test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors leading to WMSDs. Results The overall prevalence rate of WMSDs was 32.12% (1102/3431). The most common WMSDs symptoms occurred in the neck (16.85%), followed by the feet (15.27%), shoulders (14.81%), and hands (14.25%). The prevalence rates of WMSDs in the neck, shoulders, elbows, hands, legs, and feet were significantly different among different types of work (P<0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that individual factors, work organization factors, job characteristics, and awkward work postures were associated with the frequency of reporting WMSDs in specific parts of workers. Comparatively poor physical health (including moderate, poor, and very poor) was positively correlated with neck, shoulder, hand, and foot WMSDs (OR=1.479-4.077); working with an uncomfortable posture (OR=1.983) and doing the same task almost every day (OR=1.783) were positively correlated with neck pain; doing the same task almost every day (OR=2.408) and neck twisting for a long time (OR=1.830) were positively correlated with shoulder pain; bending wrists up and down frequently (OR=1.948) and bending wrists for a long time (OR=2.081) were positively correlated with hand pain; prolonged standing (OR=1.953) and often working overtime (OR=1.627) were positively correlated with feet pain; sufficient rest time was negatively correlated with WMSDs in the neck, shoulders, hands, and foot (OR=0.544-0.717). Conclusion The prevalence rate of WMSDs in furniture manufacturing workers is relatively high, and neck, feet, shoulders, and hands are the most involved body parts. The frequency of reporting WMSDs is related to individual factors, work organization factors, job characteristics, and awkward work postures.
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Background The contradiction between science and operability has always existed in the model of classified occupational health supervision and management. Comprehensive risk assessment method for occupational disease hazards of employers provides risk grading and classification for occupational health management, and it's a new attempt to explore classification supervision and law enforcement. Objective To apply a comprehensive risk assessment method for occupational disease hazards of employers to estimate health risk level of wood furniture enterprises, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and provide a basis for improving the classified management of occupational health. Methods Seven typical factories were selected in counties with highly concentrated wooden furniture manufacturing. Occupational health field investigation and testing were carried out to estimate occupational disease hazard risk level (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ). A self-rated checklist was applied to score occupational health management status by interviewing employers, one by one, and to determine occupational health management status grade (A, B, and C) by the score. Thus, a comprehensive risk level (Class A, Class B, and Class C) of a specific factory was obtained from a matrix of occupational disease hazard risk level and management status grade. Risk verification was carried out based on any abnormality reported by regular occupational physical examination in past 3 years. Results Defects in occupational health management were identified in all 7 factories, among which 6 were grade C with key nonconformities (poor), and 1 was grade B (medium). Disqualified occupational disease hazards were found in 6 of 7 factories, and the workstation-specific disqualified rates were 26.09% (12/46) for noise, 14.71% (5/34) for wood dust (hard), and 12.50% (1/8) for xylene. Level Ⅱ (medium) of occupational disease hazard risk was estimated in 5 of 7 factories, while level Ⅲ (high) in 2 factories. All 7 factories were class C (high risk) accessed by the comprehensive risk assessment method for occupational disease hazards. The occupational health surveillance documents showed 636 batches of regular occupational physical examination were ordered by the 7 employers, and a total of 37 workers from 5 factories reported abnormalities in physical examination, among which 3 workers reported dust exposure and 34 workers reported noise exposure. Conclusion The comprehensive risk assessment method for occupational disease hazards of employers is not able to perform with satisfaction in occupational health classification of wooden furniture manufacturing factories yet. It is necessary to expand the pilot to improve this assessment method and develop an efficient supervision mechanism to ensure the authenticity of the data before it is popularized and applied in classified occupational health management.
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Background Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent occupational diseases in the world. With the development of industry, noise sources in the workplace have become increasingly complex. Objective To apply kurtosis-adjusted cumulative noise exposure (CNE) to assess the occupational hearing loss among furniture manufacturing workers, and to provide a basis for revising noise measurement methods and occupational exposure limits in China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to select 694 manufacturing workers, including 542 furniture manufacturing workers exposed to non-Gaussian noise, and 152 textile manufacturing workers and paper manufacturing workers exposed to Gaussian noise. The job titles involving non-Gaussian noise were gunning and nailing, and woodworking, while those involving Gaussian noise were weaving, spinning, and pulping. High frequency noise-induced hearing loss (HFNIHL) and noise exposure data were collected for each study subject. Noise energy metrics included eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,8 h) and CNE. Kurtosis was a noise temporal structure metric. Kurtosis-adjusted CNE was a combined indicator of noise energy and temporal structure. Results The age of the study subjects was (35.64±10.35) years, the exposure duration was (6.71±6.44) years, and the proportion of males was 75.50%. The LAeq,8 h was (89.43±6.01) dB(A). About 81.42% of the study subjects were exposed to noise levels above 85 dB(A), the CNE was (95.85±7.32) dB(A)·year, with a kurtosis of 99.34 ± 139.19, and the prevalence rate of HFNIHL was 35.59%. The mean kurtosis of the non-Gaussian noise group was higher than that of the Gaussian noise group (125.33±147.17 vs. 5.86±1.94, t=−21.04, P<0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that kurtosis was an influential factor of workers' HFNIHL after correcting for age, exposure duration, and LAeq,8 h (OR=1.49, P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the effects of age, exposure duration, LAeq,8 h, and kurtosis on noise-induced permanent threshold shift at frequencies of 3, 4, and 6 kHz of the poor hearing ear were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of chi-square trend analysis showed that when CNE ≥ 90 dB(A)·year, the HFNIHL prevalence rate elevated with increasing kurtosis (P<0.05). The mean HFNIHL prevalence rate was higher in the non-Gaussian noise group than in the Gaussian noise group (31.7% vs. 22.0%, P<0.05). After applying kurtosis-adjusted CNE, the linear equation between CNE and HFNIHL prevalence rate for the non-Gaussian noise group almost overlapped with that for the Gaussian noise group, and the mean difference in HFNIHL prevalence rate between the two groups decreased from 9.7% to 1.4% (P<0.05). Conclusion Noise kurtosis is an effective metric for NIHL evaluation. Kurtosis-adjusted CNE can effectively evaluate occupational hearing loss due to non-Gaussian noise exposure in furniture manufacturing workers, and is expected to be a new indicator of non-Gaussian noise measurement and assessment.
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Introducción. El mobiliario escolar influye en la postura sedente que adopta el alumnado en el aula, con efectos en su salud y aprendizaje. Por ello, es preciso determinar la existencia de un posible desajuste entre las dimensiones del mobiliario escolar y la antropometría del alumnado, así como realizar una propuesta de tallas en base a la realidad del aula y las normativas de Galicia y la Unión Europea. Población y métodos. Un evaluador experto en antropometría realizó las mediciones de peso, talla, altura poplítea, hombro y codo sentado, con un antropómetro, comparándolas posteriormente con las sillas y mesas utilizadas actualmente. Las técnicas de análisis empleadas fueron: descriptivo (medidas de tendencia central), análisis de la varianza de un factor, prueba t, prueba de chi cuadrado (en software SPSS®) y tamaño del efecto (d de Cohen). El nivel de significación establecido fue de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados. La muestra se compuso de 108 estudiantes españoles de educación primaria (de entre 6 y 12 años). El 91,7 % y el 97,2 % del alumnado emplea, respectivamente, una silla y una mesa que no se ajusta a sus características antropométricas, y utiliza mobiliario con un tamaño superior al que le corresponde. La normativa de tallas de mobiliario que rige actualmente en la población estudiada no es apropiada, al no tener sillas y mesas adecuadas a los primeros cursos de primaria. Conclusiones. Existe un alto grado de desajuste entre el mobiliario y la antropometría del alumnado. Se propone seguir las tallas de la normativa europea, utilizando varias tallas por curso o mobiliario regulable, para adaptarse a las características antropométricas de todo el alumnado.
Introduction. School furniture affects the sitting position of students in the classroom, as well as their health and learning. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the existence of a potential mismatch between school furniture dimensions and students' anthropometric characteristics, as well as to propose dimensions based on classroom actuality and the regulations in place in both Galicia and the European Union. Population and methods. An evaluator with experience in anthropometry measured weight, height, popliteal height, sitting shoulder height, and sitting elbow height using an anthropometer and then compared values with the chairs and desks currently used. Analysis techniques were descriptive (measures of central tendency), single-factor analysis of variance, t test, χ² test (using the SPSS® software), and effect size (Cohen's d test). The significance level was established at p ≤ 0.05.Results. The sample was made up of 108 Spanish children in primary school (aged 6-12 years). Of them, 91.7 % and 97.2 % use, respectively, a chair and a desk that do not adjust to their anthropometric characteristics and use furniture that is larger than what they need. The regulations for furniture dimensions currently in place for the studied population are not adequate because the chairs and desks included are not adequate for the first grades of primary school. Conclusions. There is a high mismatch level between school furniture and students' anthropometric characteristics. We propose the use of the European regulations for furniture dimensions, with varying heights per grade or adjustable furniture that can be adapted to the anthropometric characteristics of all students.
Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Schools , Interior Design and Furnishings , Spain , Students , Pilot Projects , AnthropometryABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the applicability of semi-quantitative risk assessment methods in wood furniture manufacturing companies.@*Methods@#Two medium-sized wooden furniture manufactures were randomly selected as research objects, namely A company and B company. Used the Semi-Quantitative risk assessment method (the ratio method, the index method and the comprehensive method) in the "Guidelines for occupational health risk assessment of chemicals in the workplace" (GBZ/T 298-2017) to conduct occupational hygiene survey, occupational hazard factor testing and occupational health risk assessments for two wood furniture manufacturers from January to October 2018, and compared and analyzed the applicability of these three semi-quantitative risk assessment methods in wooden furniture manufacturing enterprises.@*Results@#The occupational health status of A enterprises was worse than that of B enterprises, and the occupational health risk level was higher than that of B enterprises, and the risk level of A enterprise is 3~4, and the risk level of B enterprise is 2~3. The occupational health risk level obtained by the index method was consistent with the comprehensive method, while the risk level of some occupational disease hazards used the ratio method was inconsistent with the results of the index method and the comprehensive method. Compared with the index method and the comprehensive method, when E/OEL<0.5 or E/OEL≥2, there might be a certain fluctuation in the occupational health risk level obtained by the ratio method.@*Conclusion@#The semi-quantitative risk assessment is more objective, comprehensive and flexible in the application of occupational health risk assessment, and can assess the occupational health risk level of chemical poisons in wood furniture manufacturing enterprises.
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RESUMO: Uma postura sentada adequada, principalmente quando se trata de alunos com paralisia cerebral, parece favorecer uma melhora funcional de membros superiores e, consequentemente, uma melhora no desempenho motor durante as atividades escolares e na aprendizagem. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influência do mobiliário na destreza manual da criança com paralisia cerebral durante uma atividade de traçado. Participaram seis alunos com diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral. Para a coleta de dados, os participantes foram posicionados em mobiliário adaptado e realizaram uma atividade previamente elaborada de traçado. Essa atividade foi repetida 10 vezes em cada mobiliário utilizado: 1) no mobiliário sem adequação inicial (SAI); 2) no mobiliário com adequação (CA); e 3) novamente no mobiliário sem adequação final (SAF). A análise do traçado foi realizada por meio do programa MovAlyzeR 6.1. Para a análise dos dados, foi realizada a média do desempenho para cada variável em cada mobiliário utilizado. Em seguida, os dados foram tratados estatisticamente e analisadas as variáveis: pico de velocidade vertical, pico de aceleração vertical, jerk, stroke, tempo de execução da atividade, pressão da caneta no papel, erro linear e tamanho absoluto da atividade de traçado. Os resultados indicaram que todos os participantes apresentaram dificuldades na realização do traçado; no entanto, o mobiliário adequado às necessidades do usuário influenciou nas variáveis pico de velocidade vertical e tempo de execução da atividade. Conclui-se que o mobiliário adequado pode influenciar na destreza manual de alunos com paralisia cerebral.
ABSTRACT: A proper sitting posture, especially when it comes to students with cerebral palsy, seems to favor a functional improvement of upper limbs and, consequently, an improvement in motor performance during school activities and learning. In this context, the aim of this study was to verify the influence of furniture on the manual dexterity of the child with cerebral palsy during a tracing activity. Six students with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy participated in the study. For data collection the participants were positioned in adapted furniture and performed a previously elaborated tracing activity. This activity was repeated 10 times on each item of furniture used: 1) on furniture without initial adjustment (WIA); 2) on furniture with adjustment (WA); and 3) again on furniture without final adjustment (WFA). The tracing analysis was performed by using the MovAlyzeR 6.1 software. For the analysis of the data, the average of the performance for each variable in each item of furniture used was conducted. The data was then treated statistically and the variables analyzed: vertical velocity peak, vertical acceleration peak, jerk, stroke, activity execution time, pen pressure on paper, linear error and absolute size of the tracing activity. The results indicated that all participants presented difficulties in performing the tracing, however, the furniture adapted to the needs of the user influenced the variables vertical velocity peak and activity execution time. It is concluded that adequate furniture may influence the manual dexterity of students with cerebral palsy.
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Resumen Objetivo: Presentar el proceso realizado y su aplicación para la identificación y categorización de comportamientos posturales sedentes de alumnos en clase, utilizando captura en vídeo y el desarrollo de una matriz gráfica para registro postural. Materiales y Métodos: Participaron estudiantes de segundo a once grado de escolaridad (entre 7 y 16 años de edad) pertenecientes a una institución de educación mixta en Bogotá, Colombia. Se registraron en diez vídeos las posturas sedentes de veinte estudiantes distribuidos de acuerdo a la edad, el grado de escolaridad y la dinámica escolar (individual/grupal). Las posturas observadas fueron dibujadas, categorizadas y plasmadas en una matriz gráfica utilizada como instrumento para señalarlas y luego se consolidó una base de datos. Resultados: Se identificaron 138 variaciones posturales, clasificadas en siete categorías. La matriz se aplicó para comparar la frecuencia de las posturas adoptadas durante la primera y la segunda mitad de la clase en dinámica individual, la frecuencia rotación de cuello entre las dos dinámicas escolares y la frecuencia de las categorías posturales entre las dinámicas de clase. Conclusiones: La matriz gráfica es una herramienta de tamizaje de tipo cualitativo, que con la elaboración de una base de datos posibilita calcular frecuencias de movimiento en partes del cuerpo (cuello, extremidades, tronco) y porcentajes de tiempo de permanencia en las categorías establecidas o en determinada variación postural, sin la necesidad de contar con equipos o con software especializados ni con personal técnico experto para la recolección y análisis de datos.
Abstract Objective: To present the process conducted and its application in order to identify and categorize the seated posture behavior of students in the classroom, using video capture and the development of a graphic matrix to register postures. Material and method: Students from second to eleven grade (between 7 and 16 years of age) male and female from a coeducational school in Bogotá, Colombia participated in the study. The seated postures of 20 students, distributed according to age, school grade, and school dynamics (individual / group), were recorded in ten videos. The postures observed were drawn, categorized and captured in a graphical matrix used as an instrument to identify them, and then, a database was consolidated. Results: A total of 138 posture variations were identified and classified into seven categories. The matrix was applied to compare the frequency of the postures adopted during the first and second half of the class in individual dynamics, the frequency of neck rotation between the two school dynamics, and the frequency of posture categories between class dynamics. Conclusions: The graphic matrix is a qualitative type screening tool which, with the elaboration of a database, makes it possible to calculate the frequencies of movement in the body parts (neck, extremities, and trunk) and percentages of time of permanence in the established categories or in certain posture variation, without the need for specialized equipment or software, or specialized technical staff for data collection and analysis.
Resumo Objetivo: Apresentar o processo realizado e sua aplicação para a identificação e categorização de comportamentos e como se sentam os alunos na sala de aula, utilizando captura em vídeo e o desenvolvimento de uma matriz gráfica para registro da sua expressão corporal. Materiais e Métodos: Participaram estudantes de segunda serie a oitava serie do primeiro grau e estudantes de primeira a terceira serie do segundo grau (de 7 a 16 anos de idade) pertencente a uma instituição de educação mista em Bogotá, Colômbia. Registraram se em dez vídeos dos alunos na sala de aula, de vinte estudantes distribuídos de acordo à idade, o grau de escolaridade e a dinâmica escolar (individual/grupal). A maneira de sentar - sem observadas foram desenhadas, categorizadas e plasmadas em uma matriz gráfica utilizada como instrumento para sinais e logo se consolidou uma base de dados. Resultados: Identificaram-se 138 variações da forma se sentarem-se, classificadas em sete categorias. A matriz se aplicou para comparar as fraquezas das posturas adotadas durante a primeira e a segunda metade da classe em dinâmica individual, a freqüência rotação de pescoço entre as duas dinâmicas escolares e a freqüência das categorias da forma na qual os estudantes se sentam entre as dinâmicas de classe. Conclusões: A matriz gráfica uma ferramenta de Tamisagem de tipo qualitativo, que com a elaboração de uma base de dados possibilita calcular freqüências de movimento em partes do corpo (pescoço, extremidades, tronco) e porcentagens de tempo de permanência nas categorias estabelecidas ou em determinada variação postural, sem precisar contar com equipes ou com softwares especializados nem com pessoal técnico esperto para a colheita e analise de dados.
Subject(s)
Posture , Schools , Child , DatabaseABSTRACT
Objective To apply and compare two occupational health risk assessment methods of Singapore occupational semi-quantitative risk assessment technique and occupational health risk assessment model provided by the International Council on Mining and Metal (ICMM) in chair furniture manufacturing enterprises. Methods Three chair furniture manufacturing enterprises were selected and investigated by occupational health. Singapore occupational semi-quantitative risk assessment technique and occupational health risk assessment model provided by the ICMM were used to evaluate the exposure risk in workers and compared. Results The result from the Singapore model indicated that there were extremely high risk for wood dust exposure at word-drilled workshop in factory C, high risk for wood dust exposure at word-drilled workshop in factory B and C, high risk for benzene exposure at glue-sprayed workshop in factory B and C, medium risk for wood dust exposure at wood-drilled workshop in factory A, toluene, xylene, dichloromethane, formaldehyde in factory B, toluene, xylene in factory C. There were inconsistent evaluation results using the ICMM tools of standard-based matrix and calculated risk rating. There were unacceptable risks for methylene chloride exposure at glue-sprayed workshop and word dust exposure at word-drilled workshop in factory A, B, C. There were unacceptable risks for benzene exposure at glue-sprayed workshop in factory B and C, toluene exposure at glue-sprayed workshop in factory A and C, ethyl acetate exposure at glue-sprayed workshop in factory B and C. The consistency of risk levels evaluated by Singapore occupational semi-quantitative risk assessment technique and rating evaluated mothod of risk assessment model provided by the ICMM was 58.33％ (weighted kappa value: 0.25) . The consistencies of risk levels evaluated by Singapore occupational semi-quantitative risk assessment technique and risk assessment model provided by the ICMM were low (weighted kappa value: 0.00) . Conclusion Singapore occupational semi-quantitative risk assessment technique and risk assessment model provided by the ICMM were both suitable for the chair furniture manufacturing enterprises, but the outcome of the two methods is inconsistent.
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Objective To compare the applicability of different occupational health risk assessment methods in small furniture manufacturing industry. Methods American EPA inhalation risk model, Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model of occupational exposure to chemical substances and Australian Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment model, were used to assess the occupational health risk in a small furniture manufacturing industry from a city of Zhejiang Province. Results The results of American EPA model showed that the workers who exposed to benzene and formaldehyde had low risk of carcinogens, and who exposed to benzene and xylene had very high risk of non-carcinogens. According to Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model, there were low and medium health risk caused by toluene and xylene, and high risk caused by wood dust in preparation and polishing jobs. Similar to the results of other models, Australia qualitative risk assessment model showed that there were medium health risk caused by toluene and xylene, and high risk caused by benzene, wood dust and noise. All of the three methods could found the key risk control point in furniture manufacturing industry. The risk ratios of the three methods were higher than the toxic work classification ratio (P<0.01), and the risk ratio of EPA model were higher than the results of Singapore model and Australia model (P<0.05) . Conclusion All of the three methods can be applied to assess the occupational health risk in furniture manufacturing industry, and the combined application of multiple risk assessment methods can be used as one of the risk assessment strategies.
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RESUMO: As indústrias moveleiras utilizam como matérias-primas insumos que provêm de recursos naturais renováveis, como madeiras, fibras naturais, couros e, também, de materiais não renováveis, como os metais, vidros, polímeros e químicos. Todos estão diretamente relacionados à geração de resíduos pós-produção pelas indústrias, podendo causar contaminações do solo, dos mananciais hídricos ou gerando poluentes atmosféricos. As tecnologias de "fim-de-tubo" já não são suficientes para evoluir em direção à sustentabilidade, fazendo-se necessário atitudes proativas eficientes, como a integração do meio ambiente ao longo do processo de desenvolvimento dos produtos, uma função da Ecologia Industrial. Este trabalho busca traçar o panorama acerca da questão ambiental junto às indústrias moveleiras, sobretudo com o uso da matéria-prima na fase de produção e no descarte dos resíduos, analisando principalmente sua destinação. Utilizando como premissas os conceitos ambientais da Ecoeficiência, Ecodesign e de Sistema de Gestão Ambiental, foi realizada a revisão da literatura com o objetivo de conhecer as estratégias e as ferramentas relevantes para os processos industriais, subsidiando a realização de uma pesquisa quantitativa com o setor produtivo de móveis do Estado de Goiás. As análises desta pesquisa demonstraram que as práticas da Ecologia Industrial são pouco empregadas nas indústrias avaliadas. Não há cumprimento íntegro da legislação aplicável, evidenciando a carência de informações sobre a influência que sua atividade produtiva pode causar ao meio ambiente e sobre as ações que podem ser implementadas com o objetivo de integrar as indústrias e a natureza em prol da sustentabilidade.
ABSTRACT: The furniture industry employs as raw material inputs that come from renewable resources such as wood, natural fibers, leather and also non-renewable materials such as metals, glass, polymers and chemicals. All these inputs are directly related to a major post-production waste generation by the industries that may cause soil and water sources contamination and generate air pollutants. The technologies end-of-pipe are no longer sufficient to evolve toward sustainability and an efficient proactive stance is needed like the environment integration throughout the product development process, one of the Industrial Ecology's role. This paper attempts to trace the panorama about the environmental issue in the furniture industry, especially about the use of raw materials and the waste disposal during production, and above all, analyzing its destination. Based on environmental concepts of Eco-Efficiency, Ecodesign and Environmental Management System, a literature review held in order to analyze the most relevant strategies and tools of industrial processes, supporting a quantitative research about the furniture production market of the State of Goiás. The evaluation of the research shows that the practice of Industrial Ecology are poorly employed inside the industries studied. Do not follow the applicable law strictly highlighting the lack of information about the influence that their activity can cause to the environment and about the actions that can be implemented aiming the integration of industries and nature on behalf of sustainability.
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Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for workers and therefore for businesses. The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a set of coordinated measures to prevent the development or evolution of occupational hearing loss, which involves a continuous and dynamic process of implementation of hearing conservation routines through anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and subsequent control of the occurrence of existing environmental risks or of those thatmay exist in the workplace and lead to workers hearing damage. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP in preventing further hearing loss in workers with audiograms suggestive of NIHL. The audiometric tests and medical records of 28 furniture company workers exposed to noise were reviewed and monitored for 2 years. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined five audiometric tests in the medical records (on admission and every semester) of 28 workers in a furniture company (totaling 140 audiometric exams) following the introduction of the HCP. Results Data analysis showed no differences between the audiometric tests conducted on admission and those performed every semester. Conclusions The HCP implemented was effective in preventing the worsening of hearing loss in workers already with NIHL when exposed to occupational noise. Therefore, such a measure could be useful for the employment of workers with hearing loss in job sectors that have noise exposure.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Young Adult , Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced , Hearing Tests , Retrospective Studies , Occupational Health , Interior Design and FurnishingsABSTRACT
Ergonomic is important in classroom. Sitting for protracted period in class may lead students to develop musculoskeletal disorders. Their physical health and performance in the class may increase by designing school furniture that match with human body. In Malaysia, there is a lack of ergonomic assessment for school environment especially in urban areas. The aim of this study is to determine the mismatch between the furniture dimension and anthropometric parameters among primary school children in Putrajaya. This is a cross-sectional study which involved 100, Year 1 and Year 6 primary school students randomly selected in Putrajaya. Five anthropometric measurements (popliteal height, buttock popliteal length, elbow height, shoulder height (sitting), hip breadth) as well as five furniture dimensions (seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height and seat to desk height) were measured. Instrument used is Martin type anthropometer set, SECA body meter, and SECA weighing scale. Calculation for determining mismatch between the furniture and anthropometric measures were calculated using a standard mismatch formula. There was 100% mismatch for seat height, seat depth, and seat to seat to desk height for Year 1. As for Year 6, mismatch was reported 100% for backrest height and seat to desk height. There were significance difference for parameters of popliteal height between Year 1 and Year 6 and between male and female of Year 1. There was a presence of mismatch between furniture dimension and children anthropometric measurement. Proposed dimension of furniture shows decrease in percentage of mismatch for the most parameter of anthropometric measurement.
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BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine hippuric acid levels in urine samples, airborne toluene levels, acute and chronic neurological symptoms, and to describe any correlation between urinary hippuric acid and airborne toluene. METHODS: The hippuric acid concentration in the urine of 87 paint workers exposed to toluene at work (exposed group), and 87 nonexposed people (control group) was studied. Study participants were selected from similar factories in the same region. Urine samples were collected at the end of a shift and analyzed for hippuric acid by high performance liquid chromatography. Air samples for the estimation of toluene exposure were collected with diffusive personal samplers and the toluene quantified using gas-liquid chromatography. The two groups were also interviewed and observed about their work practices and health. RESULTS: The median of the 87 airborne toluene levels was 55 ppm (range, 12-198 ppm). The median urinary hippuric acid level was 800 mg/g creatinine (range, 90-2547 mg/g creatinine). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between airborne toluene exposure and urine hippuric acid levels (r = 0.548, p < 0.01). Workers with acute symptoms had significantly higher hippuric acid levels than those who did not (p < 0.05). It was concluded that there was a significant correlation between toluene exposure, hippuric acid levels, and health (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There appears to be a significant correlation between workers exposure to toluene at work, their urine hippuric acid levels, and resulting symptoms of poor health. Improvements in working conditions and occupational health education are required at these workplaces. There was good correlation between urinary hippuric acid and airborne toluene levels.
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Humans , Chromatography, Gas , Chromatography, Liquid , Creatinine , Education , Interior Design and Furnishings , Occupational Health , Paint , Steel , Thailand , TolueneABSTRACT
Para actualizar el diseño de mobiliario que usan los niños de los Jardines Infantiles del sistema público chileno desde 1970, se realiza un Estudio Ergonómico que permita determinar criterios y dimensiones para proponer un estándar para el diseño de un nuevo mobiliario. Este trabajo presenta los resultados del levantamiento antropométrico realizado a 2338 niños y niñas desde los 3 meses a 6 años de edad, en jardines de la Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles (JUNJI) en las regiones I, IX, X, XII y Metropolitana. Si bien un estudio de las variables de peso y talla registradas en el Sistema de Gestión de Información de la Institución para niños y niñas de Jardines Clásicos urbanos manifestaba que no habían diferencias significativas entre zonas geográficas, se seleccionaron regiones considerando diversidad intercultural por ancestros directos de origen extranjero y/o de pueblos originarios en caso que la proporcionalidad de los segmentos manifestara diferencias, aún cuando la estatura y peso fueran similares. Se midieron 19 parámetros antropométricos para el desarrollo de mobiliario preescolar con criterios ergonómicos estandarizados al que se agregó una variable para orientar el ancho de uso de una superficie de trabajo. Los resultados obtenidos de la muestra considerada, nos permiten afirmar que se requiere hacer modificaciones en las dimensiones del mobiliario en uso. Se identificó una discrepancia importante entre las dimensiones antropométricas de los niños y el mobiliario existente. Se proponen tablas antropométricas para niños y niñas desde los 3 a 72 meses de edad, que indicarían que el mobiliario en uso no es del tamaño correcto para lograr comodidad y bienestar.
To update the design of furniture used by Chilean preschool children in the public education system since 1970, a Ergonomic study is carried out in order to establish criteria and dimensions to propose a standard for the design of new furniture. This paper presents the results of an anthropometric survey conducted on 2338 children from 3 months to 6 years of age. in preschools of the Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles (JUNJI) in Regions I, IX, X, XII and the Metropolitan region. While a study of the variables of height and weight recorded in the Information Management System of the Institution for children of classic urban preschools showed no significant differences between geographical areas, the regions were selected considering intercultural diversity by direct ancestors of foreign origin and / or indigenous peoples in case the proportionality of the segments manifested differences, even if height and weight were similar. Anthropometric parameters were measured 19 for the development of preschool furniture ergonomics standard to which a variable to guide the use of a wide work surface was added. Considering the results of the sample considered, we can state that changes are necessary in the dimensions of the furniture in use. We found a significant discrepancy between the anthropometric dimensions of children and the existing furniture. Anthropometric tables are proposed for children from 3 to 72 months of age, which would indicate that the furniture in use is not the right size to ensure comfort and convenience.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Schools, Nursery , Anthropometry , Ergonomics , Interior Design and Furnishings , Child Day Care Centers , Chile , Public SectorABSTRACT
O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as condições do mobiliário escolar disponibilizado aos alunos com paralisia cerebral nas escolas estaduais da cidade do Natal/RN em 2008 e a participação do fisioterapeuta na prescrição deste mobiliário. Os dados foram coletados através de um protocolo de avaliação junto a cinco alunos com paralisia cerebral e formulário aplicado aos diretores das instituições de ensino, sendo analisados por meio das categorias suscitadas. Os resultados apontaram a presença de mobiliário escolar que não atende as necessidades específicas de posicionamento dos alunos avaliados e a ausência do fisioterapeuta na prescrição desse mobiliário. Constata-se a necessidade dos órgãos gestores no âmbito da educação de Natal/RN em cumprir o que determina a lei e disponibilizar mobiliário escolar adequado aos alunos pesquisados. Assim, procurou-se garantir os recursos necessários para promover um ensino de qualidade para os educandos com paralisia cerebral no contexto da escola regular.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the conditions of school furniture available for students with cerebral palsy in public schools in the city Natal, Rio Grande do Norte in 2008, looking at how physical therapists participated in the process of prescribing such furniture. The data was collected using an evaluation protocol with students with cerebral palsy and with school principals who filled out forms. The analysis was undertaken according to the categories that arose from the data. The results indicated that: 1) school furniture doesnt meet the specific positioning needs of the students that were evaluated and 2) physical therapists do not participate in prescribing appropriate furniture. The study showed that in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, educational administrators need to carry out the policies that have been determined by law in order to make proper school furniture available to students with cerebral palsy. The necessary resources must be ensured in order to guarantee optimum educational conditions for students with cerebral palsy in the regular school context.
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Con el objetivo de evaluar los problemas disergonómicos asociados al mobiliario escolar, a las características dimensionales del aula, y el peso del morral en relación a las dimensiones antropométricas de los escolares, se realizaron mediciones antropométricos a 413 niños de tres planteles públicos y tres privados. Se consideraron las variables: edad, peso, estatura, altura poplítea y distancia sacro poplítea. Estas mediciones permitieron caracterizar a los niños de la muestra y realizar una comparación con los resultados de una investigación realizada durante la década de los años 80, encontrando que los niños de la presente investigación son más altos y con más peso hasta un 3,10% y un 23,3% respectivamente. También se encontró que los niños de los planteles privados presentaron mayor peso y talla que los niños de los planteles públicos. Se registró igualmente la información dimensional del mobiliario escolar para compararlo con los requisitos de las Normas Covenin 1650-89 y con los requerimientos antropométricos de los niños del estudio, encontrándose que los pupitres usados no cumplen con dichas normas Covenin ni son ergonómicamente confortables con los requerimientos dimensionales de los niños estudiados. Respecto al peso del morral, 67% de los niños cargan un peso superior al 10% de su peso corporal según lo sugerido por la Asociación Pediátrica Americana.
The investigation pursues the objective of evaluating the disergonomic problems associated to the school furniture, to the dimensional characteristics of the classroom, and the weight of the school bag in relation to the anthropometric dimensions of the students in public and private schools. For this purpose, anthropometric measurements were taken to 413 children from three public schools and three private schools. Among the variables taken, we can find the following ones: age, weight, height, popliteal height, popliteal sacrum distance, among others. These measurements allowed to characterize the children of the sample and to make a comparison with the results of other investigation during the decade of the eighties, finding that the children of the present investigation are higher and heavier to a 3,10% and a 23.3% respectively. It was also found that the children of the private schools had a higher weight and size than the children of the public schools. The dimensional information of the school furniture was also recorded to compare it with the requirements of the Covenin Norms 1650-89 and with the anthropometric requirements of the children of the study, finding that the used writing desks do not fulfil the requirements of the Covenin norms mentioned, nor are ergonomically comfortable with the dimensional requirements of the children of the sample. It was also found that 67% of the evaluated classrooms there are children who carry a weight higher than 10% of their corporal weight suggested by the American Pediatric Association.
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O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar os efluentes gerados em cabines de pintura de uma indústria moveleira e avaliar a eficiência de sistemas biológicos (anaeróbio e aeróbio) para o seu tratamento. O efluente industrial apresentou elevado teor de matéria orgânica (DQO total de 634 a 2.790 mg.L-1; DBO5 total de 360 a 972 mg.L-1) e baixos teores de macronutrientes (NTK de 1,9 mg.L-1 e Ptotal de 0,5 mg.L-) e metais tóxicos. Os ensaios de tratabilidade em reator UASB (~25ºC e tempo de detenção hidráulica - TDH = 10 horas), indicaram uma eficiência máxima de remoção de matéria orgânica de 90 por cento na composição volumétrica 70:30 (efluente industrial:esgoto sanitário). A alimentação do reator UASB só com efluente industrial resultou em acúmulo de ácidos graxos voláteis e inibição microbiana, mas o uso de pós-tratamento aeróbio (TDH = 96h) garantiu elevada eficiência global (~88 por cento) de remoção de matéria orgânica.
The main objective of this work was to characterize the wastewater from the dying hood of a woven furniture industry, and to assess the efficiency of biological processes (anaerobic and aerobic) for its treatment. The physical-chemical characterization of the industrial wastewater showed a high organic matter content (total COD from 634 to 2,790 mg.L-1; total BOD5 from 360 to 972 mg.L-1), low content of macronutrients (NTK of 1.9 mg.L-1 and P of 0.5 mg.L-1) and toxic metals. The anaerobic degradation tests in a bench-scale UASB reactor (25ºC and hydraulic retention time - HRT = 10 hours) showed that a maximum removal efficiency of 90 percent was obtained when the reactor was fed with 30 percent raw sewage and 70 percent industrial wastewater. The feeding of UASB reactor with only industrial wastewater resulted in volatile fatty acids accumulation and microbial inhibition; however, the use of aerobic post-treatment (HRT = 96 hours) granted a high (~88 percent) organic matter removal efficiency.