RESUMO
ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of using the comprehensive index method for occupational health risk assessment in the lead-acid battery enterprises. Methods Convenient sampling method was used to select two lead-acid battery enterprises A and B in Jiangsu Province, with eight key positions including ball grinding, plate casting, pasting, plate coating, plate grinding, plate slicing and brushing, welding and acid charging as the research subjects. Worksite survey of occupational health was conducted in these two lead enterprises, and the levels of lead smoke, lead dust and sulfuric acid in the key positions were detected. The health risk of occupational hazards in the eight key positions was evaluated by a comprehensive index method. Results The time-weighted average concentration (CTWA) of lead smoke in plate casting and welding positions of enterprise A, the CTWA of lead dust in plate grinding and plate slicing and brushing positions of enterprise A, the CTWA of lead dust in plate grinding position of enterprise B, the CTWA of lead smoke in welding position of enterprise B were exceeded national occupational exposure limits. The risk assessment results of the plate casting, welding, plate grinding and plate slicing and brushing positions were moderate risk, while other positions were low risk in enterprise A. The risk assessment results of the plate grinding and welding positions were moderate risk, while other positions were low risk in enterprise B. Conclusion The results of risk assessment by the comprehensive index method were consistent with the results of occupational hazard factors detection. The comprehensive index method could well evaluate the occupational health risks of lead-acid battery enterprises.
RESUMO
Objective To investigate the lead pollution status in the workplaces of enterprises in the lead-acid battery industry in Wuhan, to analyze the correlation between lead level in the workplace and blood lead concentration in exposed workers, and to provide some advice on occupational health problems for companies. Methods Lead fume and lead dust in the workplaces were monitored from the workplaces of four lead-acid battery companies in Wuhan, and the blood lead levels of lead exposed workers were tested. Results The exceeding standard rate of lead concentration in the workplace was 34.95%, and the exceeding rate of blood lead was 1.74% among 1 435 workers. As the age of exposure increased, the average blood lead concentration of workers increased, and the difference in blood lead concentration among workers in each enterprise was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The lead concentration in the workplaces of the lead-acid battery industry in Wuhan seriously exceeded the standard. There were significant differences in blood lead concentrations among lead-exposed workers in different enterprises. Relevant departments and employees should take corresponding measures to reduce the harm.
RESUMO
Objective@#ICMM occupational health risk assessment model was be used to evaluate the risk of a lead-acid battery enterprise. @*Methods@#In November 2016, a lead-acid battery company in Jiangsu Province was selected as the research object. Based on the occupational health survey data and occupational hazard assessment reports, the ICMM risk assessment model was used to conduct occupational health risks in eight key positions of a lead-acid battery enterprise. The risk assessment results was verified by actual test results. @*Results@#In the quantitative assessment model, the occupational health risk assessment results for the castings and welding positions exposed to lead smoke, and the occupational health risk assessment results for the grinding and dividing positions exposed to lead dust existed unacceptable risks. The occupational health risk assessment results for the ball-milled and plated positions exposed to lead dust existed tolerable risks. The occupational health risk assessment results for the lead-plated and soldered positions exposed to sulphuric acid pastes and acids existed potential risks. In qualitative evaluation matrix method, the occupational health risk assessment results for the castings and welding positions exposed to lead smoke, and the occupational health risk assessment results for the grinding and dividing positions exposed to lead dust existed high risks, the occupational health risk assessment results for other four key positions were considered to be with low risks. @*Conclusion@#The key control points for lead smoke in this enterprise were castings and welding positions; The key control points for lead dust were the grinding and separating brush positions. The quantitative assessment model and the qualitative assessment matrix method in the ICMM model were consistent with the actual test results in the eight health risk assessments of occupational hazards in key positions. Therefore, the method could be applied to the assessment of occupational health risks of the lead-acid battery enterprise. According to the results of the assessment, improvements could be made to high-risk positions and the concentration of occupational hazards in high-risk posts could be reduced to better protect the health of workers.