Occupational hazards in sand casting enterprises in Wenling City / 预防医学

ABSTRACT

Abstract@#To investigate the main occupational hazards of sand casting process enterprises, so as to provide insights into occupational disease prevention and control.@*Methods@#In 2021 and 2022, six typical ferrous metal casting enterprises using sand casting technology in Wenling City, Zhejiang Province were selected to investigate the production processes and equipment, the operation of occupational disease prevention facilities and personal protective equipment. Occupational hazards including silica dust, noise, high temperature and ultraviolet radiation were detected and analyzed.@*Results@#Six sand casting enterprises had not effectively set up and use occupational disease prevention equipment, and some employees had not worn personal protective equipment as required. The participation rate of occupational health examination was 100.00%. Among the 54 silica dust sampling points at the sand mixing, molding, sand falling, shot blasting and mud core drilling positions, the overall dust concentration exceeding the standard rate was 100.00%, and the respiratory dust exceeding the standard rate was 44.44%. Among the 55 noise measurement points at the sand mixing, sand falling, shot blasting, mud core drilling, polishing and blowing positions, 51 exceeded the standard, with a rate of 92.73%. Among the 90 sampling points for melting, painting, polishing, blowing and welding positions, the concentrations of welding fumes, manganese and its compounds, ethyl acetate and other cahmical factors did not exceed the standard. Six ultraviolet radiation measurement points in the welding position and six heat stress measurement points in the melting position did not exceed the standard.@*Conclusion@#The main occupational hazards of sand casting process enterprises in Wenling City are silica dust and noise, and occupational disease prevention and control should be further strengthened.