Quantitative risk estimation of CNG station by using fuzzy bayesian networks and consequence modeling.

As one of the potential explosions and inflammation, compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in urban areas cause irreparable losses and casualties. Estimating risk assessment in gas stress based on coherent uses can reduce accidents in urban areas. The purpose of the present study was to estimate a small risk estimation at one of the CNG multipurpose stations, LPG, using combined models of the Fuzzy Bayesian Network, Bow-tie Diagram, and consequence modeling. This study was conducted based on the basic and 25 intermediate events. This study formed a seven-person safety team to identify the primary events and build the Bow-tie diagram. Then, because of the lack of a proper database, fuzzy theory was used to determine the probability of significant events. Bayesian networks were drawn based on the Bow-tie model using GeNLe software. Finally, the main events of the two Bow-tie, Bayesian network modeling, and risk estimation were performed with the help of PHAST/SAFETI (V8.22). The geographical information system software was used to zone the explosion effects. The Risk assessment result showed that the social risks and the Bayesian network model are more than Bow-tie, and the Bow-tie diagram is unacceptable. Therefore, using incompatible land uses in the vicinity of the CNG stations gives rise to the effects of accident scenarios in particular residential and administrative land uses, which decision-makers and city managers should consider. Based on the findings of this study, the obtained results can be utilized to implement effective control measures. These measures encompass devising a response plan tailored to address specific emergency conditions and conducting comprehensive training programs for the individuals and residents residing within the study area.

Occupational Health Services Integrated in Primary Health Care in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: A healthy workforce is vital for maintaining social and economic development on a global, national and local level. Around half of the world's people are economically active and spend at least one third of their time in their place of work while only 15% of workers have access to basic occupational health services. According to WHO report, since the early 1980s, health indicators in Iran have consistently improved, to the extent that it is comparable with those in developed countries. In this paper it was tried to briefly describe about Health care system and occupational Health Services as part of Primary Health care in Iran. METHODS: To describe the health care system in the country and the status of occupational health services to the workers and employers, its integration into Primary Health Care (PHC) and outlining the challenges in provision of occupational health services to the all working population. FINDINGS: Iran has fairly good health indicators. More than 85 percent of the population in rural and deprived regions, for instance, have access to primary healthcare services. The PHC centers provide essential healthcare and public-health services for the community. Providing, maintaining and improving of the workers' health are the main goals of occupational health services in Iran that are presented by different approaches and mostly through Workers' Houses in the PHC system. CONCLUSIONS: Iran has developed an extensive network of PHC facilities with good coverage in most rural areas, but there are still few remote areas that might suffer from inadequate services. It seems that there is still no transparent policy to collaborate with the private sector, train managers or provide a sustainable mechanism for improving the quality of services. Finally, strengthening national policies for health at work, promotion of healthy work and work environment, sharing healthy work practices, developing updated training curricula to improve human resource knowledge including occupational health professionals are recommended.

Assessment of air pollution and its effects on the health status of the workers in beam rolling mills factory (Iran National Steel Industrial Group) from Ahvaz-Iran.

BACKGROUND: Air pollutants of iron- and steel-making operations have historically been an environmental and health hazard. These pollutants include gaseous substances such as sulfur oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The Iran National Steel Industrial Group beam rolling mills factory has two production lines viz. line 630 and line 650, with different beam production capabilities and is capable of producing different types of beams. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study on 400 workers in different exposure levels to environmental pollution was performed during 2005 to determine the mean value of respirable particulate matter (RPM) concentrations and its effects on the health status of workers. To elicit information regarding the health status of the worker, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health standard questionnaire was used. Fisher's exact test was performed to assess the relative risk (RR) of exposure to air pollution on cardiovascular diseases, chest tightness, cough, difficulty in retention, i.e. loss of memory, tension, occupational fatigue, and occupational stress in exposed workers. RESULTS: There was significant difference in RPM pollution level between two product lines. The RR of exposure to air pollution on cardiovascular diseases, chest tightness, cough, difficulty in retention, i.e. loss of memory, tension, occupational fatigue, and occupational stress in exposed workers were 2.78, 2.44, 2.15, 1.92, 1.57, 3.90, and 2.09, respectively.

Investigation of respirable particulate matter pollutants on air-breathing zone workers in the Beam Rolling Mills Factory (Iran National Steel Industrial Group), Ahvaz, Iran.

Workers of iron and steel factories are exposed to a wide range of pollutants depending on the particular process, the materials involved, the effectiveness of monitoring and the control measures. Adverse effects are determined by the physical state and propensities of the pollutant involved, the intensity and duration of the exposure, the extent of pollutant accumulation in the body and the sensitivity of the individual to its effects. The main aim of this study is to assess the levels of the indoor respirable particulate matter (RPM) and to compare the health condition of exposed workers, with nonexposed employees group. Line 630 has only one furnace of 40 tons and line 650 has two furnaces of 20 and 40 tons capacity due to which the mean of the RPM concentrations in the breathing zone was significantly different (P < 0.05) in line 650 but not in line 630 as compared with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene's (3 mg/m(3)). The average of the RPM concentrations in production line 650 is higher than that of production line 630, with the 95% confidence interval in saw cabin station number 1 of production line 650.