8/9/2019 Poster Combined Exposure to Noise and Solvents

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RISK ASSESSMENT AND

COMBINED EXPOSURE TONOISE AND SOLVENTS

CASES STUDIES

PAULA SANTOSDepartment of Occupational Safety, A.Ramalhão, Porto, Portugal

paulasantos@aramalhao.com

ABSTRACTThe harmful effects of noise on hearing are now globally recognized and are well documented.This is a common problem to a wide range of industry sectors. However, it is also knownthat this physical agent is not the only risk factor in the workplace likely to have an impacton workers’ hearing. Certain substances, defined as ototoxic can also cause damage to theauditory system, so it is imperative to devote more attention to the issue of combined risksfor workers exposed to high levels of noise and chemicals and synergistic negative effectson the auditory system.

In many industrial environments we can find chemicals, defined as ototoxic affecting theauditory system, including solvents, metals and asphyxiating. The information currentlyexisting on the subject indicates that workers exposed to ototoxic substances and highnoise levels are more at risk of getting a hearing loss than workers exposed, separately, tonoise or substances.

In Portugal, the act DL n.º 182/2006, of 6 september indicates the importance to considercombined exposure noise and ototoxic substances in risk assessment.

This work aims to address the combined effect of noise and solvents (ototoxic substances),we present cases studies of risk assessment to reflect this combined exposure, preventivemeasures taken and level of noise and solvents determined. The measurements were realizedby the laboratory ARLab – Laboratório de A.Ramalhão, Lda, accredited by IPAC (Portugal). Forthe measurement of noise and solvents we used internationally recognized methodology,ISO 9612 and NIOSH methods.

METHODS ANDINSTRUMENTSIn 2006, article no. 5 of DL no. 182/2006, states, “The activities likely to pose risks of noiseexposure, the employer shall make an assessment of risks, in particular taking into accountthe following aspects: …the indirect effects on worker safety resulting from interactionsbetween noise and ototoxic substances present in the workplace... “. The Act also warns ofthe possibility of the presence of chemicals that can be ototoxic, “with negative effects onthe organs of hearing, resulting in an increased risk when combined with noise exposure.This synergy is particularly noticeable when the noise becomes associated with some organicsolvents used in the plastics industry and printing industry, as well as in paints and varnishes.

To assess the effects of noise and solvents, were collected several samples in differents workplaces,like painting and varnishing cabins in the furniture sector. Were used the measurement strategy“task-based measurement” established by ISO 9612. To carrying out the samplings were usednoise sound level meters from Bruel & Kjaer, model 2260 and its calibrators.

For solvents were collected samples using the methodology established by NIOSH method1501:2003 or NP EN ISO 16017-1:2009.

In the collection of the solvents were used SKC personal samplers, whose flow was settingand checking before and after sampling using a flow meter from Bios.

DISCUSSION ANDCONCLUSIONSThe Figures 1, 2 and 3 shows the results of measurements of occupational exposure to solventsToluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene and noise in the painting and varnishing cabins. The resultswere compared with the limit values established by DL 24/2012 (Solvents) and DL 182/2006(Noise).

It is important that this risk factor is provided in any risk assessment, this was includedin the matrix of hazard identification and risk assessment. Considering our results Xyleneand Toluene present values most worrying cases evaluated. Thus, it is assigned a probabilitylevel higher than the dangers appear alone. The severity level is related to concentration ofthe chemical and noise level obtained. Given this change in methodology, the level of riskincreases, implying taking immediate action to reduce risk.

The table 1 shows same action prevention measures were implemented in workplace.

Table 1 – Prevention Measures

Replacingthe ototoxic solventswith lessharmful solvents

Awareness,Informationconsultationof the workers,employers,occupational doctor

Promove turnover

REFERENCES* NP 1796:2007 – Occupational Health and Safety; Occupational exposure limits to chemical

agents* ISO 9612 – Acoustics, Determination of occupational noise exposure – Engineering method* NIOSH 1501:2003 - Hydrocarbons, Aromatic* NP EN ISO 16017-1:2009* Act DL n.º 182/2006, of 6 September* Act DL nº 24/2012, of 6 February

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RESULTS

Figure 1 - Representativegraphicof measurementsof solventsin furnituresector

Figure 2 - Evaluationof exposureto solvents

Figure 3 - Representativegraphicof measurementsof occupationalnoise infurniture sector

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