• Title/Summary/Keyword: Workplace Environment

Search Result 595, Processing Time 0.04 seconds

Review on asbestos analysis (석면 분석방법에 대한 고찰)

  • Ham, Seung hon;Hwang, Sung Ho;Yoon, Chungsik;Park, Donguk
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
    • /
    • v.19 no.3
    • /
    • pp.213-232
    • /
    • 2009
  • This document was prepared to review and summarize the analytical methods for airborne and bulk asbestos. Basic principles, shortcomings and advantages for asbestos analytical instruments using phase contrast microscopy(PCM), polarized light microscopy(PLM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were reviewed. Both PCM and PLM are principal instrument for airborne and bulk asbestos analysis, respectively. If needed, analytical electron microscopy is employed to confirm asbestos identification. PCM is used originally for workplace airborne asbestos fiber and its application has been expanded to measure airborne fiber. Shortcoming of PCM is that it cannot differentiate true asbestos from non asbestos fiber form and its low resolution limit ($0.2{\sim}0.25{\mu}m$). The measurement of airborne asbestos fiber can be performed by EPA's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) method, World Health Organization (WHO) method, International Standard Organization (ISO) 10312 method, Japan's Environmental Asbestos Monitoring method, and Standard method of Indoor Air Quality of Korea. The measurement of airborne asbestos fiber in workplace can be performed by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400 method, NIOSH 7402 method, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ID-160 method, UK's Health and Safety Executive(HSE) Methods for the determination of hazardous substances (MDHS) 39/4 method and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) CODE-A-1-2004 method of Korea. To analyze the bulk asbestos, stereo microscope (SM) and PLM is required by EPA -600/R-93/116 method. Most bulk asbestos can be identified by SM and PLM but one limitation of PLM is that it can not see very thin fiber (i.e., < $0.25{\mu}m$). Bulk asbestos analytical methods, including EPA-600/M4-82-020, EPA-600/R-93/116, OSHA ID-191, Laboratory approval program of New York were reviewed. Also, analytical methods for asbestos in soil, dust, water were briefly discussed. Analytical electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope equipped with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray analyser(EDXA), has been known to be better to identify asbestiform than scanning electron microscope(SEM). Though there is no standard SEM procedures, SEM is known to be more suitable to analyze long, thin fiber and more cost-effective. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) imaging protocol was developed to identify asbestos fiber. Although many asbestos analytical methods are available, there is no method that can be applied to all type of samples. In order to detect asbestos with confidence, all advantages and disadvantages of each instrument and method for given sample should be considered.

Personal Exposure Level of Nitrogen Dioxide in an Industrial Area (일부 공단지역 내 이산화질소에 의한 개인노출 농도에 관한 연구)

  • Jeon, Yong-Teak;Yang, Won-Ho;Cho, Tea-Jin;Son, Bu-Soon
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
    • /
    • v.35 no.1
    • /
    • pp.11-20
    • /
    • 2009
  • This study was conducted in industrial area. The level of nitrogen dioxide was measured indoor, outdoor, work and personal in an study area within 5 km from source of pollution and control area 15 km farther from August, 2006 to September. The followings are the summary of this research. The concentration of the indoor and the outdoor $NO_2$ levels in the industrial area are 18.41$\pm$6.35 ppb, 18.51$\pm$3.26 ppb each, and the indoor/outdoor concentration rate is 0.99. The concentration of $NO_2$ in the workplace is 18.59$\pm$10.16 ppb, and the individual exposure rate is 18.80$\pm$5.71 ppb. The concentration of the indoor and the outdoor $NO_2$ levels control area are 12.57$\pm$3.82 ppb, 9.68$\pm$2.16 ppb each, and the indoor/outdoor concentration rate is 1.33. The personal exposure rate is 14.49$\pm$10.06 ppb. The residents of the each area and those of the comparative area spend 80.9% and 76.9% each their time in the indoor. It shows they spend most of their time in indoor. The predictions of the individual exposure rates in the industrial area and the comparative area are 15.10$\pm$6.14 ppb and 10.52$\pm$3.82 ppb each, The concentration levels measured by passive sampler are 18.80$\pm$5.71 ppb and 14.49$\pm$10.34 ppb each. The result of the research is the analysis of the personal exposure rate in indoor, outdoor and workplace of industrial area. This research may bo used as a basic data to manage and to establish the plan for $NO_2$ gas of the industrial area.

A Study on the Simulation of Damage Distance for Toxic Substances Leakage (사고대비물질 누출 시 독성피해 영향범위 상관관계식 개발에 관한 연구)

  • Jo, Ga-Young;Lee, Ik-Mo;Hwang, Yong-Woo;Moon, Jin-Young
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
    • /
    • v.18 no.4
    • /
    • pp.599-607
    • /
    • 2017
  • Since 2015, small and medium domestic enterprises that treat more than a certain quantity of chemical substances in accordance with the Chemical Substance Control Act are obliged to submit an off-site impact assessment and risk management plan. In order to reduce the administrative and economic burden of the risk assessment, its impact was determined. Toxic leaks of nitric acid, methanol, and acetic acid were estimated and the correlations (between them?) were calculated. In addition, the correlations of this study were used to compare the KORA results according to the accident scenarios of the actual workplace and the extent of the damage as a function of distance in the case of toxic leaks. In this study, the correlation formula of the materials can be used to quickly determine the damage distance in the event of the accidental leakage of materials in the road or workplace, and to prepare emergency plans and respond to emergencies more quickly.

A Study on Evaluation of Thermal Environment using Heat Stress Indices for Deep Coal Mine in Korea (열적지표를 적용한 국내 고심도 석탄광산의 열환경 평가 연구)

  • Park, Seon-Oh;Roh, Jang-Hoon;Kim, Jin
    • Tunnel and Underground Space
    • /
    • v.24 no.2
    • /
    • pp.166-175
    • /
    • 2014
  • In this study, the thermal environment in a large scale coal mine located in Taebaek, Gangwondo was assessed by a field survey. In order to estimate the thermal environment, various heat stress indices such as WBGT, HSI, ESI, KATA index and effective temperature were investigated. Correlation analysis was also conducted. It was found that the thermal environment in most workplace was high. In particular, the correlation coefficient between HSI reflected in physiological fatigue characteristic and the maximum sweat evaporation heat was -0.834. This shows that the correlation coefficient have the most influence on HSI index. The factor which has the most influence on the maximum sweat evaporation heat is velocity of air. The thermal environment of high-depth coal mines is likely to be improved by installing a structure that enables the maximum prevention of extended digging, air doors, or the leakage of the inflow of air in the first shaft.

A Comparison of Nursing Work Environment, Role Conflict, and Job Embeddedness of Nurses Working in Comprehensive Nursing Care Service Wards and General Wards in a Tertiary Hospital (상급종합병원에서의 간호·간병통합서비스 병동과 일반병동 간호사의 근무환경, 역할갈등, 직무 배태성 비교)

  • So, Hye-Eun;Hwang, Jee-In
    • Quality Improvement in Health Care
    • /
    • v.26 no.1
    • /
    • pp.11-22
    • /
    • 2020
  • Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the work environment, role conflict, and job embeddedness between comprehensive nursing care service (CNCS) ward nurses and general ward nurses. Methods: This descriptive research study involved 70 CNCS ward nurses and 69 general ward nurses working at an advanced general hospital in Seoul. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire from March 27 to April 14, 2019 and analyzed with the SPSS 24.0 program. Results: The work environment of the CNCS ward nurse was higher than that of the general ward nurse (t=4.38, p<.001), and the role conflict of the CNCS ward nurse was lower than that of the general ward nurse (t=-2.09, p=.038). However, job embeddedness did not show any statistically significant difference (t=0.22, p=.824). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the introduction of CNCS ward has shown improvement in the work environment and strengthened the establishment of the roles in their team, while maintaining the job embeddedness of nurses. These results indicate that improvements in the work environment, such as nurse staffing and material support, would contribute to the qualitative enhancement of nursing and that it would need to extend the introduction of CNCS wards.

The Prediction of Industrial Accident Rate in Korea: A Time Series Analysis (시계열분석을 통한 산업재해율 예측)

  • Choi, Eunsuk;Jeon, Gyeong-Suk;Lee, Won Kee;Kim, Young Sun
    • Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
    • /
    • v.25 no.1
    • /
    • pp.65-74
    • /
    • 2016
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to predict industrial accident rate using time series analysis. Methods: The rates of industrial accident and occupational injury death were analyzed using industrial accident statistics analysis system of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency from 2001 to 2014. Time series analysis was done using the most recent data, such as raw materials of Economically Active Population Survey, Economic Statistics System of the Bank of Korea, and e-National indicators. The best-fit model with time series analysis to predict occupational injury was developed by identifying predictors when the value of Akaike Information Criteria was the lowest point. Variables into the model were selected through a series of expertises' consultations and literature review, which consisted of socioeconomic structure, labor force structure, working conditions, and occupational accidents. Results: Indexes at the meso- and macro-levels predicting well occurrence of occupational accidents and occupational injury death were labor force participation rate for ages 45-49 and budget for small scaled workplace support. The rates of industrial accident and occupational injury death are expected to decline. Conclusion: For reducing industrial accident continuously, we call for safe employment policy of economically active middle aged adults and support for improving safety work environment of small sized workplace.

Study on Job Stress and Job Satisfaction of Dental Hygienists in Changwon (창원지역 치과위생사의 직무스트레스와 직무만족에 관한 연구)

  • Lee, Myeong-Ju;Kwon, Sun-Hwa;Goo, Hyo-Jin
    • Journal of Korean Clinical Health Science
    • /
    • v.1 no.3
    • /
    • pp.39-48
    • /
    • 2013
  • Purpose. This study was performed on survey related dental hygienist job stress and job satisfaction, to improve the work efficiency of the dental hygienist and for dental hygienist to eliminate the cause of stress for health promotion and for management to be able to help to finding ways to provide basic data. Method. This survey is based on 235 people who are dental hygienists working in Changwon city from November 1 to November 30 2012, by statistical analysis of collected data using SPSS Win Program 20.0 version t-test, univariate analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), correlation analysis that performed to determine statistical significance with a significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results. For correlation of job satisfaction and job stress, the job demands, job insecurity, and workplace culture shows a negative correlation. For Correlation of the physical environment, insufficient job control, interpersonal conflict, and organizational system is, lack of reward shows a positive correlation. The less job stress due to Insufficient job control, interpersonal conflict, organizational system, is, the higher job satisfaction due to job demands and workplace culture is.(p <0.05), The higher job stress is, the higher the job satisfaction is(p <0.05). Conclusions. Job satisfaction and job stress may be relevant each other, there fore several measures should be sought to solve insufficient job control, interpersonal conflict, organizational system and the lack of reward, consequently to increase the job satisfaction of dental hygienists.

  • PDF

Benefits of a Dedicated Breastfeeding Facility and Support Program for Exclusive Breastfeeding among Workers in Indonesia

  • Basrowi, Ray W;Sulistomo, Astrid B;Adi, Nuri Purwito;Vandenplas, Yvan
    • Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
    • /
    • v.18 no.2
    • /
    • pp.94-99
    • /
    • 2015
  • Purpose: A mother's working environment is believed to be a major determinant of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice. We aimed to define the influence of a facility dedicated to breastfeeding and a breastfeeding support program at the workplace on breastfeeding practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in five workplaces. The inclusion criteria were female workers whose last child was between 6 and 36 months old. Observational data were obtained and a questionnaire was filled out. The World Health Organization definition for EBF was used. Results: Data from 186 subjects (74 office workers and 112 factory workers) were collected. Just over half (52%) of the mothers were between 20 and 46 years old, 75.3% had graduated from high school and university, 12.9% had more than two children and 36.0% owned a house. The prevalence of EBF during the last 6 months was 32.3%. A proper dedicated breastfeeding facility was available for 21.5% of the mothers, but only 7.5% had been in contact with a breastfeeding support program. The presence of a dedicated breastfeeding facility increased EBF practice almost threefold, by an odds ratio (OR) of 2.74 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.34-5.64 (p<0.05). Knowledge of the breastfeeding support program increased EBF practice by almost six times (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 1.78-19.79) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Governments should make it obligatory for employers to offer a breastfeeding support program and a dedicated breastfeeding facility at the workplace as these simple measures significantly increase EBF.

A Survey Study on the Performance of Accreditation Program for Engineering Education (공학인증 프로그램의 성과에 대한 조사연구)

  • Sung, Jai-Mie;Kang, Seung-Chan;Min, Dong-Kyun
    • Journal of Engineering Education Research
    • /
    • v.12 no.4
    • /
    • pp.102-114
    • /
    • 2009
  • This study investigates the performance of accreditation programs for engineering education in Korea using questionnaire. The survey includes workers who graduated the accreditation programs, supervisors of the workplace of the graduates, and professors or related persons of the universities. Overall the results shows that related three groups of individuals evaluates the program positively. The accreditation programs have positive effect on the labor market entrance and performances in the workplace estimated by earnings. Compared with major courses, courses of liberal arts and social science needs revision to have more positive response from graduates and employers. Also the program has to give more attention to strengthen the competencies related to professionals and ethics related with job, and adjustment in the work environment.

Economical Ventilation Effectiveness to Reduce Hazardous Chemical Emissions for a Nail-Salon Worker

  • KWON, Woo-Taeg;JUNG, Min-Jae;LEE, Woo-Sik;KWON, Lee-Seung;SO, Young-Jin
    • Journal of Distribution Science
    • /
    • v.17 no.7
    • /
    • pp.65-76
    • /
    • 2019
  • Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate economical ventilation effectiveness to reduce hazardous materials exposure and damage of workers by analyzing exposure amount of noxious substances under various ventilation conditions of nail salon for indoor environments. Research design, data, and methodology - This study was carried out with cooperation of Nail shop located in SeongNam city to involve an analysis of the environmental impact indoor air quality, pollutant exposure and economical cost-effectiveness in the nail workplace. The hazardous substances were PM-10(Particulate Matter-10㎛), VOCs(Volatile Organic Compounds) and Formaldehyde, which are the major materials of nail workplace. Results - PM-10 is reduced by about 60% with air cleaner, forced artificial ventilation by 32%, and natural ventilation by about 12%. TVOCs and Formaldehyde showed similar efficiency (80~100%) after natural ventilation and ventilation after 60 minutes. The removal efficiencies of VOCs and formaldehyde were similar to those of natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation system. However, in case of dust, natural ventilation was reduced by artificial ventilation system due to inflow of external dust during natural ventilation. Conclusions - If the pollution degree of outdoor air is not high, air volume is high, and natural ventilation is performed when the air conditioning and heating system is not operated. Even at the end of the work, it keeps operating for 60 minutes to remove the pollutants generated. Results of this analysis demonstrated that the worker environment can be improved by adopting institutional legislation and guidelines for ventilation.