| dc.description.abstract | This study was conducted at a manufacturer of heavy calibre ammunition as well as electro-detonators
for the mines and different defence forces. Thirteen most exposed subjects were
chosen (according to the Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual (OESSM)) in four
different departments where these subjects were exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOC's)
in the normal line of duty.
VOC's are organic (carbon containing compounds) chemicals that have a high vapour pressure
and easily form vapour at normal temperature and pressure. VOC's include solvents such as
benzene, alcohols, ethanol, toluene, acetone and more of these solvents can be used as paint
additives. As can be seen in the literature review VOC's can cause adverse effects if the worker
is exposed to levels above the occupational exposure limits and the control measures are not in
place. Because of the severity of exposure to VOC's and the relation between occupational
hygiene and occupational health (biological monitoring), the study was conducted to determine
worker exposure. Estimating occupational exposure is difficult. This is due to a variety of
factors, which include the following: worker exposures vary within the same job position,
exposures vary during one workday, multiple routes of absorption, personal protective
equipment (PPE) may be used inconsistently, and solvents are commonly used as mixtures. For
environmental exposure, similar challenges exist. Thus it is important to take biological
monitoring into consideration as a way of determining exposure.
During the study three entities were considered to determine exposure. Firstly activated charcoal
tubes were used to determine personal exposure. Secondly, the amount of VOC's that was in the
worker's body was determined via biological monitoring. Lastly, control measures were
considered and the air flow was measured to determine whether the controls were effective
(extractor systems and protective equipment).
After the evaluation process the results indicated that although there was exposure to solvents,
the workers’ health was not at risk. I t can thus be seen that if the workers are exposed to VOC's
and the control measures are in place it will not lead to the adverse health effects that can be
caused by exposure to VOC's. During the study there were a few subjects that were exposed to
VOC concentrations above the action levels and the effect of this could also be seen in the
biological monitoring results. Where defects were noticed, different control measures according
to the hierarchy of control, further biological monitoring was suggested. | |
