@article{ author = {DehghanNasiri, M and Golbabaii, F and Koohpaii, A.R and RahimiForooshani, A and ShahTaheri, S.J}, title = {Biological and environmental monitoring of lead and exposure in the automobile industry}, abstract ={  Background and Aims: Soldering is one of the most common activities in metal industries. Lead is used in soldering process and has considerable toxic effects. The aim of this study, therefore, was biological and environmental monitoring and investigating the effects of exposure to lead in soldering unit workers at an automobile industry.     Methods: In order to evaluate biological and environmental exposure to lead, a case-control study was accomplished on 60 workers in soldering unit (case group) and 60 workers in official unit (control group). Demographical and medical information were gained by a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 8003 method and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) respectively and air samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 7300 method and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) respectively.     Results: The obtained results shown that, with the increasing of age and work experience, the blood lead level is also increased.(p=0.033)(p=0.003) In exposed group, the blood lead mean value was significantly higher than the control group (p-value<0.001). Prevalence of digestive, nervous, respiratory, dermal, kidney disorders, anemia diseases, and disorder in bone metabolism in exposed group were higher than the control group. The amount of lead level was negatively correlated with hemoglobin (r=-0.287p=0.026) and hematocrit (r=-0.336p=0.009) but There was no significant correlation between air and blood lead level.     Conclusion: The blood lead level may be increased in lead exposure due absence of personal protective equipment and poor personal hygiene. Increased lead level in blood can be resulted to various diseases and decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in blood.}, Keywords = {Biological monitoring, Environmental monitoring, Lead, Blood, Soldering, Occupational diseases }, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {1-8}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-601-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-601-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {Jahangiri, M and Adl, J and ShahTaheri, S.J and kakooii, H and RahimiForooshani, A and Rashidi, A.M and Keypoor, J}, title = {Determining Service Life of Respirator Cartridges Using a Simple and Practical Method: Case Study in a Car Manufacturing Industry}, abstract ={  Background and aims: For ensuring about proper performance of air-purifying respirators in providing protection against workplace contaminants, it is necessary to change the respirator cartridges before the end of their service life. The aim of this study was determination of service life of organic vapor cartridges using a simple and practical method in a spray painting booth of a car manufacturing industry.   Methods: NIOSH MultiVapor software was used for estimating service life of respirator cartridges based on workplace conditions and cartridge specifications. Efficiency of determined service life was investigated using an apparatus for field testing of cartridges in the workplace.   Results: The results showed that existing schedule for changing the respirator cartridges is not effective and no longer provide adequate protection for sprayers against organic contaminants while working in a painting booth. It is necessary to change the cartridges before their estimated service life (every 4 hours).   Conclusion: NIOSH MultiVapor has acceptable efficiency for determining respirator cartridges service life and could be used as a simple and practical method in the workplace. Moreover, Service life estimated by this software was confirmed by cartridge field test apparatus.}, Keywords = {Respirator, Organic vapour, NIOSH MultiVapor software, Cartridge field test apparatus}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {9-17}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-603-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-603-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {Khodabandeh, S and HaghDoost, A.A and Khosravi, Y}, title = {Epidemiology of work-related Accidents in Kerman Coal Mines during 1991-2006}, abstract ={  Background and aims: There are annually millions of work-related accidents leading to either loss of life or disability. Coal mine workers, due to the nature of their work, are at a higher risk of work accidents. With regard to the importance of health statue of skilled workers and prevention of work-related injuries, in this study work-related injuries in Kerman Coal Mines during 1991-2006 were analyzed.   Methods: In this descriptive study, the recorded and approved data of accidents occurred during 1991-2006 were collected from the documents of Kerman coal mines office and Safety indices (frequency, severity and frequency- severity of accidents) were extracted and analyzed.   Results: There were a total of 3642 accidents during 16 years and an average of 228 accidents per year. From all accidents, 51 cases had resulted in death of which most cases were related to the year 1993 (13 cases) and the least cases were related to the years 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997 (each year one case). Mean frequency percent, severity and frequency-severity were 31.3 ±25.9, 4739.8 ±11275.1 and 9.3 ±12.4 respectively. According to the results of chart control, accident frequency percent except for the years 2002 and 1994 which were respectively a little more and less than the expected rates, in the other years was in the expected range. Severity and frequency-severity of accidents during the 16-year period were in the expected range.   Conclusion: In whole, safety indices during the 16 years were stable and in the expected range. In other words, there has been no change for the improvement of safety conditions. Therefore, in order to achieve the required standards and to provide more safety for coal mines workers , it is required that all related organizations take efficient coordinated measures.}, Keywords = {Work- related accidents, Accident Frequency Rate, Accident Severity Rate, Frequency- Severity index, Coal mines.}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {18-28}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-607-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-607-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {GhotbiRavandi, M.R and Khanjani, N and Nadri, F and Nadri, A and Nadri, A and Ahmadian, M and Toolabi, A and karimiBami, E}, title = {Evaluation of Illumination Intensity and Ultraviolet Radiation at Kerman Medical University Libraries}, abstract ={  Background and aims: Adequate lighting in work environments can increase productivity and concentration and reduce fatigue. Light and illumination studies have been done mainly in industrial environments, and public or administrative environments were less under consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultraviolet radiation and illumination level at Kerman Medical Sciences University libraries.  Methods: In this study, the total, natural and artificial amount of illumination was measured at two different times, at the center of the designated stations in 14 study halls and the height of 30 inches by Hagner (Model EC1) luxmeter. Also, ultraviolet radiation (UVB & UVA) was measured by Hanger (Model S4) equipped with UVB & UVA detectors. The results of ultraviolet radiation and illumination level measurements were compared with standard using Excel software.  Results : The overall, natural and artificial illumination level, in 28.57%, 100% and 71.42% study halls was less than the National and IESNA standard (300 lux). The School of Nursing has the highest amount of UVB and UVA radiation in both total and natural light measurements. The Shahid Bahonar Hospital, men’s section had the highest amount of UVB and UVA radiation in artificial light measurements. Conclusion: Initiatives such as proper alignment of bulbs, periodic dusting and cleaning, regular replacing of burnt bulbs, using study desks with the appropriate level of brightness, placing lamps at appropriate heights, and using bulbs with less UV radiation can improve the lighting situation in libraries. }, Keywords = {illumination, study hall, ultraviolet radiation}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {29-35}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-609-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-609-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {Dayani, F and SadeghiNaiini, H and Bahrami, M and Choopankareh, V}, title = {Assessment of body work condition by RULA method in a motor vehicle industry in order to design an effective exoskeleton system}, abstract ={  Background and aims : physical activities in occupations like handling, static and dynamic postures, sudden movements, and repetitive postures are amongst most important risk factors of Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). There are many ergonomic methods for assessing WMSDs which can be used in different cases, but these assessments and analyses can not be beneficial by themselves and should be promoted with usable, practical suggestions to improve the work condition. Such quality is brought to this research paper by first assessing ergonomic risks level, resulted by postural stresses, with special emphasis on improper postures, forces and repeating and then using these information to design assisting device called exoskeleton for improving work condition and industrial tasks.   Methods: For assessing and analyzing upper body work condition, postures in 17 different tasks were analyzed by RULA (Rapid upper limb assessment) method and a set of 60 worksheets were created out of them. Also biomechanical movement observation during normal tasks was done. Then HONDA company`s exoskeleton for lower body was analyzed and some design elements were extracted from it, to design an upper body exoskeleton based on the same design language.   Results: This Research shows that none of tasks were completely acceptable, and neck, trunk and legs were more affected by improper postures. There was no meaningful difference between right and left hand conditions in overall task and posture assessment. Research also shows dominant effect of force and repeat risk factors in tasks being harmful for upper body. Analyzing HONDA company`s exoskeleton shows the likelihood of success in upper body exoskeleton for improving work conditions and minimizing WMSDs.   Conclusion: Although redistribution or regular rotation of personnel, changing and optimizing work cycles and proper training might reduce WMSDs and improve work condition, but using an assisting device such as exoskeleton can minimize WMSDs and have a more desirable effect from ergonomic and physiological perspectives. Assisting devices like HONDA company`s lower body assisting exoskeleton have clearly shown the statement to be true.}, Keywords = {Ergonomic risk level, RULA, postural analysis, WMSD}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {36-47}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-604-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-604-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {Oreyzi, H.R and Brati, H}, title = {Predicting driving error, lapses and violations from personality characteristics and Vienna Risk Taking test-Traffic}, abstract ={  Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to predict driving error, lapses and violations from five narrow-band personality traits of Eyseneck Personality Profile, Vienna Risk Taking test-Traffic and Considering Future Consequences Scale.   Methods: Current study is a relational study. 510 drivers Was selected randomly and divided to two groups accident namely prone(n=257) and non accident prone(n=253).Participants responded to following instruments Eyseneck Personality Profile(EPP) Eyseneck and Wilson (1991),Scale of Considering Future Consequences (Strathman et al,1994), Driving Behavior Questionnaire(Lawton,1997) and WRBTV(Hergovich et al,2005).   Results: Finding indicated that characteristics of two groups have significant differences according to driving error, lapses and violations, Also there are significant relations among these variables and three wrong driving behavior of participants.   Conclusion: Organizations can decrease accident rate by selecting drivers according to applicant (of the job driver) characteristics especially by using WRBTV as an efficient instrument to find drivers deficiencies.   }, Keywords = {driving error, driving lapses, driving violations, personality characteristics.}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {48-60}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-602-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-602-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {Bayatian, M and Bahrami, A.R and Golmohammadi, R and GhorbaniShahna, F}, title = {The study of water droplets electrical charging effect on spray tower scrubber efficiency for feldspar particles removal}, abstract ={  Background and aims: One of the modern ways introduced nowadays for increasing the collection efficiency of particulate, is the use of electric charge in wet scrubbers. These systems can be used in places in which scrubbers are suitable for contaminant collection. In fact, this system only increases the collection efficiency, and it is not a new technology for contaminant collection.   Methods: First, according to ACGIH recommendation for pilot study a ventilation system was designed and installed. Later, water was charged by using an DC electric exchanger (1275 Volt, DC); product 3×1014 electron on system. Air velocity in the duct was determined by Pitot tube, pressure drop and speed equations, and sampling prop diameter was calculated considering isokenetic conditions. Sampling was performed at two flow rates of 20.3 and 11.4 liter per minute and in overall 72 samples were collected. Sample analysis was performed using gravimetric method and data analysis was performed using SPSS software.      Results: The collection efficiency of inhalable particles in the flow rate of 20.3 liter per minute in a non-electric intervention, and electric intervention with positive and negative charge was 66, 77.67 and 73 percent and in the flow rate of 11.4 liters per minute 60, 69.43 and 68.32 percent respectively. For non-inhalable particles the efficiency in the flow rate 20.3 liter per minute in a non-electric intervention and electric intervention with positive and negative charge was 94.67, 98.33 and 97.67 percent, and in the flow charge of 11/4 liter per minute the flow charge was 91.33, 95, and 97.33 percent respectively.  Conclusion: The results obtained from the experiments, showed that in a certain flow rate, electric intervention increases the efficiency of inhalable particle collection. By the way, this electric intervention has no significant effect on non-inhalable particle collection. Also, the effect of electric intervention with positive chargeis higher than electric intervention with negative charge, and with the increase of water flow rate there is an increase in the collection efficiency of the inhalable and non-inhalable feldspar particles.}, Keywords = {Electrical charging, feldspar particles, Spray tower, Efficiency}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {61-69}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-593-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-593-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} } @article{ author = {Choobineh, A.R and RahimiFard, H and Jahangiri, M and MahmoodKhani, S}, title = {Musculoskeletal Injuries and Their Associated Risk Factors}, abstract ={ Background and aims :Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is high among office workers. Long time seated posture, working with computer, repetitive movements and inappropriate environmental conditions may have causal effects in these disorders. High prevalence rate of MSDs makes ergonomics assessment and working conditions improvement necessary. Designing an assessment checklist and calculating ergonomics indices can be useful in this evaluation. This study was conducted with the objectives of determination of prevalence rate, ergonomics assessment of working conditions and determination of factors associated with MSDs among office workers. Methods:In this study 400 randomly selected office workers participated. Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire was applied to determine prevalence rate of MSDs. Working conditions were assessed by the designed ergonomics checklist and ergonomic risk factors were identified. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including t-test, Chi-square and test of proportion by SPSS software (Version 12.0). Results:The highest prevalence rates of MSDs were reported in lower back and neck regions (49% and 47%, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant association between occurrence of MSDs and calculated ergonomics indices (P<0.05). The mean of ergonomics index among those suffered from MSDs were less than other healthy workers indicating inappropriate ergonomics conditions. Calculation of OR also revealed that ergonomics conditions was associated with MSDs occurrence among workers (P<0.05). Totally, 53.3% of the office workers studied had poor working conditions. Awkward working posture and inappropriate workstation design were recognized as the main risk factors in the office workplace.  Conclusion:Most ergonomics problems were originated from bad postures and inappropriate design of workstation. Any interventional program for working conditions improvement should, therefore, be focused on these items. Inappropriate table height, improper position of monitor and other office equipment , lack of adjustability of seat and back rest of chair and deep seat were among factors to be considered for working condition improvement.}, Keywords = {Musculoskeletal injuries; Risk factors; Ergonomic checklist; Office ergonomics}, volume = {8}, Number = {4}, pages = {70-81}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-606-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-606-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2012} }