太阳辐射对纯液体蒸发行为影响的实验研究

通过蒸发实验,考察了太阳辐射对液体苯、甲苯和乙醇蒸发行为的影响.实验结果表明,苯和甲苯表面温度随时间呈现出先降低后升高的趋势,而乙醇则呈现出先降低后恒定的趋势,且环境风速越大,这种变化趋势就越明显.液体表面温度的变化不但与太阳辐射强度以及环境风速的大小有关,还与液体本身的物理性质(如热容、蒸发潜热和饱和蒸气压)有关.因此,在预测液体的蒸发速率时,必须考虑太阳辐射或周围热辐射源对液体表面温度的影响.     

A societal risk study for transportation of class-3 hazmats – A case of Indian state highways

United Nations Class-3 hazardous materials (hazmats) are basically liquid products and transported in road tankers under ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. They are mostly flammables and some of them are toxic (e.g. benzene) as well. The spillages due to collision related incidents involving the road tankers, carrying such hazmats through highways, pose not only flammability hazards due to pool fire, flash fire and vapor cloud explosion (VCE), but create substantial toxic hazards also. The paper presents the risk-based study of route evaluation of two state highways and one urban city road in western India on account of transportation of class-3 hazmats, namely benzene, toluene, p-xylene, methanol, cyclohexane and acetone. A comparative evaluation of study routes was undertaken based on their societal risks presented in terms of F–N curves and assessed against HSE, UK as well as VROM, The Netherlands risk acceptance criteria. Societal risks contribution of cyclohexane to the overall flammability risk mainly VCE is found to be the highest followed by acetone and benzene compared to other study hazmats. This is due to highly explosive nature of cyclohexane resulting into vapor cloud explosion. While acetone and methanol pool fires are likely to cause larger area of damage compared to others, benzene supersedes others as far as toxicity risk is concerned and larger evacuation area is encountered, as it poses greater Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) distance than others. Besides, study of initial isolation distance following an accident in case of benzene tanker found that benzene spillage requires larger initial isolation distance than others and so are the day and night protective action zone distances.     

Participatory ergonomics intervention in an industrially developing country--a case study

In industrially developing countries, a few ergonomists have directed great efforts towards developing ergonomics awareness among managers and workers in organizations. There is little research on the degree of their success, though. Furthermore, access of organizations to ergonomics knowledge is usually very difficult, especially in industrially developing countries. Thus, building ergonomics awareness is certainly the first phase of the process. Three companies from one industry (44 people: 14 females and 30 males) participated in a project aimed at improving their work system. At the beginning, we needed to create a common goal and ensure participation with appropriate ergonomics tools. The findings of this study were the key issue for the ergonomics intervention (i.e., a shared vision, awakened need of change and learning). Further, to build ergonomics awareness and develop a continuous learning process in the company, it was necessary to use more ergonomics tools through workers' participation in different workplaces.     

木粉尘职业接触极限值的研究

木头作为原材料得到广泛应用 ,但硬木粉尘 (如橡木和山毛榉粉尘 )可导致人患鼻癌。不同国家的木粉尘的职业接触极限值 (或极限值 )却不尽相同。虽然关于木粉尘的极限值的国际讨论持续已久 ,但仍缺乏更好支持其极限值推导的健康相关数据。为保护木材加工工人的身体健康以及给木粉尘的职业接触极限值的制定机构提供可靠数据和科学决策方面的建议 ,笔者针对怎样为木粉尘 ,特别是致癌木粉尘制定一个合理极限值的问题 ,在“比较”和“设定”两方面对国际范围内的木粉尘的极限值进行了研究 ,其结果表明 ,大部分国家给予软木粉尘和硬木粉尘的极限值分别为 5mg/m3 和 1mg/m3 ;提出利用剂量 -影响 -关系和“线性多阶段”方法也可以给致癌硬木粉尘建立一个健康基础极限值或者一个可接受极限值 ,其极限值应该不仅根据木材类型而且还需根据工作岗位而分别综合设定。     

Research on simultaneous impact of hand-arm and whole-body vibration

This article presents the results of laboratory tests on the combined effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) and hand-arm vibration (HAV). The reactions of subjects exposed to various combinations of vibration were recorded. The vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) test identified changes caused by exposure to vibration. Ten male subjects met the criteria of the study. There were 4 series of tests: a reference test and tests after exposure to HAV, WBV, and after simultaneous exposure to HAV and WBV. An analysis of the results (6000 ascending and descending VPTs) showed that the changes in VPTs were greatest after simultaneous exposure to both kinds of vibration. The increase in VPT, for all stimulus frequencies, was then higher than after exposure to HAV or WBV only.     

Costs of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in developing countries: Colombia case.

The real burden of occupational diseases, specifically work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and its impact on workers' productivity is not known. The situation is critical in developing countries where only cases that cause workers' disability are recorded. In this study, the incidence of MSDs in Colombia was estimated by using the age and gender specific double incidence rate of repetitive strain injuries diseases in Finland for 2002. The results showed that the estimated number of MSDs recorded in Colombia during 2005 was 23,477 cases at the rate of 11.6 cases per 10,000 workers. The estimated total cost of these MSD cases relative to workers' productivity was 171.7 million US Dollars, representing around 0.2% of Colombia's Gross Domestic Product for 2005. The systematic appraisal of the incidence of MSDs and their associated cost on workers' productivity are necessary in developing countries to reduce the costly impact on productivity and to increase workers' well-being.     

The WWDU (Work With Display Units) Conference as a Platform for Occupational Health and Safety in the Past—And as a WWCS (Work With Computer Systems) Conference in the Future

The real burden of occupational diseases, specifically work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and its impact on workers’ productivity is not known. The situation is critical in developing countries where only cases that cause workers’ disability are recorded. In this study, the incidence of MSDs in Colombia was estimated by using the age and gender specific double incidence rate of repetitive strain injuries diseases in Finland for 2002. The results showed that the estimated number of MSDs recorded in Colombia during 2005 was 23,477 cases at the rate of 11.6 cases per 10,000 workers. The estimated total cost of these MSD cases relative to workers’ productivity was US $171.7 million, representing around 0.2% of Colombia’s Gross Domestic Product for 2005. The systematic appraisal of the incidence of MSDs and their associated cost on workers’ productivity are necessary in developing countries to reduce the costly impact on productivity and to increase workers’ well-being.     

An overview of research advances in road traffic trauma in China

With rapid development of social economies, road traffic accidents (RTAs) have continued to increase, and have become the "primary public hazard" to humans. Road traffic trauma (RTT) is a major cause of death in young people of all motorized countries. This article reviews the current advances in RTT research, in order to find some approaches to improving traffic administration and reducing RTAs and RTT. All available data were collected from government, literature, our own research, and conference proceedings. Statistical analysis from every country showed that human factors were still the main cause of RTAs, accounting for more than 90%. Vehicle and road factors caused 3-5% and less than 2% of the total RTAs, respectively. Approximately 85% of RTAs were caused by 21 to 45-year-olds. About 50% of deaths due to RTAs in the United States were related to drinking. In China, RTAs due to driver drinking accounted for 0.29-1.48%. About 6-8% of drivers were prone to RTA, causing 30-40% of RTAs. Seat belts are an effective way to prevent casualties, reducing mortality and morbidity by 13-50%. In China, about 70% of RTAs were related to bicycles. Prehospital emergency treatment is very important. About 35% of deaths may be avoided if the injured receive early and effective treatment. From 1983 to 1992 the mortality of RTT increased by 13% in 18 developing countries, while it decreased by 18% in 13 developed countries, indicating the importance of comprehensive treatment of traffic administration. In addition many advances have been made in basic scientific research of RTT, such as development of serial bioimpact machines and investigation of biomechanical and biochemical mechanisms of impact injuries. In this century, RTAs and RTT are predicted to continue to increase in many countries, especially in developing ones. Full cooperation and comprehensive treatment should be performed in order to improve traffic safety.     

Understanding risks in socially vulnerable contexts: The case of waste burning in cement kilns in Brazil

This article proposes a qualitative approach for understanding occupational and environmental risks in countries with high-social vulnerabilities. We use waste burning in cement kilns as a qualitative case study in order to illustrate how social (population and institutional) vulnerabilities influence the context of risk situations and events in a developing country such as Brazil. The vulnerability analysis was based on the reconstitution of the trajectory of this risk problem in a Brazilian State and its impacts, which mobilised several social and institutional actors. The methodology used interviews with different actors and an analysis of the documents, including mostly technical reports from various participating institutions. One objective of contextualising risk problems and vulnerabilities is to encourage professionals, decision-makers, and other social actors to discuss safety and health promotion in their different dimensions and to develop new strategies for intersectorial and participatory public policies. This point is important not only for developing countries even in more developed countries where legislation, social protection, and labour relations are more organised. We suggest that the need for knowledge integration, participation by all stakeholders, and empowerment of vulnerable groups exposed to risks are important principles to promote safety and health through the reduction of vulnerabilities.     

Fenton法对合成制药废水的预处理试验研究

采用Fenton法对某合成制药废水进行了预处理试验研究,考察H2O2、Fe2+投加量及反应时间对废水CODCr、色度、NH4+-N去除效果的影响,重点分析了反应体系中有毒难降解有机污染物的变化情况。结果表明,当H2O2(30%)投加量为2%(体积分数),FeSO4.7H2O投加量为400mg/L,反应时间为60min时,废水CODCr、色度的去除率分别为67.73%和40.05%。通过GC-MS分析发现,该废水中含有多种脂类和苯环类等难降解有机污染物质,Fenton反应过程中出现了醇、酯、有机酸等较易降解的中间产物,随着反应的进行废水中苯环类、脂类等大分子有毒有机物得到大幅削减,废水的生物毒性大大降低,BOD/COD值由0.18上升至0.48,可生化性明显提高。     

石化污泥混合菌和白腐真菌对气相苯系物的降解能力比较

为寻找合适的菌源在生物滴滤器中挂膜以降解苯系物挥发性有机废气,选用以甲苯为底物驯化的石化污泥和白腐真菌做菌源,研究了2类菌源对苯、甲苯、二甲苯等挥发性有机气体的生物降解规律.比较了石化污泥菌源微生物对苯系物代谢过程在耐受化合物浓度、降解起动期、降解速率以及降解程度等方面的差异.结果表明,石化污泥混合菌对苯的降解效率远高于白腐真菌,混合菌最大降解率为100%,而白腐真菌最高降解率只有46.1%.在石化污泥菌种体系中,对于同种化合物而言,随着化合物初始浓度的增加所需起动期增长,降解率降低;3种化合物的降解难易顺序为:甲苯＞苯＞二甲苯,同种物质的平均降解速率低于起动期后的降解速率.石化污泥菌源更适合降解苯系物废气.     

A methodology for assessing risk from released hydrocarbon in an enclosed area

This study presents a method for calculating the concentration of hydrocarbon releases in enclosed areas using empirical equations for the evaporation rate. The approach of the method is to estimate the hydrocarbon exposure concentration in the air under conditions assumed. A methodology for assessing risk to individual exposed workers or others using probit expressions is suggested. The toxicity criteria and available human exposure data were examined and guidelines for risk assessment suggested for benzene–air and toluene–air systems. The values of probit constants with mole fractions of lethal concentrations in a mixture of hydrocarbons and a non-toxic substance were predicted. The probit values calculated with mole fractions can be used to estimate guidelines to prevent toxicity within enclosed working areas.     

铜中毒引起的秀丽线虫世代间可传递的缺陷

为了研究铜中毒引起的多重生物学毒性是否具有世代间的可传递性.利用秀丽线虫的寿命、体长、后代数目、繁殖速度、运动行为和行为可塑性等参数系统性地分析了铜的多重生物学毒性及其可能的可传递特性.铜中毒导致动物寿命缩短,生长发育受到抑制,出现产卵器发育畸形,世代时间延长,后代数目降低,运动行为也发生缺陷.这些多重缺陷具有浓度依赖性.此外,铜中毒引起的这种多重生物学毒性和行为毒性是可以传递给后代的,而且,后代中一些特定的缺陷比当代更加严重,如运动行为与行为可塑性等.依据这种可传递特性可将铜中毒所导致的多重缺陷分为4个类型.结果表明,秀丽线虫铜中毒引起的多重生物学缺陷很大程度上是可以传递给后代的.     

Occupational risk assessment in the construction industry in Iran

Occupational accidents in the construction industry are more common compared with other fields and these accidents are more severe compared with the global average in developing countries, especially in Iran. Studies which lead to the source of these accidents and suggest solutions for them are therefore valuable. In this study a combination of the failure mode and effects analysis method and fuzzy theory is used as a semi-qualitative–quantitative method for analyzing risks and failure modes. The main causes of occupational accidents in this field were identified and analyzed based on three factors; severity, detection and occurrence. Based on whether the risks are high or low priority, modifying actions were suggested to reduce the occupational risks. Finally, the results showed that high priority risks had a 40% decrease due to these actions.     

世界主要产煤国家煤矿安全生产现状及发展趋势

通过对近20年世界煤炭产量进行统计,分析世界煤炭产量变化趋势,表明世界煤炭产量近年来呈明显增长态势,其中十大产煤国家的产量占到了世界总产量的88.7%。选择美国、印度、俄罗斯、南非、波兰和乌克兰等6个世界主要产煤国家进行煤矿安全生产状况的统计、分析和研究,总结世界主要产煤国家煤矿安全发展趋势。研究表明:20世纪70年代以来,世界各主要产煤国家的煤矿安全状况都有不同程度的改善,事故死亡人数不断降低。总体来看,世界主要产煤国家的煤矿安全生产状况发展并不均衡,发达国家好于发展中国家。发达国家通过建立和完善煤矿安全法律法规、监管监察、科技支撑和教育培训四大体系实现了煤矿安全状况的显著改善。     

When may road fatalities start to decrease?

Introduction

The comparative analysis of macroscopic trends in road safety has been a popular research topic. The objective of this research is to propose a simple and, at the same time, reliable multiple regime model framework for international road safety comparisons, allowing for the identification of slope changes of personal risk curves and respective breakpoints.

Method

The trends of road traffic fatalities in several EU countries have been examined through the temporal evolution of elementary socioeconomic indicators, namely motorized vehicle fleet and population, at the country level.

Results

Piece-wise linear regression models have been fitted, using a methodology that allows the simultaneous estimation of all slopes and breakpoints. The number and location of breakpoints, as well as the slope of the connecting trends, vary among countries, thus indicating different road safety evolution patterns.

Impact on industry

Macroscopic analysis of road accident trends may be proved beneficial for the identification of best examples and the implementation of appropriate programmes and measures, which will lead to important benefits for the society and the economy through the reduction of road fatalities and injuries. Best performing countries and the related programmes and measures adopted may concern several safety improvements at the processes of the road, the vehicle and the insurance industries.

Conclusions

Lessons from the analysis of the past road safety patterns of developed countries provide some insight into the underlying process that relates motorization levels with personal risk and can prove to be beneficial for predicting the road safety evolution of developing countries that may have not yet reached the same breakpoints. Furthermore, the presented framework may serve as a basis to build more elaborate models, including more reliable exposure indicators (such as vehicle-km driven).     

Occupational Safety and Health Status of Sanitation Workers in Urban Areas: A Pilot Study From Wuhan,China

Sanitation workers ‘ workload increases quickly with rapid urbanization, but there is almost no evidence or policy recommendations for their management in developing countries. This study describes the health status and occupational protection of sanitation workers; it also explores risk factors related to their health status in Wuhan City, China. Three hundred and eighty-five sanitation workers from 54 streets of Wuhan were surveyed. Their prevalence of 2-week illness and arthritis was relatively higher than in the general population in China. Findings related to occupational protection showed that both sanitation workers (users) and their managers (providers) neglected the role of low-cost protection measures, especially masks, soap/hand sani-tizer and prejob training (use rate of 7.27%, 26.75% and 43.64%, respectively). High-intensity workload was an important risk factor for 2-week illness, and prejob training was an important protective factor against arthritis.     

Anhydrous ethanol production by extractive distillation: A solvent case study

Production of anhydrous ethanol in large scale has been made by extractive distillation using conventional solvents like ethylene-glycol. In the present paper, extractive distillation process is studied to obtain pure ethanol using ethylene-glycol and tetraethylene-glycol as solvents. Residue curve maps are used to analyse the proposed distillation processes in interpreting mixture behaviours and feasibility of distillation columns. The industrial process is simulated at steady state from residue curve map analysis. Simulation results for the ethanol/water mixture using ethylene-glycol, the conventional solvent, and tetraethylene-glycol, an alternative solvent, are presented. These results showed that the process using tetraethylene-glycol is reliable, although it requires more energy than the process with ethylene-glycol. However, ethylene-glycol has a considerable toxicity level while tetraethylene-glycol is non-toxic.     

Firm relocation as a potential solution for environment improvement using a SWOT-AHP hybrid method

Global economic expansion and increasing concentration of people in the large cities, especially in developing countries leads to some environmental issues such as air pollution. Relocation of the firms as a great air pollutant can be an appropriate alternative for diminishing these pollutions. Yet, there is a lack of research about factors precluding firm relocation with respect to decision making factors when determining whether or not to relocate. Thus, the purpose of this case study is to examine firm relocation decision-making factors and to apprehend the role of environment issues in making them using a combination of SWOT matrix and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The combination yields analytically determined priority factors and makes them commensurable. The results indicated that decision makers at this firm consider weaknesses, more importantly than strengths, opportunities and threats. Specifically, eradicating from a large market is the most significant factor for decision makers and notably diminishing air pollution as a governmental concern ranked third.     

Assessment of risks posed by chemical industries—application of a new computer automated tool maxcred-III

The paper describes the application of a new computer automated tool, developed by us, in the risk analysis of a typical chemical industry engaged in the manufacture of linear alkyl benzene. Using the tool—a comprehensive software package maxcred-III (MAXimum CREDible accident analysis)—nine different scenarios, one for each storage unit, have been studied. It is observed that the accident scenario for chlorine (instantaneous release followed by dispersion) leads to the largest area-under-lethal-impact, while the accident scenario for propylene (CVCE followed by fireball) forecasts the most intense damage per unit area. The accidents involving propylene, benzene, and fuel oil have a high possibility of causing domino/secondary accidents as their destructive impacts (shock waves, heat load) would envelope other storage and process units.Besides demonstrating the utilizability of maxcred-III, this study also focuses attention on the need to bestow greater effort towards risk assessment/crisis management. The authors hope that the study will highlight the severity of the risk posed by the industry and thus generate safety consciousness among plant managers. The study may also help in developing accident-prevention strategies and the installation of damage control devices.