[An investigation of occupational exposure to welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds in a large container manufacturing enterprise]

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2019 Oct 20;37(10):797-800. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1001-9391.2019.10.018.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the current status of the occupational hazards of welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds in the welding environment of a large container manufacturing enterprise, as well as the status of occupational health examination of workers, and to provide a basis for improving the welding environment of this enterprise. Methods: In August 2016, July 2017, and August 2018, convenience sampling was used to perform an on-site occupational hygiene survey of the welding workshop for three consecutive years, and welding fume, manganese and, manganese compounds (counted as manganese dioxide) were measured for their workplace exposure concentrations and exposure levels in workers. A comprehensive analysis was performed for the results of occupational health examination. Results: Welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds in the welding environment gradually increased from 2016 to 2018 (χ(2)(trend)=5.14 and 5.54, P<0.05). The maximum over-standard rate of concentration-short term exposure limit was 43.3% (13/30) for welding fume and 40.0% (12/30) for manganese and its compounds, and the maximum over-standard rate of time-weighted average concentration was 26.7% (8/30) for welding fume and 23.3% (7/30) for manganese and its compounds. Abnormalities were observed in the occupational health examination of welding workers in 2016-2018, among which respiratory system abnormalities (cough, expectoration, and wheezing), nervous system abnormalities (dizziness, fatigue, sleep disorders, amnesia, hyperhidrosis, and palpitations), and electrocardiogram abnormalities (bundle conduction block) had an incidence rate of above 10.0%, and the incidence rate of abnormalities on posterior-anterior X-ray high-kV chest radiograph was close to 8.9% (30/336) . Conclusion: There is severe exposure to welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds among workers in this enterprise, which cause great hazards to the health of workers. It is necessary to strengthen occupational health management, take measures to improve the welding environment, and enhance occupational disease prevention.

目的: 了解某大型集装箱制造企业焊接作业环境中电焊烟尘、锰及其化合物职业危害现状和作业工人职业健康检查情况,为改善企业焊接作业环境提供依据。 方法: 采用方便抽样方法,分别于2016年8月、2017年7月和2018年8月对某大型集装箱制造企业焊装车间进行现场职业卫生学调查,对电焊烟尘、锰及其化合物(以二氧化锰计)进行连续3年工作场所接触浓度及作业人员接触水平检测,并对焊接作业人员连续3年职业健康检查结果进行综合分析。 结果: 该企业2016至2018年焊接作业环境中电焊烟尘、锰及其化合物浓度呈逐年上升趋势(χ(2)(趋势)=5.14、3.54,P<0.05),电焊烟尘、锰及其化合物短时间接触浓度(C(STEL))最大超标率分别为43.3%(13/30)和40.0%(12/30);电焊烟尘、锰及其化合物个体接触时间加权平均浓度(C(TWA))最大超标率分别为26.7%(8/30)和23.3%(7/30)。该企业2016至2018年焊接作业人员职业健康检查结果中呼吸系统(咳嗽、咳痰、喘息)、神经系统(头晕、易疲乏、睡眠障碍、健忘、多汗、心悸)、心电图(束枝传导阻滞)异常发生率均高于10.0%,后前位X射线高千伏胸片异常发生率为8.9%(30/336)。 结论: 该企业电焊烟尘和锰及其化合物超标情况较为严重,对作业人员健康危害较明显,应加强职业卫生管理,采取措施改善焊接作业环境,切实做好职业病的预防工作。.

Keywords: Container manufacturing enterprise; Detection; Manganese; Occupational exposure; Welding fume.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects
  • Manganese / adverse effects*
  • Manganese Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Welding*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Manganese Compounds
  • Manganese