Occupational hazards in rice intensive processing enterprise

ObjectiveTo investigate the types,concentration levels and sources of the occupational hazards,and to assess key work settings for the control of the hazards in rice intensive processing process. MethodsWith field investigations and detections,raw materials and the production process were comprehensively analyzed;the source and distribution of the harmful factors in the production process were identified and occupational hazard exposure levels and possible health effects on the workers were measured. ResultsTime-weighted average(TWA) concentration of dust in warehousing department tower,rice packing department,rice bran packing,and immature grain packing were 9.4,45.6,79.0,and 11.7 mg/m³,respectively,which exceeded the criteria of 4 mg/m³.Noise levels at the sites of hulling,desands,rice milling,rice polishing,and boiler were 89.5,86.8,92.9,87.0,and 89.6 dB,respectively,which exceeded the criteria of 85 dB.The short time exposure level(STEL) of carbon monoxide in gasifier position was 36.0 mg/m³,which exceeded the criteria of 30 mg/m³. ConclusionThe major occupational hazard factors in rice intensive processing enterprises are grain dust,noise and carbon monoxide.The key control positions are manual packing department and boiler room.