Assessment of occupational exposure to harmful chemical agents and physical factors during production of metal building fittings and accessories

"Measurements were conducted at 74 workstations in 10 plants that produce various kinds of metal accessories to assess exposure to harmful factors of the working environment. Mainly workstations for mechanical working and founding of accessories were investigated, especially those involving alloys of aluminium, zinc and aluminium, and brass. The concentration of all metals and dusts containing free crystalline silica was measured; its contents in total and respirable dust was determined. The measurements showed that metals and metal compounds that make up the materials (Al, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cr and Ni) used in the production of building fittings and metal accessories should be considered when assessing occupational exposure to harmful chemical substances at workstations where fittings and metal accessories are mechanically processed and founded.Working conditions in the context of combined exposure to metals turned out to be safe; however, at some workstations the rate of combined exposure was in the 0.5 - 1 range of the admissible value.Exposure to dusts containing free crystalline silica can pose a hazard to the workers' health. MAC values of both total and respirable dust are exceeded at both workstations for mechanical working and founding of accessories.An analysis of data related to mechanical factors obtained for the workstations that were studied revealed that falling elements; slippery or uneven surfaces; sharp, protruding elements; and hot surfaces pose the greatest hazard.The task resulted in the development of a draft standard on a method of determining several metals and/or their compounds in one air sample. It was passed on to the secretariat of TC 1159 to initiate the standardization procedure. "