Iranian Journal of health, safety andenvironment

705-715

Authors: Jamshid Piri, Mohammad Reza Rezaei Kahkha

Forecasting changes in level of the reservoir are important in Construction, design and estimate the volume of reservoirs and also in managing of supplying water. In this study, we have used different models such as Artificial Neutral Network (ANN), Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) for forecasting fluctuations in water level of Chahnimeh reservoirs in south-east of Iran. For this purpose, we applied three most important variables in water levels of the reservoir including evaporation, wind speed and daily temperature average to prepare the best entering variables for models. In addition, none accuracy of error in estimation of hydrologic variables and none assurance of exiting models are the result of their sensitivity to the educational complex for teaching of models and also preliminary decoration before beginning general education has been estimated. After comparing exiting and confidence interval of the ANN and ANFIS has been found that the result of ANFIS model is better described than other model because it was more accurate and does have lesser assurance.

722-728

Authors: Harandra K. Sharma, Khurheed Ahmad Wani, Aakash Ahmad Bhat

We investigated fungal contamination near different waste dumping sites and assessed the health risk factors of rag pickers associated with collection of waste in Gwalior during the year 2014-15. Petri plates were exposed at waste dumping sites and were transferred to the laboratory, analysis and identification was mainly carried out by culturing the fungal colonies by following standard procedures. A pretested questionnaire was used to evaluate the health problems among the rag pickers. Results indicated that all the dumping sites are contaminated with different types of fungal pathogens like Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigates, A. niger, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Rhizopus. Our study reported higher incidence of musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases among rag pickers. There is also strong need for carrying out similar assessment studies for other cities too. This will entail generation of more precise site specific information regarding fungal species and associated health risk factor.

738-745

Authors: Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh, Shahram Vosoughi, Amir Kavousi, Hosein Jameh Bozorg

Special attention of and oil, gas and petrochemical large corporation in the world to the HSE management system is due to its importance in the designing and development of products, services and processes by considering its health, safety and environment requirements. Staff's perception of the existing job risks has a significant impact on their safe behavior at work. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between safety climate and staff's perception of risk with an awareness level among employees of the HSE management system in an oil refinery in Kermanshah. The study population was employees in one of the oil refineries in Iran. After designing and questionnaire psychometric assessment of staff knowledge of HSE management system (Cronbach's alpha was 0.9 and its validity was assessed by certified professionals), Loughborough safety climate questionnaire and Flin risk perception questionnaire were used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V22 software. Results showed that the relationship between safety climate and awareness level of the HSE management system; also the relationship between safety climate and perception of risk was also getting significant. However, the relationship between perception of risk and awareness level of the HSE management system was not significant. The results of this study showed a moderate awareness of HSE Management System in refinery workers. In this regard, appropriate and proper management policy should be committed to improving the situation. The results of this study is a profile the situation of safety climate in the refinery, which can be used as an indicator for the development of preventive policies and evaluate the performance of the organization's safety and the results of the safety improvement organization.

752-757

Authors: Mehdi Ashnagar, Aioob Ghanbary Sartang, Ehsanollah Habibi

Musculoskeletal disorders represent a major issue in the military setting. Musculoskeletal disorders and mental disorders (MSD) are a major cause of disability in the working population. Musculoskeletal disorders and premature tiredness caused by work are arisen from incompatible individual work capacity and job demands. Physical and psychology condition may lead to the generation, amplification musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders and mental health disorders are high in military personnel. The purpose of this study was Assessment Mental Health and musculoskeletal disorders in military personnel. In this cross-sectional study 70 personnel military participated in May 2016. Cornell Questionnaire and Mental health inventory (MHI-28) were used for data gathering. Finally, Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test and One Way Anova test. The findings of the current study showed that personnel situation of mental health were in moderate condition (56.01±13.3). Results Cornell Questionnaire showed that the most of musculoskeletal disorders were respectively in the back (46%), shoulder (34%) and wrist (31%). Also Pearson correlation test showed significantly associated between musculoskeletal disorders and mental health (r=0.72) (p-value=0.001). One Way Anova test showed that with increase age (p<0.01) and work experience (p<0.01) increased musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, One Way Anova test showed that with increase age (p<0.02) and work experience (p<0.02) mental health became worse. The finding of this research showed that musculoskeletal disorders and mental health disorders had high prevalence among military personnel and should intervention action need conduct for decrease this disorder. Also attention for maintaining and improving the health of these members must be considered.

641-653

Authors: Auob Mirsaeidi, Hossein Moradi, Maryam Zekri

The main objective of this study was to develop a fuzzy–based framework for the prioritization of health, safety and environment related risks posed against employees, working conditions, and process equipment in large gas refineries. The First Refinery at Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in South of Iran was taken as a case study. For this purpose, health, safety and environment related risks were determined based on the three criteria of impact severity, occurrence probability, and detect-ability using a questionnaire of 33 identified failures. The values obtained were processed by a so-called ‘contribution coefficient’. The results were then subjected to fuzzification and fuzzy rules were defined to calculate the risk level indices as the model outputs, which was then employed to facilitate the management decision-making process by prioritizing the management options. The prioritization values were then classified in six categories in the order of risk severity. Results revealed that failure in a combustion furnace had the highest rank while failure in the slug catcher ranked the lowest among the risk sources. It was also found that about 0.4% of the identified risks prioritized as “intolerable”, 79% as “major”, 20% as “tolerable”, and 0.7% as “minor”. Thus, most of the risks (more than 79%) associated with the refinery has the potential of significant risks. The results indicated that the risk of the pollutant emissions from the combustion furnaces is the highest. Exposures to harmful physical, chemical, psychological, and ergonomic substances are the other risks, respectively.

670-682

Authors: Zabihollah Yousefi, Farzad Kazemi, Reza Ali Mohammadpour

Physicochemical quality of water from the acceptability point of view is essential for consumers; protecting the health of consumers and maintenance of water supply systems. The aim of this study is to determine temporal and spatial variations of Calcium and Magnesium in Ilam drinking water sources using the GIS system. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 drinking water sources in Ilam city and the 5 years results by water and wastewater company archive GIS software version 3.9 were analyzed via SPSS version 16 as well as one-way variance analysis. Water and wastewater sampling and measurement were conducted in order to verify the data by researchers according to standard methods. Based on interpolation map, the maximum calcium and magnesium contents are related to western and central regions. ANOVA test showed that there no a significant difference between the mean calcium variable verification test in summer during 2009-2013 and at 95% level. (P=0.760>0.05). The one-way analysis of variance showed that there is a significant difference between the average magnesium variable in summer during 2013-2009 years and the verification test at 95% level. (P=0.019<0.05). According to maps 1 and 2, in all areas, the mean calcium content is lower than the maximum allowed. And the water quality is desirable based on the parameters. The results of the verification test in 2015, compared with the international standard WHO, showed magnesium concentrations are higher than is desirable maximum in most sources.

689-694

Authors: Norouz Mohmoudi, Mojtaba Sepandi, Nematollah Jonaidi Jafari, Dr. Hossein Masoumbeigi

Healthcare wastes are a major challenge in public health and comprise all types of wastes generated by healthcare centers, research facilities, and laboratories. The aim of this study was surveying the knowledge and practice of nursing staff about sharp waste management in selected military (Tehran) and non- military (Qom) hospitals in 2012. This was a descriptive-analytical study on 143 nursing stuff in Military and Non-Military hospitals. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire. Statistical tests such as the student t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used to data analysis. The mean age of participants was 32(±6.3) and the majority were female. The mean score of knowledge was 54.7(±14.4) and their knowledge classified on a moderate level. Also, the mean score of practice was 65.44(±11.6) and was classified on a moderate level. The means of these variables were higher among personnel of Military than Non-Military. There were positive correlations between knowledge, practice and age variables (P<0.05). The findings showed that there is a considerable deficiency about knowledge and practice of the participants’ in study, from fundamentals of desirable management of sharp waste. As a result, the design and performance of proper educational programs are suggested for them.

699-704

Authors: Ahmad Alibabaei, Amir Hossein Matin, Reza Khanijazani, Rouhollah Nourian, Hamid Bastani, Afshin Mohebi

Nowadays, the change and dynamism of organizations are the basic principles; therefore, managers should modify the goals, plans and work procedures so that they can be compatible with the environment condition. The management of HSE is not excepted from this principle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the processes affecting HSE. This study was a cross-sectional and applied study using the review of relevant documentation, interviews and brainstorming with experts, and the reviews of Best Practice to identify the HSE's processes. After checking the HSE activities, the 5 processes of HSE training, managing the risks, events, emergencies and contractors and any changes in the other processes of the organization were also suggested. The results showed that a process approaching the form of an intervention programed can be provided in order to have a better interaction between the HSE activities and organizations processes and workplace health promotion for the HSE activities.

499-505

Authors: Ehsanollah Habibi, Azim Karimi*, Habibollah Dehghan Shahreza, Behzad Mahaki, Abolghasem Nouri

Accidents are among the most important problems of both the developed and the developing countries. Individual factors and personality traits are the primary causes of human errors and contribute to accidents. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the components of the five-factor model of personality and the occurrence of occupational accidents in industrial workers. The independent T-test indicated that there is a meaningful relationship between the personality traits and accident proneness. In the two groups of industry workers injured in occupational accidents and industry workers without any occupational accidents, there is a significant relationship between personality traits, neuroticism (p≤0.001), openness to experience (p≤0.001), extraversion (p≤0.024) and conscientiousness (p≤0.021). Nonetheless, concerning the personality trait of agreeableness (p ≤ 0.09), the group of workers with accidents did not differ significantly from the workers without any accidents. The results showed that there is a direct and significant relationship between accident proneness and the personality traits of neuroticism and openness to experience. Furthermore, there is a meaningful but inverse correlation between accident proneness and the personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness, while there was no relationship between accident proneness and the personality trait of agreeableness.

513-517

Authors: Maryam Jalili

A total of 80 sample of spices (red pepper, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon), commercialized in Iran, was analyzed for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FD). A mixture of acetonitrile–methanol–water (17:29:54; v/v) was used as the mobile phase and an immunoaffinity column (IAC) applied as a cleanup method. All kinds of spice samples were spiked with aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 at levels of 1, 10, and 30 ng/g and recovery values were determined. Results showed recoveries ranged from 76.4±5.6 to 98.3±3.2 for AFG1 in cinnamon (spiked at 1ng/g) and AFB2 in turmeric (spiked at 10ng/g) respectively. Thirty-two out of 80 (40%) samples were contaminated with aflatoxins ranged from 0.85±0.10 to 24.60±0.12. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all of the contaminated samples at the highest concentration as compared with other aflatoxins. Red pepper was significantly (p≤0.05) more contaminated than other spices.

535-539

Authors: Ayoub Ghanbary Sartang , Habibollah Dehghan*

Heat stress is a common problem in industrial workplaces. Thermal stress is a caused reduces concentration of and fatigue increases individuals and thermal condition can be one of accident risk factors .The purpose of this study was validation of Physiological Strain Index Based on Heart Rate in experimental condition. This Semi experimental study was conducted to 16 male in five different temperature conditions (21, 24,27,30,35ºC) in the climate chamber and on the treadmill with two levels of activity 2.4 kph (light physical activity) and 4.8 kph (medium physical activity).Heart rate was measured to for calculating Physiological Strain Index Based on Heart Rate, rate perceived exertion and questionnaire Heat Strain Score index was measured. The correlations between the indices were evaluated using Pearson correlation test and regression analysis. Pearson correlation test showed a significant correlation between Physiological Strain Index Based on Heart Rate and rate perceived exertion (p≤0.001,r=0.96).also a high correlation was observed between Physiological Strain Index Based on Heart Rate and wet bulb globe temperature (p≤0.001,r=0.90). A very high correlation was observed between Physiological Strain Index Based on Heart Rate and Heat Strain Score Index (p≤0.001, r=0.93). The results of this study showed Physiological Strain Index Based on Heart Rate a suitable method for strain heart evaluation is caused by thermal stress because there was an acceptable correlation with heat stress valid indices.

818-827

Authors: Uwem Ituen, Jacob Atser*, Samuel N Edem

This study analyzed and depicted accessibility levels of water schemes in rural areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data on rural water schemes, population data as well as a community map of the study area were utilized. GIS technique was employed in creating a database of water schemes and the spatial distribution of the water schemes displayed on the map of the study area. Based on the criteria stipulated in the National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy for Nigeria, percentage rural water accessibility map was computed and analysed using ArcMap extension. Findings revealed the discrepancies in the sitting of water facilities and gradual phasing out of handpump boreholes to mini water schemes. Lack of community boundary map is a setback to rural water scheme implementation. Percentage access to safe water supply was found to be very low. It is recommended that the state government should set up Water Supply Technical Committee to regulate water supply programmes with the mandate of redesigning water schemes in line with the national policy standard.

592-599

Authors: Mohammad Khandan, Alireza Koohpaei

Physical and psychological health of workers is critical factors in the performance of their works. Also, the number of fatal occupational accidents is high in our country. Based on these facts assessment and control of accidental determinants as well as their relationship with behavior and mental health of workers is vital. This study aimed to survey the relationship between general health, occupational accident, behavioral safety and demographic variables in a printing and publication industry located at a central province of Iran in 2014. In this cross-sectional study, all operational employees (98 persons) were included. Demographic questionnaires, Goldberg general health-28, safety behavior checklist and self-reported accidents were tools used to gather data. Statistical analysis such as independent T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used and evaluation of data was done using SPSS V20. All workers were men of mean age 41.79±6.77. Studied personnel who had experienced occupational accidents were in the case range of 0-5. Furthermore, 80.75% of the total observed behaviors (800) were safe. Mean score of GHQ test was equal to 50.38±10.39 which was over 23 as the cut-off point. There was no significant relationship between mental health with safe behaviors (p>0.05). In summary workers’ mental health status was unacceptable. Although, conditions of work which was based on the occupational accident and safety behavior have not shown any situation of caution, using ABC model (Activators-Behaviors-Consequences) can help promote personnel behaviors and anticipate accident control.

607-620

Authors: Malek Hassanpour

Many units of blown bitumen and used-motor oil reprocessing industries have been currently implemented and many modern technologies and additives are being developed and requested continuously. The objective of current study was a management and economic survey in implementation of blown bitumen production using acidic sludge recycling as a new additive that encompasses financial views and other success factors so carried out using a Kanji’s Business Excellence Model, empirical equations, professional experiences and observations during establishment an industry. Using acidic sludge had promoted the product quality in parallel with the TQM parameters. Current study had shown the indices values such as value-added percent, profit, annual income, breakeven point, value-added, output value, data value, variable cost of commodity unit and production costs were found to be about 44%, $ 5308605.14, $ 5252251.65, $ 1183.67 , $ 5401935.47, $ 6748064.5, $ 12150000, $ 140.93 and $ 6897748.4 respectively. The breakeven point about 2.46%, time of return on investment about 0.07, BES about 800.2 (for KBEM) and 806.77 (for EFQM) was represented a systematic practice so that thrift outlays and boost the strength and weakness points to improve.

626-632

Authors: Haval Y. Yacoob Aldosky, Bawar Shamsedin Tahir, Saad Abdulmjeed Yousif

Maintaining and improving the health level of college students are important aspects for higher education, where the food security becomes the foundation of the health. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes about food safety and to evaluate the quality of food (Physical & Operational Standards) in the student canteen at Duhok University. To achieve this goal, three questionnaires were developed. Concerning food safety knowledge and attitude for food handles (buying, storage and serving food) data was collected using these self-questionnaires. The study was conducted on (319) respondents. The obtained data were analyzed and statistically tested. The results have shown that neither age nor education levels have significant impact on the food safety knowledge. However, significant difference between male and female was found for the age >41. For food quality evaluation, the results have also shown that canteen workers lack the physical and operational standards of food safety especially taste and healthy ways of food prepared. The analysis has shown that the positive attitudes of canteen owner toward food handlers were 66.25% for buying, 31.2% for storage and 42.5% for serving food. The overall positive attitude was 46.65% which is insufficient range. Overall respondents had poor food safety knowledge. There was a significant difference between the mean score of knowledge according to gender for group >41 years. In male only, the age has to impact on safety knowledge. While educational levels had no significant impact. The untrained employees who manage the university canteen made their attitudes toward storage and serving food unwelcome.

638-643

Authors: Ghorbanali Mohammadi, Darius Mohammadi

Sirjan -Bandarabbas road is one of the important commercial roads in Iran and for Sirjan’s area situation and relevance between Sirjan and other states in Iran so high percentage of goods that forwarded from Bandarabbas to other states transit from Sirjan .Therefore this road is as one important transition road and traffic road too .This study analyzed road traffic accidents were occurred between 2010 and 201in Sirjan- Bandarabbas road. Individual and demographic factors include Time of accidents, Drivers age, time of the days, seat belt and safety laws, Guilty vehicle, Mode of accident and education Level. Time of day analyses suggested that the highest percentage of road traffic injuries occurred in the time group between 12-18 hours. Drivers with the age group of 36-50 had more involvement in death accidents. The findings of this study also revealed that most of the collisions was front to back and front to side. Female drivers were found to be generally safer drivers than their male counterparts; male drivers had a higher involvement rate in road traffic accidents. This study indicated that Observe safety laws, Guilty vehicle and Mode of accidents have a meaningful relationship with Type of accidents in road traffic accidents in Sirjan Bandarabbas road.