Hygienic Assessment of Vibration Levels of Quarry Excavators Used for Iron Mining in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction: The Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation is one of the least economically developed regions, despite the fact that its resource potential is highly estimated. Miners are among the most numerous contingents constantly exposed to combined occupational risk factors. Our objective was to measure vibration levels of the control panel and driver’s seat in excavators used for iron ore mining in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods: Hand-arm and whole-body vibration levels were measured at the workplaces of EKG-10, EKG-8I, and EKG-5A excavator drivers engaged in iron ore mining. Results: We established that in terms of whole-body vibration of excavator operators, 61.5 % of measurements corresponded to Class 3 (harmful) working conditions, including Class 3.1 (harmful, degree 1) for operators of 53.8 % of the machines and Class 3.2 – of 7.7 %. The most pronounced excess of the occupational vibration exposure limit was noted in the low-frequency range of 2 Hz, as well as 4 and 8 Hz. We noted that hand-arm vibration levels were still below the permissible limit. Conclusion: Vibration measurements at workplaces of the iron quarry excavator drivers show elevated whole-body but normal hand-arm vibration levels.