Workers’ Health Risk Factors in the Production of Iron Ore Pellets

Abstract

Introduction. The labor of workers of the main occupations in the mining industry is characterized by a combined effect of occupational risk factors, which can be further aggravated by adverse environmental conditions. Objective: to study working conditions of employees in the mining industry. Materials and methods. We conducted a hygienic assessment of the technological process of manufacturing oxidized fluxed and non-fluxed pellets during the extraction of iron ore by surface mining and its further processing into high-quality raw materials for ferrous metallurgy, and a study of harmful physical and chemical factors of the working environment. Results. We established that a sinter machine operator (Class 3.3 hazard working conditions in the summer time), an operator of the agglomeration and firing furnace (Сlass 3.4), and a bunker operator in the shop for fired pellets (Сlass 3.3) work in hot occupational environment. The average value of the intensity of thermal radiation over the irradiation period (1.35 hours) for agglomeration and firing furnace operators was 356.2 W/m2 or 2–2.5 times higher than the maximum permissible level. Increased noise levels (Class 3.2) were measured at the workplaces of conveyor, sinter and furnace operators (14.8 % and 9.25 %). At individual workplaces of sintering machine operators, we registered elevated dust concentrations (Class 3.1), noise levels (Classes 3.1 and 3.2), sulfur dioxide concentrations (Class 3.1), and the sum of irritant chemicals (Classes 3.1 and 3.2 by excess of the maximum permissible concentration (MPC)) were recorded. At workplaces and in the service area of the furnaces at agglomeration and roasting, the maximum permissible level was exceeded for dust (Class 3.1), noise (Classes 3.1 and 3.2), sulfur dioxide (Class 3.1), and the sum of irritant chemicals (Classes 3.1 and 3.2). Conclusions: The hygienic analysis of the technological process of manufacturing iron ore pellets at the pelletizing plant indicates the presence of sources and conditions forming adverse occupational factors posing health risks for workers. In order to address occupational health and safety issues, it is necessary to introduce comprehensive measures to prevent health disorders in the working population.