Comparison of results of dust and noise hazard assessment in a stone processing enterprise using different risk assessment methods

  Objective  Three methods for hazard assessment, the occupational hazard risk index method, the ICMM risk assessment model and the hazardous work classification method, were used to assess the dust and noise hazard assessment in a stone processing enterprise, and results were compared, in order to provide a basis for the establishment of occupational health risk assessment guidelines for stone processing in accordance with the actual situation.

  Methods  A stone processing enterprise in Tianjin was studied, an occupational health survey and measurement of dust concentration and noise level at workplaces were done. Different risk assessment models were used to evaluate the health risks of dust and noise exposure, and the differences in results were compared.

  Results  The raw material mainly used by the enterprise was natural marble. The engineering protection measures against dust were relatively perfect, while there were no engineering protection measures against noise, and workers' awareness of wearing protective equipment was poor. The results of the occupational hazard risk index method and hazardous work classification method showed that the marble dust hazard risk at all work positions was ranked as level 1, while the results of ICMM model showed that the risk at big plate cutting position was ranked level 1, and the risk at other positions was ranked as level 2. The results of the occupational hazard risk index method showed that the noise hazard risk at large plate cutting position was ranked as level 2, and the risk at other positions was ranked as level 3. The results of ICMM showed that the noise hazard risk at the large plate cutting position was ranked as level 4, and the risk at other positions was ranked as level 5. The results of the hazardous work classification method showed that the noise hazard risk at cutting, polishing and glue-repairing and grinding positions of large plates was ranked as level 1, and the risk at the other positions was ranked as level 2.

  Conclusions  The three occupational health risk assessment methods can be used to assess the risk of dust and noise in stone processing enterprises. The ICMM model tends to overestimate the risk. The hazardous work classification method is relatively simple, while the occupational hazard risk index method can comprehensively consider various factors, and the evaluation results are relatively consistent with the actual situation.