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KMID : 1039220160260010038
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2016 Volume.26 No. 1 p.38 ~ p.47
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A Study on Exposure Indices for Diesel Engine Exhaust in Forklift Operating Areas
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Kim Sang-Il
Park Ji-Young
Lee Kyeong-Min
Kim Seung-Won
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Abstract
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Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the exposure levels of forklift operators to diesel engine exhaust(DEE) using black carbon(BC), elemental carbon(EC), and nitrogen dioxide(NO2) as indicators.
Methods: A total of eight forklift operators in six collection companies were assessed over a period of two months from July to September 2015. BC was measured using a real-time monitor and respirable EC samples were analyzed using the NIOSH method 5040. NO2 samples were collected using a passive badge-type sampler.
Results: The geometric mean of BC, EC and NO2 were 3.1-19.1 μg/m3, 2.1-23.8 μg/m3, and 12.5-166.6 ppb at all companies. When forklifts were operating both outside and inside, BC concentrations increased 2.0-5.6 times. The highest increase was observed when forklifts were operating indoors. The increase in BC concentrations varied by company(company A: 2.0 times, B: 3.2 times, C: 5.6 times, D: 2.1 times, E: 5.1 times, F: 2.6 times). The geometric mean of BC, EC, and NO2 for the forklift operators was 9.6 μg/m3, 7.9 μg/m3, and 48.9 ppb, respectively. The geometric mean of BC, EC, and NO2 for manufacturing workers was 9.3 μg/m3, 0.9 μg/m3, and 85.2 ppb, respectively. The mean BC and EC exposure levels for the forklift operators were slightly higher than those for manufacturing workers, but NO2 levels for manufacturing workers were higher than those for the forklift operators(p>0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that diesel exhaust emissions standard, forklift weight and forklift manufacturer were the most influential factors in determining worker exposure
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Conclusions: In the DEE work environment, workers who perform tasks within the workplace as well as inside forklifts as
operators are likely to be exposed to a lack of ventilation. Further study of forklift operators’ exposure to DEE indicators should be conducted to include a wider range of occupational and environmental situations, such as collection procedures, seasonal situations, types of fuel used, and number of forklifts.
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KEYWORD
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diesel engine exhaust, exposure assessment, forklift operator
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