Showing 12 results for Omidi
H. Aghaei, H. Kakooei, S.j. Shahtaheri, F. Omidi, S. Arefian, K. Azam,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (2-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: PAHs are organic compounds with benzenic rings that releas from hot asphalt as incomplete combusting. These compounds are one of the major concern in scientific societies, workplace and environment due to their stability, bioaccumulation, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Since asphalt workers are exposed to PAHs frequently in their job, in this study it was attempted to evaluate respiratory exposure of asphalt workers to PAHs in their breathing zone.
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Material and Method: In this study air samples of the asphalt workers were collected in accordance with the NIOSH 5506 method using PTFE filter and XAD-2 adsorbent. The ultrasonic bath and acetonithrile are used in order to extract the analytes from the filter and adsorbent. Also, the samples were analyzed by HPLC-UV.
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Result: In all samples, Finisher assistance and oilman with 1754.48 ng/m3 , 24.65 ng/m3 had maximum and minimum exposed to ∑PAH, respectively. Among the PAHs compounds, which asphalt workers exposed to, Naphtalene had the highest concentration. Among different asphalt workers tasks, screedman expoused to PAHs, had a significant difference.
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Conclusion: Evaluation of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in the breathing zone of asphalt workers indicated that exposure to these compounds were below the occupational exposure limits recommended by NIOSH, OSAH, ACGIH and Iranian OEL. Due to the highly carcinogenic potential of some of these compounds and absence of occupational exposure limits for these compounds, likes Chrysene and Benzo (a) Anthracene, it is strictly recommended to employ engineering controls and using suitable PPEs. This study also indicated that the exposure to PAHs in the most asphalt workers tasks had significant differences, and it can be due to proximity of the workers to the source of hot asphalt and also exposure to the exhaust gases that releasesd from the construction machinery.
F. Golbabaei, R. Moradi Rad, L. Omidi, S. Farhang Dehghan, S. Roshani,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (7-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most significant current environmental issues. Phenanthrene and naphthalene adsorption at activated carbon beds prevent the release of these compounds into the environment. The objective of this research was to compare the amounts of phenanthrene and naphthalene adsorption at activated carbon beds in the n-hexane solution.
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Material and Method: This discontinuous experimental study was conducted in the laboratory scale batch and in the n-hexane solution containing phenanthrene and naphthalene.PH values were adjusted by adding hydrochloric acidand 1 N NaOH. The initial and residual phenanthrene and naphthalene concentrations were spectrophotometrically measured at 270 and 266 nm, respectively.
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Results: Findings showed that the maximum adsorption of naphthalene was obtained at pH=5 and contact time of 8 hours (7.4 mg/gr). The maximum adsorption was reached at pH=7 and contact time of 11 hours for phenanthrene (8.34 mg/gr).Improvement in the adsorption capacity was happenedby the increases in contact time and initial phenanthrene and naphthalene concentrations. The adsorption kinetics of these two compounds followed pseudo-second-order and Freundlich isotherm model.
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Conclusion: Freundlich isotherm model showed a strong association with PAHs adsorption process. A weak correlationwas observed between Langmuir theory and the results of the adsorption at activated carbon beds in the organic n-hexane solution.
Fateme Dehghani, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian, Asma Zare, Fariborz Omidi, Zahra Moradpour, Abouzar Eynipour, Masoud Ghanbari Kakavandi,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (12-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: A high percentage of musculoskeletal disorders in workplaces occur due to awkward posture and non-ergonomic design of the work stations for lifting and carrying of materials. To avoid these injuries, jobs should be designed in a way that ergonomics risk factors are controlled properly. The aim of this study was to utilize ergonomics interventions to minimize ergonomics risk factors in bag packing unit in a mineral processing plant.
Material and Method: This cross sectional study was carried out among 20 workers of bag packing unit. Camera recording of working postures, evaluation of medical records, interview, and REBA technique were used to identify the ergonomic risk factors. Interventions included changing the conveyor belt height and the use of spring pallets (spring table). Data were analyzed using Paired T-Test by SPSS software version 18.
Result: Before implementing ergonomics intervention, a total of 75% of evaluated postures by REBA technique obtained score of 8-10 (very high risk level) and 25% had score of 11-15 (very high risk level) that correspond to the action level 3 and 4, respectively. Following the implementation of ergonomics interventions, a total of 90% of the analyzed postures showed action level 2 (moderate risk level) and the remainder 10 percent of evaluated postures showed high risk level. Comparison of REBA technique scores before and after implementing interventions showed a significant difference (P-value < 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the implementation of ergonomics interventions has remarkably decreased the required action level and it may be able to improve work-related postures.
Asma Zare, Saeid Yazdani Rad, Fateme Dehghani, Fariborz Omidi, Iraj Mohammadfam,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (9-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the ongoing efforts to reduce human errors in various systems, errors and unsafe behavior are the main cause of accidents in the workplace. Many studies have been conducted to identify and improve human error in recent years. The number of studies about the human error with the variety of topics has made it an overall overview difficult for researchers. Therefore, a systematic review of previous studies can be the best way to share useful findings and make a trend for the future research in the field of human error.
Material and Method: After a systematic search of valid databases, the analysis was focused on the title, publication year, journal title / Congress, city/region, the level of organization, job search, type of organization and the methods used. And articles were evaluated based encryption.
Result: Three groups of human error studies were identified. The first group studies in safety management, safety assessment, and safety planning have investigated the human error. The second group has examined the influence of individual characteristics such as behavior, cognition, and education on human error. The third group has focused on data arise from the previous accident to improve behavior and reduce human error. To make a better orientation for next studies two essential aspects included chronological analysis and thematic analysis was considered.
Conclusion: This study made an attempt to identify the gaps in the studies related to human error and afford some appropriate strategies.
Fateme Dehghani, Farideh Golbabaei, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian, Fariborz Omidi, Mohammad Ali Mansournia,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Adverse effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including general and specific effects like carcinogenic of benzene are well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to BTEX compounds in the painting unit of an automotive industry and subsequently health risk assessment of exposure to these compounds.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the paint unit of an automotive industry including painting cabin, pre-painting salon and painting salon sections. After analyzing samples, gathered from different sections, by GC-MS, BTEX compound were identified as the main contaminants. In the next step, NIOSH1501 and EPA methods were used to measure and analysis of BTEX and risk assessment, respectively.
Result: Findings showed that benzene concentration in painting cabin was higher than occupational exposure limits provided by the Environmental and Occupational Health Center of Iran. Life time cancer risk for benzene per 1000 has been reported10, 3.63 and 1.27in the painting cabin, pre-painting and salon sections, respectively. It was also for ethyl benzene 2.5m 1.8 and 38.0 in the mentioned sections, respectively. The non-cancer risk for benzene and xylene in the painting cabin and pre-painting sections were higher than recommended allowable level.
Conclusion: Regarding the high level of cancer risk values obtained for benzene and ethylbenzene in the studied units and also high values of non-cancer risk for benzene and xylene, it is recommended to conduct biological exposure assessmnet of the workers and improve existence control systems using modern engineering control systems.
Fariborz Omidi, Reza Ali Fallahzadeh, Fateme Dehghani, Bahram Harati, Saied Barati Chamgordani, Vahid Gharibi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Workers in steel manufacturing companies are extensively exposed to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Considering the health effects of these compounds, the purpose of this study was to determine occupational exposure to the BTEX compounds and also evaluation of carcinogenic risk due to benzene and non- carcinogenic risk for BTEX compounds in a steel industry.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the coke production unit of the steel making industry. After collecting personal samples from breathing zone of the workers and analyzing of the samples the levels of exposure to the BTEX were quantitatively determined using Gas chromatography equipped with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), according to the NIOSH 1501 standard method. Then, cancer risk due to benzene and non-cancer risks from BTEX compounds were calculated using Monte-Carlo technique.
Result: The analysis of personal samples indicated that benzene concentration in energy and biochemistry and benzol refinement sections of the plant were higher than occupational exposure limits (OELs). Among the studied sections, benzol refinement as the most polluted section had the highest concentration of BTEX compounds. Non-cancer risk due to BTEX compounds in all studied sections was lower than one. Benzene cancer risk in energy and biochemistry, benzol refinement and experimental furnace sections was higher than maximum recommended value by EPA.
Conclusion: Due to the high concentration of benzene in energy and biochemistry and benzene refinement sections as well as the resultant carcinogenic risk, improvement of existing control systems and the use of modern engineering systems are necessary to control occupational exposure.
Maryam Ramin Sabet, Mehran Pourhossein, Monireh Khadem, Fariborz Omidi, Farideh Golbabaei, Seyed Jamaleddin Shahtaheri,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Measurement of pesticides in biological matrices is become a serious challenge for researchers due to their very low concentration in different matrices. The aim of this study was to develop a new sample preparation method with high accuracy and validity and short retention time for determination of diazinon.
Material and Method: Dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction technique coupled with high performance liquid chromatography equipped with ultra violet detector was developed for trace extraction and determination of diazinon pesticide in human urine samples. One variable at a time method was used to optimize parameters affecting the diazinon extraction. Different parameters such as extraction solvent, disperser solvent, and volume of the extraction solvent, volume of the disperser solvent, centrifugation time and speed, salt addition, and sample pH were studied and optimized.
Result: Findings showed that optimal levels of these variables for diazinon pesticide were 150 μl of carbon tetrachloride as extraction solvent, 1.5 ml of methanol as dispersive solvent, pH of 6, 5 minutes centrifuge time at speed of 4000 rpm , 0% (w/v) salt addition. Correlation coefficient was 0.9965 indicating the linearity of a wide range of concentrations of the toxin. LOD and LOQ was calculated less than 0.7 and 5 µg L-1 respectively. The relative standard deviation for six replicate experiments in intra-day and inter-day at tree selected concentrations (50, 200 and 1000 µg L-1) was less than 4% that indicates the accuracy and precision of the optimized method. Enrichment factor and extraction recovery for diazinon were 245 and 99% respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results, dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction procedure was successfully developed for the extraction of diazinon from human urine samples. Compared to other extraction techniques, the proposed procedure had some advantages such as shorter extraction time, better reproducibility, and higher enrichment factor.
Saber Moradi Hanifi, Leila Omidi, Gholamreza Moradi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Introduction: Fire and explosion are the most common consequences of natural gas pipeline accidents. The results of previous studies showed a higher rate of accidents in natural gas transmission lines. Given that a large number of people living in the vicinity of natural gas pipelines with a higher severity of related accidents. The aim of current study was to estimate risks using the method of quantitative calculation of risk and simulation of natural gas pipeline leakage using areal locations of hazardous atmospheres (ALOHA) in natural gas power generation.
Material and Methods: The method of quantitative calculation of risk was used to identify and prioritize risks. The simulation of the consequences of natural gas pipeline leakage was done by ALOHA software. Calculations of individual and social risks were performed based on statistical data obtained from the literature.
Results: The most serious effect of natural gas pipeline leakage was heat radiation effect of jet flame. Considering three leakage apertures in the natural gas pipeline 80, 130, and 300 mm, individual risks for each leakage aperture were 0.073, 0.114, and 0.569 and the number of deaths was 115, 400, and 3386, respectively. Increases in the leak aperture can lead to an increase in the number of deaths and decrease in the cumulative rate of accidents.
Conclusion: The most serious consequence of natural gas pipeline leakage was heat radiation effect of jet flame. The individual risk and social risk are beyond the acceptable risks range.
Fateme Dehghani, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian, Farideh Golbabaei, Fariborz Omidi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to organic solvents cause adverse effects on various systems such as the central nervous system, behavioral and cognitive changes, sleep disorders, as well as changes in mood. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of long term exposure to mixed organic solvents on positive and negative aspects of the mood of the workers of a painting industry.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, based on the obtained results of Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and neuro-behavioral effects of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) compounds, these compounds were selected as the main organic solvents for the study and the amount of these compounds was quantitatively determined according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501. Furthermore, the mood status of workers was evaluated by the validated Persian version of BRUMS (The Brunel Mood Scale) questionnaire and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 24.
Results: The mean of exposure to mixed organic solvents in different sections of the exposed group was reported to be 0, 0.27, 0.76, and 2.6 ppm. By increasing exposure to mixed organic solvents from the first quartile to the fourth quartile, fatigue and calmness scores were increased with a strong correlation (r = 0.7). Also the fatigue and calmness scores in the groups having elevated exposure were significantly higher than the control group. Furthermore, the obtained scores for tension, depression and anger in the exposed group were significantly higher than control group (p- value <0.05). There was no significant relationship between demographic data such as age, work experience and smoking with different subscale of mood status.
Conclusion: Long term exposure to low level of BTEX compounds has made an adverse effect on positive and negative mood status in different aspects. Also, increasing the level of exposure to mixed organic solvents was positively correlated to the obtained scores for fatigue and calmness.
Seyedeh Maryam Taheri, Monireh Khadem, Fariborz Omidi, Alirea Sedighi, , Seyed Jamaleddin Shahtaheri,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Introduction: Pesticides are among the broadest chemical compounds used in the world and are also considered as the most dangerous compounds for living organisms. Although pesticides have significant impact on improving agricultural and food products, the processes of their production, formulation, storage, transportation, and marketing as well as the extensive use of these materials lead to occupational exposure, environmental pollution, and the presence of their residues in foodstuffs. Bentazon as a herbicide is considered as one of the most common pesticides used in agriculture and horticulture. Its effects on human health are widespread and of concern. Occupational and environmental exposure assessment of this compound is, therefore, considered necessary by conducting accurate and valid methods. The purpose of the present study was to synthesize a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) as a specific adsorbent in the preparation process of bentazon for its selective analysis in biological matrices.
Material and Methods: For synthesis, a precipitation polymerization method was used. This method has been used to prepare particle size distribution and shape appropriately. By applying the aforementioned method, nano particle size is obtained within the sub-micron and nano range. So, crushing and sieving of the sorbent is not necessary. The MIP was synthesized with 1: 4: 30 ratio of template molecule (bentazone): functional monomer (methacrylic acid): cross-linking monomer (ethylene glycol di methacrylate), respectively. Due to particle size and high porosity, the sorption and recovery of template compound was performed faster and with higher efficiency. Some variables affecting the efficiency of MIP for sorption and desorption of analyte were investigated and optimized. They included pH of solution, MIP amount (mg), and sonication time (min) in the sorption step and volume of eluent (ml), sonication time (s), and acid percentage in the desorption step.
Results: The optimum levels of factors for the proposed method were pH of solution: 2، sonication time for sorption 7.3 min, polymer amount of 30.814 mg, acid percentage 1.1, and sonication time for desorption 165 s. According to the obtained results, the interfering factors in the matrix have no significant effect on the determination of analyte. The limit of detection (LOD) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the optimized method were 0.79.ppb and 2.8931 %, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the proposed method can be used to extract the bentazon herbicide from complex matrices such as urine samples with high efficiency and selectivity.
Saeed Omidi, Ghorbanali Jennat Feridooni, Rabiollah Farmanbar, Mahmoud Heidari,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
Introduction: Risk perception to safety and health is particularly important and affects behavior. Most of accidents occur because people do not have proper understanding about them. Accidents may be an important consequence of risk perception or, more precisely, an inaccurate perception of risk. Education has been always widely recognized as an important component of occupational risk management programs. The aim of this study was investigating the effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on firefighters’ risk perception in operational units.
Material and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial performed on 92 firefighters, in Rasht, in 2019. Cluster sampling method was carried out, and the firefighters were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups with equal numbers. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire with the three sections including demographic variables, risk perception, theory of planned behavior constructs. The educational program consisted of five sessions of 30-75 minutes for each group (six groups of 7-8 firefighters). The data were collected before and one month after educational intervention, and analyzed by Chi-square, independent and paired-sample T test, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon using SPSS software version 21.
Results: The mean age of firefighters was 35.91±5.17 years, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups in demographic variables. Before the educational intervention, no significant difference was seen between the intervention and control groups in risk perception, the model constructs and self-report behaviors, but after performing the educational intervention the variables were significantly increased in the intervention group.
Conclusion: The current study results showed an improvement in firefighters’ risk perception due to educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior. Thus, the theory of planned behavior can be used as a theoretical framework for the design and implementation of firefighters’ risk perception.
Leila Omidi, Hossein Karimi, Saeid Mousavi, Gholamreza Moradi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Safety climate potentially affects safety performance in high-hazard industries. Resilience is a developing concept and is defined as the ability that can affect the continuous improvement of safety performance. The present study assesses the influence of organizational resilience on workers’ safety performance in a steel-manufacturing industry. In this regard, the safety climate mediates the effect of organizational resilience on safety performance.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was accomplished in the steel manufacturing industry in 2021. The survey included three parts: (1) organizational resilience, (2) safety performance, and (3) safety climate. Besides, the organizational resilience was measured by a scale with six dimensions and 19 items. Also, safety performance was assessed by six items regarding two performance dimensions (i.e., safety compliance and safety participation). In addition, safety climate was measured by 19 items, comprising four dimensions (i.e., safety communication, supervisor safety perception, coworker safety perception, and work pressure).
Results: The structural equation modeling results showed that the organizational resilience and safety climate had significant impacts on safety climate (β = 0.23, P ≤ 0.05) and safety performance (β = 0.43, P ≤ 0.05), respectively. Also, the indirect results indicated that safety climate mediated the relationship between organizational resilience and workers’ safety performance.
Conclusion: The increment of organizational resilience and safety climate improves workers’ safety performance. Besides, organizational resilience and related dimensions (e.g., reporting culture, learning, and awareness) improve the safety performance dimensions (i.e., safety compliance and safety participation).
