Showing 10 results for Steel
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Volume 2, Issue 4 (2-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: In the steel industry,air blowers used to supply compressed air are considered as sources of annoying noise. This study aims to acoustics analysis of theairblower workroomand sound source characteristics in order to present noise controlmeasuresinthe steel industry.
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Material and Method: Measurement of noiselevel and its frequency analysis was performed usingsound levelmetermodelof CASELLA-Cell.450. Distribution of noise level in the investigated workroom in form of noise map was provided using Surfer software. In addition, acoustic analysis of workroom and control room was performed in view point of soundabsorption andinsulation. Redesignofdoor and window of controlroom and installation of soundabsorbing materialson theceiling of the workroom were proposed and the efficiency of these interventionswasestimated.
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Result: The totalsound pressurelevelin the blower workroom was 95.4 dB(L) and the dominant frequency was 2000Hz. Sound pressure level inside the room control was 80.1dB(A). The average absorption coefficient and reverberation time in the blower workroom was estimated equal to 0.082 Sab.m2 and 3.9 seconds respectively. These value in control room was 0.04 Sab.m2 and 3/4 seconds respectively. In control room, sound transmission loss between the two parts of the wall dividing was 13.7 dB(A). The average of noise dose in blower operators was 230%. With the installation of sound absorber on ceiling of workroom, average of absorption coefficient can increase to 0.33 Sab.m2 and sound transmission loss of the new designed door and window was estimated equal to 20dB.
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Conclusion: The main cause of noise leakage in the control room was insufficient insulation properties of door and windows. By replacing the door and window and installation of sound absorbing on ceiling of workroom, the noise dose can reduce to 49.6%. New Improved door and window of control room can reduce noise dose to 69.65% solely.
G. A. Shirali, E. Karami, Z. Goodarzi,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Although risk assessment and accident prevention program have been widely used in industries such as steel industry, there are still numerous accidents in these industries. Hence, applying an accident analysis method can identify the root causes and casual factors of accidents and causal factors. Human Factors Analysis and Classification System can identify human errors in the steel industry by using an analysis of past events. The aim of this study was to identify the human errors in the steel industry using the HFACS methodology.
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Material and Method: In this study first, incident reports of industries with high risk, such as Ahvaz steel and pipe industries existing in the department of work and social security was gathered. Then, an analysis of accident was done based on HFACS model. This model has 4 levels and 18 categories which are 1 - unsafe acts of operators (that includes four subtypes) 2 - pre-conditions for unsafe acts (with seven categories) 3 - unsafe supervision (includes four categories) and 4 - the effect of association (with three categories).
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Result: In this study, 158 reports of accident in Ahvaz steel industry were analyzed by HFACS technique. This analysis showed that most of the human errors were: in the first level was related to the skill-based errors, in the second to the physical environment, in the third level to the inadequate supervision and in the fourth level to the management of resources.
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Conclusion: Studying and analyzing of past events using the HFACS technique can identify the major and root causes of accidents and can be effective on prevent repetitions of such mishaps. Also, it can be used as a basis for developing strategies to prevent future events in steel industries.
Mohammad Hasan Ehrampoush, Mohsen Hesami Arani, Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian, Asghar Ebrahimi, Masoud Shafiee,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Requiring industries for implementing industrial waste management programs and planning for proper waste disposal is essential in order to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, industrial waste management program was done in Kavir Steel Complex, in Aran va Bidgol region to identify and classify industrial waste and also to present solutions for improving waste management. In this complex, production process is hot rolling steel and the product is rebar.
Material and Method: The preset study was conducted in Kavir Steel Complex. Following survey of production process and sources of waste, the type and volume of produced waste were identified and measured during 3 months. Then, the classification of wastes was done according to the Bazel Convention and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and finally new industrial & health solid waste management program was presented.
Result: Considering the volume, industrial waste of production process in Kavir Steel Complex was between 130 to 180 grams per each ton of rebar. Main industrial waste included oxide of steel billet, industrial sludge, used oil and lubricant which were classified according to the RCRA: 8 materials with T code, 1 with C code, 5 with I code and 3 materials with C code.
Conclusion: The results revealed that the most amount of industrial waste in Kavir Steel Complex is the waste of steel billet and industrial sludge, and more than 90% of Kavir steel industrial waste were reused and recycled inside or outside of this complex. It is recommended that used oil to be transport and maintain in the safe containers.
Mahdi Malakoutikhah, Ali Karimi, Mostafa Hosseini, Amir Rastgarkhaled,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (4-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Work-Family Conflict can influence the physical and mental health of workers as a social parameter. The aim of this study is supposed to provide theoretical model of relationship between work-family conflict and occupational accidents, taking into account parameters such as job stress and general health of employees in a steel manufacturing industry.
Material and Method: Research population included workers of steel department of a steel manufacturing industry. This research was a cross-sectional study, and 270 individuals were selected in two groups, with an accident experience during lasts 5 years (case) and without (control). They responded to questionnaires including 4 parts, demographic, 18 questions of work-family conflict, 35 questions of job stress and, 28 questions of general health. Data were analyzed and introduced using AMOS software.
Result: Result showed that the model present an excellent goodness of fit and all of factors were significant between parameters (p<0.001). In addition, individual health and job stress with high coefficient could affect work-family conflict and work-family conflict was effective in the event of occupational accidents.
Conclusion: Reducing work-family conflict as a social parameter affecting stress can be effective in the reduction of occupational accidents. The organizational management system with optimization of this important factor can upgrade its level of occupational safety.
Masoud Hamerezaee, Farideh Golbabaei, Parvin Nasiri, Kamal Azam, Somayeh Farhang Dehghan, Asad Fathi, Faezeh Darabi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Heat stress is one of the hazardous agents in the steel industries which can threaten the health and safety of workers and lead to serious occupational diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the heat stress in the steel industries and compare PHS (Physiological Strain Index), WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature), DI (Discomfort Index) and HSI (Heat Stress Index) indices for the estimation of heat stress and to determine the optimum index for steel industries.
Material and Method: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted among 220 workers engaged in two steel industries in Iran. Environmental and physiological parameters were measured according to ISO 7726 and ISO 9886 in three times of measurement, and finally the time-weight average of the heat stress indices were calculated. All data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.
Result: The time-weight average of WBGT (28.28 oC), DI (29.11 oC), HIS (65.7 %) indices were higher than the recommended limits. Physiological parameters (oral, tympanic and skin temperatures, systolic and diastolic pressures and heart rate) had the greatest value in the second time of measurement (afternoon). WBGT index comparing to the PHS, DI and HSI indices had highest correlation with oral, tympanic and skin temperatures and heartbeat (r=0.314 , 0.408 , 0.459 , 0.302, respectively; P < 0.05), while systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed no significant correlation with WBGT (P > 0.05). The WBGT index had the highest correlation with studied indices which was 0.945, 0.681 and 0.600 for DI, PHS and HSI, respectively.
Conclusion: This study assessed the optimal index with regard to the physiological parameters, and it was concluded that the WBGT index has the highest correlation with the most of physiological parameters, and therefore, WBGT index can be the most optimum index to heat stress assessment in the studied steal industries.
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.
Jalil Nazari, Mohammad Dashti,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Introduction: Besides the occupational accident physical, psychological damages, and its economic losses, it can have a serious effect on the quality of working life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational accidents on the quality of working life and its dimensions among workers in a steel manufacturing companies.
Material and Methods: This case-control study was carried out among 100 workers (case) with an occupational accident history and 100 workers with no history of incident (control) in the production lines of a steel company during the period of 2012 to 2016. The study was conducted after matching the confounding variables such as age, work history, income level, etc. Data were collected using the NIOSH quality of work life questionnaire. For statistical analysis, SPSS 16 was used and χ2 and paired t-test statistical analysis were performed.
Results: According to the results of current study, the quality of work life average scores of the case (47.6±2.3) and control (49.5±2.3) groups was highly significant (p<0.001). Also, six out of eight dimensions of the quality of life was significantly affected by occupational accidents, but the highest and lowest influence was found on ergonomics and safety aspect, and the work and life aspect, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the result of this study, it can be concluded that occupational accidents are one of the important factors that influence the workers’ quality of work life. Therefore, quality of working life can be considered as a helpful tool in increasing job satisfaction, improving the efficiency and employability of employees and preventing accidents.
Mehran Maleki Roveshti, Zahra Naghavi-Konjin, Siavash Etemadinezhad, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Steel erection is known as one of the most hazardous construction activities. From an occupational health and safety perspective, this process carries high risk. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a qualitative risk analysis of steel structure assembly and model it using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM).
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the construction site of a high-rise building steel structure was first visited to identify the main processes involved. Then, semi-structured and open-ended interviews were conducted with 33 workers partaking in this process. Data from the interviews and process identification were entered into FRAM Model Visualiser (FMV) software to investigate and model complex relationships and interactions between daily tasks.
Results: Of the 19 major system component functions identified, four functions had potential instability and defects due to complex human, organizational, and technological function interactions. By intensifying the FRAM graphic model, risks may be imposed on the system if the interactions of these four functions are neglected. These include coordination with the experienced rigger, preparation of the tower crane, attachment of parts at the installation site, and execution of the rescue rope.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that conducting qualitative risk assessment and modeling the steel frame construction process using FRAM allows for an in-depth understanding of nonlinear conditions and dynamics resulting from escalating technical-social interactions. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis of system safety status.
Farnaz Asghari, Rasoul Hemmatjou, Abolfazl Ghahramani,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Unsafe acts are one of the main causes of workplace accidents. Given the critical role of the steel industry in our country, and the limited research on human factors, and the importance of identifying the contributors to accidents, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying human factors influencing accidents and unsafe behaviors using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). The identified factors were then prioritized using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods. Based on the results, appropriate recommendations were proposed for the prevention of accidents and the reduction of unsafe acts.
Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out in the rebar production unit of a steel manufacturing plant. Among 35 recorded accidents over the past two years, 28 were related to the rebar production unit. Data were collected through review of accident reports, seven on-site observations during high-risk shifts, and interviews with employees. After analyzing the occupational accidents, the rebar production process in the rolling unit was identified as a high-risk area. The HFACS checklist was used to assess this process and classify the human factors contributing to accidents. Subsequently, DEMATEL and ANP methods were applied to determine causal relationships and prioritize the factors.
Results: The HFACS analysis identified 236 human factors, among which the preconditions for unsafe acts and organizational factors had the highest frequency (24.57% each), while external factors had the lowest (8.47%). According to DEMATEL results, organizational influences exerted the greatest impact on other levels, whereas external factors had the least effect. In terms of being influenced by other levels, unsafe acts showed the highest level of susceptibility, whereas unsafe supervision had the lowest levels. Based on ANP findings, the preconditions for unsafe acts had the highest importance, while unsafe supervision had the lowest in contributing to unsafe acts.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that improving safety culture, improving organizational regulations, implementing targeted training programs, and updating equipment can play a significant role in reducing accidents caused by unsafe acts. The results provide practical insights for managers and policymakers and can serve as a useful tool for decision-making in occupational health and safety within the steel industry.
Mostafa Jafarizaveh, Ali Jafari, Mahdi Jafari Nodoushan, Fatemeh Chambari, Farideh Golbabaei,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Climate change is a major global challenge, strongly influencing the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index and heat stress among steel industry workers. This study evaluates the impact of geographical location and climate change on occupational heat stress exposure in Iran’s steel sector.
Material and Methods: This qualitative-analytical study used data from the SABA system and the Iranian Occupational Heat Stress Atlas. Information on steel industries, their distribution, and production capacities across eight climate zones was extracted. WBGT measurements were collected in collaboration with industrial units in different zones. Data analysis was performed using ArcGIS and SPSS. The effects of climate change on heat stress were assessed for three future horizons: 2040, 2060, and 2080.
Results: The findings revealed that climate zones G1 (eastern, southeastern, and desert regions) and G4 (Persian Gulf coastal provinces including Hormozgan, Bushehr, Fars, and Khuzestan), which host the highest steel production capacities, are exposed to the highest levels of heat stress (WBGT index) and water resource scarcity. WBGT values in zones G4 and G6 (Gilan province) exceeded permissible limits, whereas zones G2 (including North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, Tehran, Alborz, Qazvin, Hamedan, Markazi, and Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari), G5 (Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Lorestan), and G7 (Ilam, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad) showed the lowest WBGT levels. Considering projected temperature increases in the three future horizons and the acceptable correlation coefficient (0.40) between annual daytime temperature and WBGT index per climate zone, predicted temperature changes may lead to increased WBGT levels, particularly in zones G3, G6, and G8.
Conclusion: Given climate projections and the spatial distribution of steel industries, it is essential to develop climate-responsive policies, implement sustainable water resource management, and reconsider the siting of steel production units. These measures can enhance the resilience of Iran’s steel industry against future climate change and mitigate occupational health and environmental risks.
