• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.359-364
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• 2014

Objectives: The principal aim of this study is to provide fundamental data for suggesting substantial management plan of personal air sampler by investigating current situation of work environment monitoring service provider. Materials and Methods: The questionnaires regarding a personal air sampler were sent by electronic mail to 150 institutions, except for 22 institutions which are out of business or closed temporarily, among total 172 domestic work environment monitoring service providers designated by Ministry of Employment and Labor based on 2013. The institutions which did not reply to the questionnaire for 30 days were required directly by phone call. Finally 97 institutions gave an answer to the questionnaire and therefore the respondence rate was 65%. Results: The normal operation rate of personal air sampler exceeded 70% in all the types (particle, gas and both combination) in terms of purchased year. Furthermore the personal air sampler purchased recently showed a trend of high operation rate compared to the personal air sampler purchased previously. The distribution patterns of personal air sampler In terms of manufacturers were Gillian>MSA>SKC for particle, Gillian>SKC>AMETEK for gas and Gillian>MSA>Casella for both combination, respectively. As a result, it was found that the personal air sampler manufactured by Gillian company was utilized the most in domestic work environment monitoring service provider regardless of types of personal air sampler. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from this study, the normal operation rate according to types of personal air sampler was as follows: 94% for personal air sampler for collecting particle only, 93% for personal air sampler for collecting gas only and 89% for collecting both particle and gas. Overall, the numbers of personal air sampler possessed and operated normally in domestic work environment monitoring service provider were 5,458 and 5,062, which indicates the normal operation rate of personal air sampler in total aspect is 93%.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.119-131
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• 2011

The asbestos contents in some representative building materials were analyzed using JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The changes in mineral composition during analysis process and problems in JIS method were also examined. XRD analysis of some representative domestic building materials used for roof, wall, ceiling, and floor indicates that slate have the highest asbestos content having 6.87~6.93% of chrysotile. Other building materials analyzed in this study also have 1.35~3.98% of chrysotile contents. The XRD analysis results of asbestos contents in some domestic building materials are presented in this study. This method is very effective for the asbestos content evaluation of building materials according to newly modified asbestos content regulation (Law of Industrial Safety and Health, 2007-26) that limits asbestos content less than 0.1% by Ministry of Employment and Labor. Small amount of tremolite as well as chrysotile were also observed in some samples. With consideration of crystal shape, contents and geological occurrence, it is considered that tremolite is an associated mineral of chrysotile and is not intentionally added. Complemental analyses with optical microscope and SEM/EDS are also necessary because XRD method cannot distinguish asbestiform from non-asbestiform. The XRD method applied in this study is very effective in the asbestos content analysis of building materials, specially building materials showing high asbestos concentration in residues due to the high loss rate with ashing and acid dissolution procedure.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.4 s.48
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• pp.747-761
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• 1994

Workers' periodic health examination is the main tools used to manage the health problems of most workers in Korea. The most common health problem found in workers' periodic health examination is liver disorder. Liver disorder is also one of the most common health problems in general population and one of the leading causes of mortality in adult population. Regulation proposed by government (No. 207, Ministry of Labor, 1992) defines the criteria for selection of workers with the liver dysfunction for further evaluative examination and the examination items used for diagnosis of the workers with liver dysfunction. This study was designed to evaluate the proficiency of each examination items presently defined in Regulation and propose the optimal examination items for detection of the liver disorders found by workers' periodic health examination. Study subjects are 186 workers with abnormal liver function tests in screening examination of workers' periodic health examination. Questionnaire survey including past history of liver disorder, drinking history, height and weight was done. Physical examination by physician, routine test items defined by Regulation (SGOT, SGPT, $\gamma$-GTP, protein, albumin, total and direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, $\alpha$-feto protein, HBsAg and anti-HBs), anti-HCV antibody test and liver ultrasonography were done. Results are as follows; 1. Result of evaluative examination utilizing only the items defined in Regulation was; There were 75 workers with suspected live. disorder(40.3%), 63 with no liver dysfunction (33.9%), 13 with suspected hepatitis B(7.0%), 10 workers with hepatitis B(5.4%), 10 workers with hepatitis B carrier state(5.4%), 10 with alcoholic liver disorders(5.4%), 5 with fatty liver(2.7%). When alternative diagnostic criteria applying additional examination items (drinking history, body mass index, anti-HCV antibody and ultrasonography) diagnosability of liver disorder was increased. When all four items were included, final results were; 23 workers (17.8%) with hepatitis B (10 carriers, 13 suspects and 10 hepatitis B), 10 (5.4%) with hepatitis C(4 carriers, 5 suspects and 1 hepatitis C), 13(7.0%) with alcoholic liver disorder, 45(24.2%) with fatty liver (40 suspects, 5 fatty liver), 410%) with suspected liver disorders and 44 (23.7%) with normal liver. 2. Of examination items defined by Regulation, only SGOT, SGPT, $\gamma$-GTP and HBsAg were significantly different in abnormal rate and mean value, and all other laboratory findings did not showed significant difference between two groups. Drinking history, body mass index and anti-HCV antibody test which are the items that authors included in this study, also showed significant difference between two groups. Utilization of body mass index (BMI) for abnormal liver function group in diagnosis of fatty liver had high specificity (97.6%) but sensitivity (22.3%) was low. Therefore we suggest that SGOT, SGPT, $\gamma$-GTP, HBsAg, alcohol drinking history, BMI and anti-HCV Ab were useful for diagnosis of liver disorders among worker's periodic health examination.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 2000

The purpose of this case study is to report a case of lung cancer with exposure to welding fumes of welders in Korea and to demonstrate the causal relationship with exposure to welding fumes, especially with nickel and hexavalent chromium. The case is 47 years old, and had been engaged in welding, gas cutting, grinding and gousing on mild, stainless steel and nickel steel for 11 years from 1982 to 1993, and have been engaged in cleaning steel rollers with a cleaning oil in the same work shop since 1993. The level of welding fume exceeded the occupational exposure limit of $5mg/m^3$ established by the Korean Ministry of Labor and American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Especially, detectable hexavalent chromium and nickel was generated during welding, gousing on stainless and nickel steel. However, there was no ventilation systems(local and dilution) and no personal protection. There is several evidence that the past (1983-1993) exposure would be higher than the present. In conclusion, the lung case could be associated with his task including welding, gousing, and this association could be attributed to carcinogenic potential of the nickel and chromium in the fume.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.156-161
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• 2011

Objectives: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity at standard temperature and pressure. THF has been used as a solvent and a precursor for various syntheses of polymers. However, THF is known to irritate to the eyes, skin and mucus membranes. Overexposure by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may produce nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation and possible skin burns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate of the worker exposure and characteristics of workers in the workplaces that use or manufacture THF. Methods: Sixteen factories in Korea, which manufacture or use THF, were selected for this study and a total of 130 air samples including 104 time-weighted average (TWA) samples and 26 short-term exposure limit (STEL) samples, were collected. Air samples were collected with charcoal tube (100mg/50mg) and analyzed by gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector(GC/FID). Results: The TWA concentration of THF was 16.05ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 2.32ppm (GM) at PVC stabilizer, 1.03ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.63ppm (GM) at Polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMEG), 0.42ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 0.13ppm (GM) at Glue and 0.12ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins. Two out of sampes for PS script printing exceeded 50ppm as 8-hour exposure limit of MOEL. The short term exposure to THF was 54.77ppm (GM) at PS script printing, 17.10ppm (GM) at PTMEG, 13.76ppm (GM) at Manufacturing THF, 2.86ppm (GM) at Lithium triethylborohydride, 0.87ppm (GM) at synthetic rubber/resins and 0.13ppm (GM) Glue. We found that the highest exposure process for both the TWA and STEL samples was PS script process. Two samples exceeded 100ppm as short term exposure limit of Ministry of Employment and Labor(MOEL). Conclusions: Characteristic of STEL concentration for THF is considerably different from TWA concentration in workplaces because workers could exposure high concentration of THF in a moment when they work irregularly schedule. So exposure controls for momentary works have to be prepared, and considered the skin absorption and inhale of THF.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2017

This study analyzed the effect of on - the - job training of workers in Chungnam western area on productivity improvement. A total of 76 questionnaires were analyzed for workers in the western part of Chungcheongnam-do that completed the training course of the Korea Polytechnic University Education and Labor Ministry. The results of this study are as follows: First, the higher the motivation to receive the on - the - job training for the improvement of the productivity, the higher the satisfaction of the training of the worker, but the effect on the job productivity was not significant. Second, the correlation between training experience and job productivity was not statistically significant. Third, as for the effect on the productivity improvement according to the rank, the temporary workers showed higher education satisfaction than the regular workers (agency), and the job productivity was higher than the manager (manager level). Results of ANOVA analysis showed that there was a significant effect on educational satisfaction and job satisfaction according to years of work, career, and rank. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of on - the - job training of workers in the western part of Chungnam, on the productivity improvement, The validity of the study is significant.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.181-191
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• 1991

The present study determined the overall noise level and the distribution of sound pressure level over audible frequency range of noise produced at various work sites. Work-related noise greater than 80dBA produced from 98 separate work sites at 37 manufacturing companies and machine shops were analysed for the overall sound level (dBA) and frequency distribution. In addition, to determine the possible hearing loss related to work site noise, a hearing test was also conducted on 1,374 workers in these work sites. The results of the study were as follows ; 1. Of the total 98 work sites, 57 work sites(58.2%) produced noise exceeding threshold limit value (${\geq}90dBA$) set by the Ministry 01 Labor. In terms of different manufacturing industries the proportion of work sites which exceeded 90dBA was the highest for the cut-stone products industry with 6/6 work sites and lowest for the commercial printing industry with 1/13 work sites. 2. The percentage of workers who were exposed to noise greater than 90dBA was 19.8% (1,040 workers) 01 the total 5,261 workers. In terms of different industries, cut-stone products industry had the most workers exposed to noise exceeding 90dBA with 82.8%, textile bleaching and dyeing industry was next at 30.6% followed by fabricated metal products industry with 27.9%, plastic products manufacturing industry had the lowest percentage of workers exposed to 90dBA exceeding noise with 4.5%. 3. There was a statistically significant correlation between the frequency of noise-induced hearing loss and the percentage of workers exposed to noise exceeding 90dBA (P<0.05). 4. The frequency analysis of noise produced at the 98 work sites revealed that 44 work sites (44.9%) had the maximum sound pressure level at high-frequencies greater than 2KHz. In addition, significantly higher sound pressure level was detected at the high-frequencies at 90dBA exceeding work sites as compared to below 90dBA work sites (P<0.01). 5. The differences in sound level meter's A-and C-weighted sound pressure levels were analysed by frequencies. Of the 28 work sites which showed 0-1 dB difference in the two weighted sound levels, 20 work sites (71.4%) had significantly higher sound pressure levels at high-frequencies greater than 2KHz (P<0.01). Furthermore, there was a tendency for higher sound pressure levels to occur in the high-frequency range as the differences in the two weighted sound levels decreased.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.45-57
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• 2015

Objectives: This study aims to compare the physicochemical characteristics, toxicological data with Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) of chemicals under the Occupational Safety and Health Act(OSHA) regulated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor of Korea. Methods: Information on chemicals which have OELs on physicochemical characteristics and toxicological data was collected using Material Safety Data Sheet(MSDS) from Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency(KOSHA) and the Korea Information System for Chemical Safety Management(KISChem) in 2014. Statistical analyses including correlation and simple regression were performed to compare the OELs with chemical characteristics including molecular weight, boiling point, odor threshold, vapor pressure, vapor density, solubility and octanol-water partition coefficient(OWPC) and toxicological data such as median lethal dose($LD_{50}$) and median lethal concentration($LC_{50}$). Results: A total of 656 chemicals have OELs under OSHA in Korea. The numbers of chemicals which have eight-hour time weighted average(TWA) and short term exposure limits(STEL) are 618 and 190, respectively. TWA was significantly correlated with boiling point and STEL was only correlated with vapor pressure among physicochemical characteristics. Solubility and OWPC between "skin" and "no skin" substances which indicate skin penetration were not significantly different. Both $LD_{50}$ and $LC_{50}$ were correlated with TWA, while the $LC_{50}$ was not with STEL. As health indicators, health rating and Emergency Response Planning Guidelines(ERPG) rating as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) and American Industrial Hygiene Association(AIHA) were associated with OELs and reflect the chemical hazards. Conclusions: We found relationships between OEL and chemical information including physicochemical characteristics and toxicological data. The study has an important meaning for understanding present regulatory OELs.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.747-757
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• 2017

Of safety check regulation, 'Construction Technology Promotion Act' and 'Special Act on the Safety Control of Public Structures' contain provisions about the content of safety in construction works and the items of safety checks in the maintenance aspect and thus contribute to accident prevention in the construction industry. Of the regulations responsible for the practical safety of workers, the safety check regulation of Ministry of Employment and Labor demand for safety check from the start of construction based on an agreement with a concerned agency to the completion of construction solely based on 'Guidance Standards for the Specialized Disaster Prevention Instruction in Article 32 of Occupational Safety and Health Act' and 'Appropriation and Usage Standards of Safety and Health Management Costs in the Construction Industry'. There is, however, a huge gap, as well, in them according to client agencies. In small construction sites ordered by a private organization, checks are done formally with no detailed regulations. As a result, the costs of checks continue to drop with only the contract kept intact. This study examined the forms of safety checks practically done in the Jeju region, distinguished and compared them by the construction costs, calculated proper costs based on each construction act, and further proposed improvement measures for the detailed regulations.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.108-119
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• 2016

Since the introduction of the converted accident rate in Pre-Qualification(PQ) process in 1992, the safety evaluation system has contributed to a reduction of construction accidents and development of the safety management system in public construction projects. As the comprehensive evaluation method the government plans to introduce includes the indicators 'accident rate' and 'death rate per 10,000 workers', the influences on the safety evaluation in the bidding process would be broader in public sector construction projects. However, the current safety evaluation system is operated by different estimating standards in the bidding process. At this point, a study of improvement on the safety evaluation index is required to review its current conditions and to propose its efficient operating method. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze problems of the current safety evaluation system through the questionnaire survey on the qualified workers in construction safety management and to propose an improvement plan for the problems noticed. Our results suggest the standards of the unified process for the safety evaluation index, the size of construction firms needed for accident rate estimation, and the improvement plan for unreported accidents. The proposed improvement plan enables the reasonable estimation and efficient operation of the safety evaluation index, and further, it would contribute to reducing construction accidents through the activation of voluntary safety management by construction firms.