• Title/Summary/Keyword: Safety protective equipment

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Interest levels of adults in dental radiology education and factors affecting dental radiography in adults (성인의 치과 방사선 교육에 대한 관심도 및 치과 방사선 촬영에 영향을 주는 요인)

  • Lee, Kyeong-Hee;Kim, So-Ra;Kim, Chan-Ju;Ki, Eun-Jung;Park, Ha-Lan;Jung, Eun-Young
    • Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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    • v.17 no.6
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    • pp.1095-1107
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    • 2017
  • Objectives: This study was designed to provide raise awareness of the guidelines associated with radiation, including those associated with ensuring safety at dental clinics. Methods: A survey was conducted on the degree of awareness on dental radiation among adults over age 20 in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province from December 2016. The questionnaire copies from 21 respondents whose answers were insincere were excluded from analysis. A total of 320 copies, equivalent to 93.4% of the total data collected, were used in the analysis. Results: Dental radiography was found to have been experienced by 60. 5% of the subjects, and 83.4% of them did not receive any explanation to the radiation exposure, while 78.7% had no experience wearing protective equipment. As a result of investigating factors affecting the recognition of dental radiation, it was found that female subjects had a higher awareness of the hazards associated with dental radiation hazard and the necessity to provide information. Conclusions: It is necessary to educate the dental medical personnel to raise awareness on radiation exposure and the need for protective equipment, especially when checking for pregnancy.

Particle Filtration Efficiency Testing of Sterilization Wrap Masks

  • Chau, Destiny F.;O'Shaughnessy, Patrick;Schmitz, Michael L.
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.54 no.1
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    • pp.31-36
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    • 2021
  • Objectives: Non-traditional materials are used for mask construction to address personal protective equipment shortages during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Reusable masks made from surgical sterilization wrap represent such an innovative approach with social media frequently referring to them as "N95 alternatives." This material was tested for particle filtration efficiency and breathability to clarify what role they might have in infection prevention and control. Methods: A heavyweight, double layer sterilization wrap was tested when new and after 2, 4, 6, and 10 autoclave sterilizing cycles and compared with an approved N95 respirator and a surgical mask via testing procedures using a sodium chloride aerosol for N95 efficiency testing similar to 42 CFR 84.181. Pressure testing to indicate breathability was also conducted. Results: The particle filtration efficiency for the sterilization wrap ranged between 58% to 66%, with similar performance when new and after sterilizing cycles. The N95 respirator and surgical mask performed at 95% and 68% respectively. Pressure drops for the sterilization wrap, N95 and surgical mask were 10.4 mmH2O, 5.9 mmH2O, and 5.1 mmH2O, respectively, well below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health limits of 35 mmH2O during initial inhalation and 25 mmH2O during initial exhalation. Conclusions: The sterilization wrap's particle filtration efficiency is much lower than a N95 respirator, but falls within the range of a surgical mask, with acceptable breathability. Performance testing of non-traditional mask materials is crucial to determine potential protection efficacy and for correcting misinterpretation propagated through popular media.

Electrical and Fire Prevention Measures through Improvement of Indoor Wiring, Outlets and Plugs (옥내배선, 콘센트 및 플러그 개선을 통한 전기화재 예방대책)

  • Jeung, Sueng Hyo;An, Hui-Seok;Lee, Yong-Su;Kim, Chang-Eun
    • Journal of the Korea Institute of Construction Safety
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.31-39
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    • 2018
  • It is reported that about 20 % of all fires in Korea are caused by the electric equipment and installations. In complex and large-scale buildings, the sizes of electric fires are becoming larger as property damage and casualties increase. Among the causes of various electric fires, fire by short circuit accounts for about 71.5% of overall fires, and in the classification by electric equipment and installation, fire caused by wiring and wiring equipment accounts for approximately 38.3% of overall fires. The purpose of this study is to propose methods to prevent electric fires due to short circuit by improving indoor wiring currently in use and to find the fundamental measures to prevent wiring equipment caused fires by improving the socket and plug which are commonly used in wiring equipment. It is expected that the electric fire prevention measures presented through this study can be used as a measure to protect many people and properties by eliminating the root cause of electric fire.

The radiation safety education and the pain physicians' efforts to reduce radiation exposure

  • Kim, Tae Hee;Hong, Seung Wan;Woo, Nam Sik;Kim, Hae Kyoung;Kim, Jae Hun
    • The Korean Journal of Pain
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    • v.30 no.2
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    • pp.104-115
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    • 2017
  • Background: C-arm fluoroscopy equipment is important for interventional pain management and can cause radiation injury to physicians and patients. We compared radiation safety education and efforts to reduce the radiation exposure of pain specialists. Methods: A survey of 49 pain specialists was conducted anonymously in 2016. The questionnaire had 16 questions. That questionnaire was about radiation safety knowledge and efforts to reduce exposure. We investigated the correlation between radiation safety education and efforts of radiation protection. We compared the results from 2016 and a published survey from 2011. Results: According to the 2016 survey, all respondents used C-arm fluoroscopy in pain interventions. Nineteen respondents (39%) had received radiation safety education. Physicians had insufficient knowledge about radiation safety. When the radiation safety education group and the non-education group are compared, there was no significant difference in efforts to reduce radiation exposure and radiation safety knowledge. When the 2011 and 2016 surveys were compared, the use of low dose mode (P = 0.000) and pulsed mode had increased significantly (P = 0.001). The number checking for damage to radiation protective garments (P = 0.000) and use of the dosimeter had also increased significantly (P = 0.009). But there was no significant difference in other efforts to reduce radiation exposure. Conclusions: Pain physicians seem to lack knowledge of radiation safety and the number of physicians receiving radiation safety education is low. According to this study, education does not lead to practice. Therefore, pain physicians should receive regular radiation safety education and the education should be mandatory.

Design and Implementation of a Sensor Technology-based Safety Shoe Recognition System to Prevent Safety Accidents (안전사고 예방을 위한 센서 기술 기반 안전화 인식 시스템 설계 및 구현)

  • Kyoung-Jin Oh;Jeong-Min Park;Kwang-Jin, Kwak
    • The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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    • v.23 no.6
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    • pp.163-170
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    • 2023
  • With the introduction of the law regarding severe penalties for major accidents, employers, management executives, and corporations have significantly increased the number of safety managers and invested extensively in acquiring ISO certifications to prevent accidents in industrial sites. Moreover, the implementation of the Smart Safety Management System (SSMS) has facilitated the management of personnel and safety equipment. While IoT-based management systems have been applied to safety gear such as helmets, safety harnesses, and protective clothing, the responsibility for safety shoes still primarily lies with on-site managers and individuals, leaving a vulnerability to accidents. In this study, we aim to implement a Raspberry Pi-based sensor device to proactively detect workers' safety shoe usage upon entering the site. The goal is to confirm the usage of safety shoes and prevent accidents that may occur due to non-compliance with safety shoes regulations.

Occupational Tasks Influencing Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms Among Charcoal-Production Workers: A Time-Series Study

  • Pramchoo, Walaiporn;Geater, Alan F.;Jamulitrat, Silom;Geater, Sarayut L.;Tangtrakulwanich, Boonsin
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.8 no.3
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    • pp.250-257
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    • 2017
  • Background: Tasks involved in traditional charcoal production expose workers to various levels of charcoal dust and wood smoke. This study aimed to identify specific tasks influencing lung function and respiratory symptoms. Methods: Interviews, direct observation, and task/symptom checklists were used to collect data from 50 charcoal-production workers on 3 nonwork days followed by 11 workdays. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured four times per day. Results: The PEFR was reduced and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms increased over the first 6-7 workdays. The PEFR increased until evening on nonwork days but not on workdays. Loading the kiln and collecting charcoal from within the kiln markedly reduced the PEFR and increased the odds of respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Tasks involving entry into the kiln were strongly associated with a short-term drop in the PEFR and the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, suggesting a need for the use of protective equipment and/or the operation of an effective kiln ventilation system.

Effects of Ground Faults on the Safety of Persons in High Voltage Distribution Systems (고압계통 지락고장시 인체안전에 미치는 영향)

  • Kang, Sung-Man;Kim, Han-Soo;Lee, Jong-Chul;Lee, Ju-Chul
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of IIIuminating and Electrical Installation Engineers Conference
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    • 2007.11a
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    • pp.195-197
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    • 2007
  • This paper presents experimental results on the safety of persons due to a ground fault in 22.9 kV-Y distribution system In order to evaluate the touch voltages due to internal ground faults in a step down transformer based on the newly prescribed KS C IEC 60364 standard series, the verification tests in a 22.9 kV multi-grounded neutral system were carried out From the experimental results, it was found that there will be significant potential rise jeopardizing LV equipment insulation in case of separate grounding between HV and LV system and the effective measures against hazardous touch voltages due to a IN side ground fault in the common grounding system between HV and LV system are proposed. As a consequence, it was found that the equipotential bonding is an important prerequisite for the effectiveness of the protective measures for the safety of persons in the common ground system between 22.9 kV-Y and low-voltage grounding system.

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A Study of Emergency Response for the Leakage Accident of Hazardous and Noxious Substances in a Port (항만에서의 위험·유해물질(HNS) 누출사고 대응에 관한 연구)

  • Woo, Young Jin;Lee, Chang Jun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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    • v.31 no.6
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    • pp.32-38
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    • 2016
  • In general, lots of containers including various dangerous materials are transported to the port located in big cities such as Busan where massive residents live. Thus, it's really important how to make the emergency response for the leak accidents of dangerous materials and evaluate the direct or indirect damages to adjacent areas. In this study, in order to make reasonable emergency plans, CA (Consequence Analysis) is employed after selecting a key hazardous and noxious material, hydrogen fluroide. This material accounts for the third largest portion of cargo volume among all dangerous materials and can cause a huge damage in case of leakages. As a case study, Busan North port is selected as a test port since the portion of dangerous materials is higher than that of other ports in Busan. It is assumed that 1 ton of hydrogen fluoride is spilled at Busan North port. CA is performed to assess the impact of this accident. Throughout CA, the ERPG-2 range of a leak accident can be evaluated and this result can be used for decision making tools for mitigating the impact of a leak accident. To mitigate the damage of this accident, suitable a protective equipment and resident evacuation procedures should be prepared. Finally, this study can provide a systematic approach to make the emergency plan for reducing economical and personal losses.

Development of Korean Head forms for Respirator Performance Testing

  • Seo, Hyekyung;Kim, Jennifer Ivy;Kim, Hyunwook
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.71-79
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    • 2020
  • Background: Protection from yellow dust and particulate matter is ensured by the use of respirators among the Korean citizens and workers. However, the manikins used to test the performance of the same were manufactured considering western facial specifications owing to which they do not represent Korean facial characteristics. Methods: Analysis of the data from the 6th 3D anthropometric survey of Koreans (Size Korea; 2010-2013) of 4,583 people aged 7 to 69 years was performed to obtain their facial dimensions. We subsequently clustered 44 facial measurements using Design X software, followed by the creation of the cluster centroid. Results: Three 3D head forms were developed-small, medium, and large, and their images were stored in ".stl" format for 3D printing. The facial widths and lengths of the three head forms were 127.1 mm × 90.6 mm, 143.2 mm × 104.0 mm, and 149.1 mm × 120.2 mm, respectively. Conclusion: We developed manikin head forms according to the facial dimensions of the Korean population, which was essential in evaluating respiratory protective equipment. These head forms can be used to test the performance of respirators considering the facial dimensions of the Korean population.

Occupational Risks in Midwifery: From Bernardino Ramazzini to Modern Times

  • Bianchi, Tommaso;Belingheri, Michael;Nespoli, Antonella;De Vito, Giovanni;Riva, Michele A.
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.10 no.2
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    • pp.245-247
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    • 2019
  • Occupational risks are often underestimated in midwifery. It is not commonly known that occupational risks were originally described by the Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) at the beginning of the 18th century. Our aim was to describe occupational risks in midwifery from Ramazzini to modern times. The original text by Bernardino Ramazzini was analyzed. A review of modern scientific articles on occupational risks in midwifery was conducted. Ramazzini identified two major occupational risks in midwifery: infections and awkward postures. Modern literature seems to agree with his considerations, focusing on infection, use of universal protection and personal protective equipment, and musculoskeletal problems. Modern studies also evidenced posttraumatic stress disorder that was probably postulated by Ramazzini himself. The poor number of articles in literature on midwives' occupational risks shows a lack of interest toward this issue. Prevention should therefore be emphasized in this field, so high-quality studies on occupational risks in midwifery are needed.