masterThesis
Caracterización de la exposición ocupacional a los gases, dióxido de azufre (so2), sulfuro de hidrógeno (h2s), y monóxido de carbono (co), y la percepción de salud de los trabajadores, en una empresa del sector hidrocarburo en Colombia
Fecha
2015Autor
Torres Castro, Hovanna
Ibáñez-Pinilla, Milcíades
Combariza Bayona, David Andrés
Institución
Resumen
In the process of extraction of petroleum (crude) physical and chemical treatments on the hydrocarbon collection stations must be made in order to ensure its quality before delivery to the transportation and marketing. To carry out this activity required operating staff (operators) must perform different activities, such as operational round, verification of systems of storage of crude oil, residual water from the process and chemical inputs used in their treatment and handling facilities at stations of collection, among others. As a result of the routine activities operators are exposed to chemical risk factors associated with gases and organic vapours generated in the processes of treatment of crude oil.
In the present work were carried out measurements of quality of air and industrial hygiene at different stations crude oil treatment, in order to assess the levels of exposure of operators to gases and vapours of hydrocarbons during the process of crude oil treatment and to answer the following question: there is relationship between occupational exposure, atmospheric emissions of gases (SO2 ?(, CO, H2S) and the perception of involvement of the health of workers who are exposed during the work, in a company of the hydrocarbon sector?
A study of cross section, through the application of questionnaires on the conditions of work and health 30 workers working at a treatment of crude oil from a company of the hydrocarbon sector. Subject operators working in rotating shifts, have been linked with the company for more than two years and have direct contracts, in addition, environmental and occupational risk factors were identified for the Group of workers and we conducted a review of reports from measurement of industrial hygiene and air quality stations where works staff selected in order to establish whether the results relate.
As result most workers are men, with work functions as operators, field operator and supervisors. 97% of the operators has over forty years of age and 80% of them has worked for more than 6 years in the company. About the perception of employees about their State of health 90% stated that their health is good, 97% responded that it had no breathing problems, 23% manifest presenting dermatological disorders, and 27% indicate that it has constant headache.
Review of the air quality reports available found that SO2, carbon monoxide CO sulphur dioxide measurements are within the range defined as the least impact to human health.
The report data, it can be concluded that the air quality is good in 100% of the areas of influence of crude oil treatment stations. According to reports from 34% of facilities industrial hygiene presents concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the allowable limit for chronic exposures in a weighted average (TLV-TWA) time and the allowable limit for acute exposure in a short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL).
Only 37% of the workers subject to this study perceived risk by exposure to chemical risk factors and they are clearly aware that they are exposed to these risks by the manipulation of chemical products and chemical exposure product of their routine activities, 73% does not perceive the risk of exposure for their work.
He is recommended that the company strengthen its scheme of surveillance to generate alternatives that raise levels of awareness of the risk of the worker. Environmental and occupational risk factors for gases and vapours generated due to the treatment of crude oil process, interrelated since to generate an emission or escape uncontrolled as a result has a direct involvement to the environment and workers.