bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
71 Exploring boundaries of work environment management using work domain analysis
Authors: Suleiman Abdulqadir Mohamad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Work environment regulations identify specific objectives that employers must fulfil. Work environment is a multidimensional concept encompassing nature of tasks, physical and social conditions, workplace characteristics and organisation, work schedule, prospects to the workers, and the intrinsic rewards associated with the work. Through work domain analysis, the first of the five dimensions of cognitive work analysis, the study explored the boundaries of work environment management.

Method
Mixed method including looking at regulatory requirements, a limited literature review and comprehensive discourse with occupational safety and health enforcement officials as subject matter experts provided the information to populate the abstraction decomposition space in the analysis. Affordances of the regulation purposes formed the functional purposes of the work environment management. Work environment indicators identified formed the value and priorities measures. Purpose-related functions were constructed from a work environment model, with subject matter experts providing the relevant physical resources and the functions the resources afford.

Results
Abstraction decomposition space for work environment management was designed showing means-ends links from resources to the purposes they fulfil in the system. From the abstraction decomposition space, it was possible to design results-chain models supporting decision-making. The analysis showed that the functional purposes can be fulfilled with different means-ends pathways. In addition, the purpose-related functions constructions allowed for superimposing of enforcement orders from earlier inspections reports, supporting the validity of the constructs.

Conclusion
The study provided structure and content of work environment management, and decision-making models supporting the management practices and strengthening attainment of justifiable work environment.
84 Realtime versus conventional sampler comparison study
Authors: Walsh Ben , Cattani Marcus , Verpaele Steven 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
With the increasing sophistication of real time sampling devices, research to objectively assess their performance is a priority. The International Sampling Comparison Group has embarked on a series of projects in association with other research groups. In Australia, a workplace sampler comparison study has commenced the collection of conventional and real time samples of inhalable and respirable dust, from host sites in the West Australian iron ore mining industry. The selected samplers are placed on a specially designed Workplace Atmosphere Multisampler (WAM) device which can host up to 12 samplers simultaneously, rotating at 3 revolutions a minute to reduce sampling biases. In this paper we report on the initial findings of matched pairs of each sampler, run for a minimum of 6 hours, over 28 sample days, which generated 168 matched pair data points. In addition, a particle size impactor, and bulk dust samples were collected to determine the particle size fraction. Data was collected with a trained and experienced occupational hygiene technician in accordance with recognised standards. Results will be presented from a series of conventional versus real time or near real time devices including HazDust 7204 with Inhalable Inlet, TSI AM520 with Respirable dust Cyclone, IOM + Foam plug PVC, Zephon disposable + Foam plug PVC, UPAS v2+ direct reading sampler + 37mm filter, and the Marple 8 stage Impactor.
112 An alternative to the HSE/NPL phase contrast test slide for airborne asbestos fibre analysis laboratories
Authors: Pickford Geoff , Hibbs Philip 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
More than 55 years ago, an analytical technique employing phase contrast microscopy was developed for the quantitative estimation of airborne asbestos fibre concentration.
It was found that the detection limit of these microscopes was dependent upon microscope design, set-up and observer performance. In the late 1970’s the HSE/NPL Phase-Contrast Test Slide was developed that facilitated the standardisation of detection limits of microscopes and observers in laboratories around the world.
An alternative test slide has now been developed using state of the art nano-metre fabrication technology, and is known as the Pickford Phase Contrast Test Slide, and manufactured by PhaseSlides.
Both subjective and newly developed objective visibility testing show that the Pickford Test Slide is equivalent to the HSE/NPL Test Slide, and users report it to be much easier to use.
Each Pickford Test Slide is certified by the Environmental Analytical Laboratory of the Southern Cross University – stating that it is equivalent in performance to that of the HSE/NPL test slide.
Acknowledgement to the BOHS Annals of Work Exposures and Health.
128 Assessing potential health risks from multi-exposure to chemicals in U.S. workplaces: findings from the OSHA database
Authors: Sarazin Philippe , Sauvé Jean-François , Labrèche France , Ho Vikki , Pomerleau Maude , Bosson-Rieutort Delphine , Lavoué Jérôme 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The combined effects of occupational exposure to multiple chemicals on health can be substantial. However, the most prevalent multi-exposure situations and their toxic effects remain understudied. We assessed the health risks from multi-exposure to chemicals in U.S. workplaces using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) measurement database.

Methods
We analysed personal air measurements for the period 1971-2021 summarized by workplace situation (WS), corresponding to measurements taken for the same job title, within a company, within a year. We calculated hazard quotients (HQ) by dividing the agents’ concentrations by their ACGIH® threshold limit value. We calculated the mixtures’ hazard indices (HI) by summing the HQs of agents by combination of WS and toxicological class (n=24) using the MiXie tool, which identifies classes of toxic effects for &gt;700 chemicals.

Results
We extracted 609,233 measurements of 206 chemicals from 162,473 WSs. Workers in 58,252 WSs were exposed to ≥2 agents, of which 21,563 had an HI&gt;1, indicating overexposure for at least one toxicological class. Toxicological classes with the highest HIs among multi-exposed WSs were lower airway damage (median 0.41; interquartile interval 0.05-1.9; percentage of overexposed WSs 35%), ototoxicity (0.28; 0.04-1.1; 26%) and central nervous system (CNS) damage (0.26; 0.02-1.2; 28%). For these three classes respectively, the most frequent multi-exposures leading to high values of HI were manganese-iron oxides, toluene-xylene and manganese-lead.

Conclusions
Although the OSHA database does not necessarily represent a random sample of U.S. workplaces, our approach provides insights into the health risks of occupational exposures to prevalent chemical mixtures.
184 Lessons learnt from cross contamination/gradient study across pharmaceutical formulation sites
Authors: Kondragunta Prasanth , Bandaru Chand 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Cross contamination in pharmaceutical industry is a serious issue which can affect the quality and safety of drugs. Methods for conducting the Cross-contamination study, identifying potential routes of contamination and results from the swab and air samples will be presented. The evaluation criteria for the cross contamination study involves calculating the potential contamination in a maximum daily dose of one product and compare it with Permissible Daily Exposure (PDE) values. Key recommendations related to management of ventilation systems and work practices to minimize the cross-contamination will be shared.
185 The influence of measurement uncertainty and environmental factors in the assessment of workplace exposure
Authors: Emonds Robert , Scheffers Theo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
According to good occupational hygiene practices, measurement uncertainty (U) should be included when testing TWA workplace atmosphere measurement against OEL.
In some countries such as the US (OSHA) and Belgium, this is included in legislation: law enforcement tests the TWA lower confidence limit LCL=TWA*(1-U) exceedance of the OEL while employers test the TWA upper confidence limit UCL=TWA*(1+U) compliance with the OEL.
International standards such as EN482 and ISO-20581 help establish U, UCL and LCL.
Current exposure assessment strategies promoted by IOHA members, such as AIHA (2015), EN689 (2018) and BOSH/NVvA (2022), ignore measurement uncertainty.
This may be due to historical work (Nicas, 1991), which shows that in similar exposure groups (SEG), lognormal long-term daily environmental variability exceeds U.
However, Monte-Carlo simulations, which will be shown in this lecture, show that the influence of U on the lognormal, one-sided upper confidence limit of the 95th percentile (UTL95,##%) can be significant in occupational hygiene practice with sample sizes often smaller than n=6.
Also in the last decade, several strategies promote a simplified screening/preliminary test (French Code du Travail, EN689:2018 §5.5.2, BOSH/NVvA 2011/2022).
In these tests, the highest result (TWAmax) of 3 to 5 measurements is compared with the OEL or with a defined fraction f(OEL).
In line with the above, these TWAmax tests should use TWAmax*(1-U) ≤ f(OEL) for compliance and TWAmax*(1+U) &gt; OEL for exceedance.
IOHA member organisations are advised not only to align the numerical test schedules for compliance, but also to include measurement uncertainty in the OEL tests.
190 Safety stewardship of enzymes: reaching cleaning professionals with risk management guidance for professionals and their employees
Authors: Panepinto Anthony , Simonsen Merete 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Professional cleaning products are used in a wide variety of situations, from cleaning of private and public facilities such as hospitals, offices, hotels, restaurants, care homes and public transport, to cleaning of workplaces and industrial process involved in the manufacturing of foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and others. For many years enzymes have been used safely as a functional ingredient in consumer products such as laundry detergents and are widely in professional products for bulk laundering of fabrics and clothing from the manufacturing, healthcare and service industries. Enzymes have also been used in niche professional products such as solutions for cleaning endoscopes, and specialized drain and surface cleaners.
Enzymes have a very good safety profile but, as with many other proteins, they can act as respiratory sensitizers and so may lead to allergy symptoms, such as rhinitis. In order to better address safe use across small and medium enterprises the AISE (International Association for Soaps,
Detergents and Maintenance Products), the ACI (American Cleaning Institute), the HCPA (Household and Commercial Products) and enzyme suppliers joined forces to create guidance for risk assessment and risk communication for professional cleaners.
Attendees at this discussion will develop an understanding of the risk, risk management measures, and critical risk communication topics to be discussed with employers of professional products users and employees working with enzyme containing professional products themselves.
198 Conceptualization and construction of a low-cost and self-made device for monitoring of particulate matter
Authors: Fanti Giacomo , Borghi Francesca , Cauda Emanuiele , Wolfe Cody , Patts Justin , Dossi Carlo , Cattaneo Andrea , Spinazzè Andrea , Cavallo Domenico Maria 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study is to present a step-by-step process that walks through the conceptualization and building of a low-cost (~ $150) monitoring device for airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5), based on miniaturized sensors and components.

Methodology
Details on the implementation of the hardware and software are provided which facilitate the data acquisition and analysis. The central components and their setup discussed in what follows include: the sensor device (called “P.ALP” – Ph.D. Air quality Low-cost Project), Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and R code (open-access software). The devices were tested for accuracy and precision under controlled conditions (type of dust, dust concentrations, temperature, relative humidity) using an aerosol testing chamber (Marple design).

Results
A monitoring device for PM2.5, based on low-cost sensors and technologies was successfully conceptualized, designed, and implemented. The preliminary tests showed promising results in detecting dust concentration variability and satisfying performances in terms of data storage and operating time.

Conclusions
The P.ALP monitoring system was designed and developed to be a basic device, which can be further customized and implemented using the wide range of low-cost sensors available on the market.
200 Adapting the BOHS COVID-19 risk matrix to Avian Influenza. Preparing an animal charity for future outbreaks
Authors: Cameron Mary 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Based on a similar exercise carried out by the BOHS in 2020 during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BOHS COVID-19 risk matrix was adapted to provide an animal charity with an Avian Influenza (AI) risk management tool. The charity staff handle sick and dead birds in the wild (symptoms of AI may not be immediately apparent) and at their animal treatment and housing centres. This tool guides the employer in determining appropriate control measures to help reduce the risk of their staff, and also the public, from being infected with AI.
Although there is currently limited evidence of transference to humans and the risk appears to be low, this could change in the not too distant future. Cross species infections are predicted to increase with the habitat pressures brought about by climate change. Therefore this AI risk matrix has been developed as a precautionary approach. The approach recognises the pitfalls of reliance on PPE alone and endeavours to promote a preventative approach built on good occupational hygiene practice. Given the variety and complexity of the workplace, the AI risk matrix provides an initial reference for control measures, risk evaluation, and grouped job roles to help the employer make balanced decisions and decide what are the reasonable precautions.
Acknowledgements-
Authors of the BOHS COVID-19 risk matrix
Kelvin Williams BSc(Hons) DipOH CFFOH
Dr Mangala Patil-Mead
214 A proposed Asian occupational exposure limit framework
Authors: Park Dooyong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) are key tools in occupational hygiene to protect workers who may be exposed to health hazards in their workplace. Typically OELs are given a single value for 8 hr-TWA, 15 min STEL or Ceiling. Although it is suggested that these values are not the fine lines between safe and unsafe, they are generally perceived as the fine lines of whether it is acceptable in the fields.
If a worker’s exposure exceeds the OELs, employers and employees hardly know how dangerous it is by simply comparing it with OELs. For example, if the exposure level is 1.2X OELs, the exposure numerically exceeds 20% above the OELs. However, it does not mean that it is dangerous as much of 20%. It would be very dangerous for certain chemicals but might not be so dangerous for others.
Therefore, it should not be used by anyone untrained in the discipline of industrial hygiene. However, in many workplaces, like SMEs, accessibility to trained industrial hygienists is very limited. On the contrary, it increases the accessibility of self-measurement techniques such as sensors and direct reading instruments. In addition, it might be impractical to provide a single value as an OEL to different countries and/or regions and/or industries if economic feasibility considered.
Thus, Asian Network of Occupational Hygiene (ANOH) developed a New Asian Occupational Exposure Limit Framework, which provide 3 levels; ideal, recommended and maximum for each health hazards. Background, Rationale and Development of ANOH-OEL Framework will be presented.
227 Protection of workers against carcinogenic fibre dusts – A Risk Management Option Analysis
Authors: Bachmann Volker , Heunisch Elisabeth , Kohns Kevin , Lüdeke Andreas , Müller Melanie , Pohl Anna , Stemmler Fabian , Walendzik Gudrun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The adverse health effects of biopersistent fibrous dusts with critical morphology (length greater than 5 µm, diameter smaller than 3 µm and a length-to-diameter ratio of more than 3:1 (WHO fibre criterion)) are independent of their chemical composition. Due to these dimensions, such fibres are able to reach the deep lungs (alveoli and bronchioles) after inhalation and can cause fibrosis and cancer. A well-known example of the toxicity of fibres and their possible harmful effects is asbestos. Health hazards arising from the inhalation of biopersistent fibre dusts released from chemical substances, mixtures or from articles, will most likely not be identified in the chemical safety assessment under REACH, even if a substance is registered, as there is no obligation to provide information on the morphology and/ or form and biopersistence of the substance.
The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment have identified and evaluated regulatory approaches for the protection against carcinogenic fibre dusts by means of a risk management option analysis (RMOA). The RMOA discusses various options to address the concerns identified, including the introduction of additional risk management options within the framework of European chemical safety and occupational health. As a result of the RMOA a restriction under REACH was identified as the most appropriate approach for regulating fibrous materials and to enhance the protection of workers in the EU.
137a - Breathe freely initiative to prevent occupational lung disease – Canadian and US rollout
Authors: McInnis Jason 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Breathe Freely is a British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) initiative aimed at reducing occupational lung disease in the UK, which causes significant debilitating ill-health and an estimated 13,000 deaths per year in the UK. Breathe Freely is about raising awareness of both the problem and how to do something about it: we can protect workers’ health and prevent most of these diseases and deaths. It is not just “the right thing to do”, it is good for business as well. Broad acceptance of this fundamental concept is part of the solution.
Thanks to the support and collaboration of the BOHS, both the AIHA construction committee (US) and CRBOH (Canada) have taken steps to introduce Breathe Freely in their respective countries. This session will delve into the core objectives of Breathe Freely and provide updates on its implementation progress in Canada and the United States.
148a - Can we translate low-cost sensing from the air pollution community to the workplace hygiene community?
Authors: Loh Miranda 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
‘Low-cost sensors’ have transformed outdoor air quality monitoring by increasing the pool of data available. These size and cost of these sensors give the average citizen the ability to measure air pollution on a personal basis, in the places that matter to them. While scientists and governments may have been cautious about the quality of such data at the beginning, there are now more evaluation studies and government initiatives to provide guidance around use of these sensors. Local governments are also installing these sensors as supplementary tools for monitoring air quality. This presentation explores the evolution of low-cost sensor use in environmental applications and whether and how this may translate into their use in occupational hygiene. Barriers and facilitators towards use of these sensors in hygiene will be discussed.
222b - Relevant information and challenges for human biomonitoring
Authors: Wrobel Sonja 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) has proven to be a useful tool to perform risk assessment of chemicals. Nevertheless, certain criteria for a reliable HBM should be taken into account. Knowledge regarding the suitability of the chosen biological matrix, as well as the specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers is essential. For a specific HBM, the biomarker must not be formed from other substances with expected exposures. The sensitivity of the biomarker depends on the aim of the study with higher sensitivities needed for the investigation of background exposures in the general population, compared to verifying the adherence to health-based guidance values (e.g., in an occupational context). Furthermore, aspects of analytical ruggedness of the biomarkers need to be considered, such as susceptibility to pre-analytical contamination. To obtain valid HBM results, analytical methods for these biomarkers need to be sufficiently sensitive, selective, and rugged and need to be applied under quality-assured conditions.
In this presentation, the choice of a reliable biomarker will be discussed using practical examples.
222c - Human biomonitoring of neonicotinoid insecticides in environmental and occupational settings
Authors: Doherty Darragh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticides and neonicotinoid-like compounds (NNIs) are the most widely used insecticides in the world, accounting for over 25% of the insecticide market. In recent years, NNIs have been identified as potential hazards to humans and are included in chemical priority lists in the European Union, the United States, and Canada.
However, NNIs such as acetamiprid and flupyradifurone, are still widely used as plant protection products throughout the EU. Additionally, imidacloprid is still used as a flea treatment for cats, dogs and other pets. Human biomonitoring allows for a quantitative assessment of internal chemical exposures by analysing biological media. Despite growing concern about the hazardous properties of NNIs, there have only been a few human biomonitoring (HBM) studies investigating NNI exposures conducted in the EU and none in Ireland. The EIRE ‘nEonicotinoid Insecticide exposuREs’ project is a human biomonitoring study investigating exposures to NNIs among the general population and occupational users of NNIs in Ireland.
Urine samples from the general Irish population (n=227) were analysed for seven major NNIs using LC-MS/MS Of those samples, 76% had quantifiable levels of at least one NNI, indicating a potential for widespread exposure of NNIs among the Irish population. An occupational study of professional gardeners and pet shelter workers who use NNIs will commence in 2024.
Preliminary results from the general Irish population study and the recruitment strategy for the occupational studies of professional gardeners and pet shelter workers will be presented.