Comparative Study All - Copy

7/31/2019 Comparative Study All - Copy

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1.0 OBJECTIVES

1.1 General Objective

To identify the correlation between exposures to Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10 )

and lung function of the workers at two different industrial sites.

1.2 Specific Objectives

I. To measure Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10 ) in industrial sites.

II. To determine the lung function effect of the workers due to respiratory

dust (PM 10 )

III. To compare the exposure of particulate matter as well as its effect to

workers lung function at the two different industrial site

IV. To recommend control measures for the identified hazards.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The study is conducted on two different factories. The assessments are been

done at I-Mix Concrete Sdn. Bhd. and Kapar Energy Ventures. A comparative study

was done in order to compare the particulate matter (PM10) level between two differentindustries. Kapar Energy Ventures is a large industry where it is an electricity generated

power plant. While I-Mix Concretes sdn bhd. is a small branch industry which

processing concrete.

I-Mix Concrete sdn bhd located at Alam Jaya Industrial Park, Puncak Alam. The

main product of the factory is concrete mixing and distribution. For now, this factory is

supplied concretes to UiTM Puncak Alam. This factory was established on 16 July 2005

till present. Since then, it has been 6 years this factory has operated as concrete mixingplant. There are 32 employees worked within the factory and 12 of them worked as a

lorry driver.

The second factory which is Kapar Energy Ventures is located on the west coast

of Peninsular Malaysia, approximately 50 km to the west of capital city of Malaysia,


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Kuala Lumpur. The power station lies between the mouths of the Kapar Besar and the

Serdang Kecil Rivers. This energy power plant factory generates a total of 2420 MW of

electricity. It is the only power station with triple fuel firing capability in Malaysia. This

station consists of steam plants firing oil, gas and coal as well as open cycle Frame 9

gas turbines.

The assessments are been done throughout whole process in Concrete Mixing

Plant while in Kapar Energy Ventures will involved in Coal Handling Plant only. The

assessments are conducted in both factories to determine the level of particulate matter

(PM10) present in both factories can affect the workers. The lung function test was

carried on in order to find out the relationship of the particulate matter (PM10) with the

lung function. A comparative study was made between two different

3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Terminologies

I. Particulate Matter (PM 10)

Particulate matter affects more people than any other pollutant. The major components

of PM are sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, mineral dust and water.

The particles are identified according to their aerodynamic diameter, as either PM10(particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 m) or PM2.5 (aerodynamic

diameter smaller than 2.5 m). The latter are more dangerous since, when inhaled, they

may reach the peripheral regions of the bronchioles, and interfere with gas exchange

inside the lungs (WHO, 2005).

II. Spirometry

Spirometry is a basic and commonly performed pulmonary function test. It measures

lung capacity to move air in and out of the lungs. The test is performed using a

spirometer and must conform to standardization specifications developed by the

American Thoracic Society.

III. Vital capacity


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Vital capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled or exhaled from

the lung. It is one of the measurements taken during spirometry or pulmonary function

testing. VC is measured using a spirometer (BTS, 2005).

IV. Force Vital Capacity

Force Vital Capacity (FVC) is the amount of air which can be forcibly exhaled from the

lungs after taking the deepest breath possible. Measuring FVC is done through

spirometry testing which helps to determine the lung function. Normal range FVC for

adults is less than 80% (BTS, 2005).

V. Forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1)

Force expiratory volume in an individual test measure used to assess limitations inairflow, which measuring the amount of air exhaled in one second. It is measured in

litres (BTS, 2005). Based on British Thoracic Society (BTS, 2005) guidelines, the

reading for FEV1 is based on followed guidelines-

Lung condition Obstructive

Normal 85% of pred FEV1

Mild 70 85 %

Moderate 60 70 %

Moderately severe 50 60 %

Severe 34 50 %

Very Severe < than 34 %


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VI. FEV1/FVC (FEV1 %):

This is the ratio of FEV1/FVC. In healthy adult this should be 75 80%. It is useful in

diagnosing restrictive or obstructive disease (BTS, 2005).

2.2 Legal Requirement

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Safety and Health Committee Regulation

1996)

Section 5: Membership of committee

Section 15: General duties of employers and self employed person)

Section 16: Duty to formulate Safety and Health Policies

Section 22: Duty to provide facility

Recommended Malaysian Air Quality Guidelines (DOE Malaysia)

There are no ambient air quality standards in Malaysia. The Malaysian government,

however, established ambient air quality guidelines in 1988.

Pollutants Averaging time Malaysia guideline

(g/m 3)

Particulate Matter

(PM10)

24 Hour 150

I Year 50


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3.0 METHODOLOGY

Sampling and data collection involved Air Quality Monitoring, Survey, and Lung

Function Test. The lung function test was conducted along with survey using

questionnaires. The survey serves as a method to obtain general information of theworkers as well as acquiring crucial data that might affect the result such as time

duration of working, period of exposure, age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and etc. Samples

(n=12) were taken among workers in these industrial area who has direct contact with

dust respiratory particles. Exclude factors are those who have asthma and chronic

pulmonary disease, BMI, those who under drug and medicine administration, smoking

and under alcohol influence. Risk assessment is done by using HIRARC (Hazard

Identification Risk Analysis and Risk Control) and HAZOP (Hazard Operability) study

was conducted.

3.1 Study Design

This study is a comparative cross sectional study where exposure and disease

status are measured at the same point in time. The assessment was conducted in one

day in each industry.

3.2 Instrumentation

Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality is done using Quest EVM-7 environmental

monitor. EVM-7 simultaneously measures particulates, volatile organic compounds

(VOCs) with PID, toxic gas, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, temperature, and air

velocity (with accessory probe).

Survey was carried out using a set of questionnaires which consists of 2

sections. There are 17 questions which consist of yes/no, multiple choice and open

ended questions.

Lung function test is conducted by using Vitalograph spirometer. Procedure

guidelines were taken from British Thoracic Society.


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3.3 Guideline for monitoring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 (DOSH Malaysia)

Sample position

During field data collection, we had perform the monitoring positioned at the selected

sampling location using the following general guidelines

(a) representing the primary workstation layout and work activities;

(b) the position should be of minimal disturbance of work activities within the study area;

(c) at least 0.5 m from corners or windows, walls, partitions, and other vertical surfaces

(e.g. file cabinets);

(d) not directly in front of air supply diffusers, induction units, floor fans, or heaters, or

the exhaled breath of the operator, etc

(e) not under direct sunlight that will impact instrumentation;

(f) preferably not in hallways or passageways;

(g) at least 1 metre from localised sources such as photocopiers, printers, etc;

(h) not within 3 m of an elevator if sampled at a corridor / lobby;

(i) not within 2 m of doors;

(j) not obstructive to, or interfering with, occupant egresses from the study area under

normal or emergency situations;

(k) not at the junction connected to stations of the public transport facilities;

(l) placing inlets of samplers at a height between 75 and 120 cm, preferably 110 cm

from the floor.


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4.0 RESULT

Figure 1

Figure 1 : Particulate matter level at Kapar Energy Ventires and I-Mix sdn. Bhd.

Based on the bar chart above, the level of particulate matter at I-Mix is more than Kapar Energy Ventures.

0

0.005

0.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

Kapar Energy Ventures I-Mix

P a r t i c u

l a t e

M a t t e r L e v e

l , m g / m 3

Types of Factory

Particulate Matter Level

Particulate Matter Level


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Table 1 : Data of subjects at Kapar Energy Ventures

Table 2 : Data of subjects at I-Mix

Subjects Name Age Period FVC FEV 1 FEV 1/FVCZulkifli b Ahmad 27 4 71.1 74.2 104.3Mohd Faizal 28 3 78.7 42.7 54.2

Mohd Bakhtiar 30 6 85.3 93.5 109.5

Helmi b MohdRashid

33 5 61.5 61.6 100.3

Qaiser Shafqat 33 8 124.7 76.3 61.2

Manareveli 24 1 109.8 115.7 105.4

Adil 42 1 55.8 55.6 99.6Inemur Rahman 28 1 58.5 50.2 85.8Parenditta 22 2 107.8 107.7 99.9Unsar 24 2 92.3 101.6 110.2Shahur 43 4 80.8 84.4 104.4

Rosmadi b Daiman 47 6 121.2 132.3 115.0

Subjects Name Age Period FVC FEV 1 FEV 1/FVC

Rudy 33 4 63.8 71.4 117.7

Ismail 47 1 92.7 123.3 125.6

Chin Kang Siong 50 6 73.2 76.0 103.8

Liew Yoke Tat 57 6 57.5 44.6 77.6Mahasan 42 10+ 81.4 80.2 98.6

Adnan 45 2+ 35.5 19.0 53.5Mazri 40 8 67.7 74.6 110.

2Nor Azhar 41 6 54.4 59.4 109.

2Roslan 34 11 71.8 37.1 51.6Shamsul 37 8 70.8 62.4 88.0Jumadil 31 4 57.5 53.8 93.5Mohd Kausar 24 4 74.1 61.6 83.1


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Lung Function Test

The test was conducted at both factories. 12 workers were taken as subjects for

conducting the test. A survey was also conducted along with the test. The data are as

follows :

Figure 2

Figure 2: Percentages of spirometry indicators reading

The table below shows the result of spirometry for both factories. In the table, the period

of exposure is divided into three categories which are from 1-5 years and from 6-10

years and 11 years. There are two types of indicators readings that have recorded in

the spirometer which is FVC and FEV 1. The normal reading for the FVC and FEV 1 is

85. The reading below the normal reading is considered abnormal readings.

0.00%

20.00%

40.00%

60.00%

80.00%

100.00%

120.00%

FVC FEV1 FEV1 / FVC M e a n P e r c e n t a g e o

f i n d i c a t o r r e a d i n g s

Types of indicators

Graph of spirometer test results


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Table 3 : Result of the spirometer test for Kapar Energy Ventures and I-Mix Concretes

sdn. bhd.

5.0 EXISTING CONTROL MEASURE

No

. Work activity Hazard Which can Existing Risk Control

cause/effect (if any)

1

Unloading

Coal Particulate Matter

Respiratory

Problem PPE

2

Storage(Coal

Yard) Particulate Matter

Respiratory

Problem PPE

3Screening and

Ergonomic Back Pain N/A

Period of exposure(year)

No of subjects withabnormal

FVC

No of subjects withnormal FVC

No of subjects withabnormal

FEV 1

No of subjects withnormal FEV 1

KEV I-MIX KEV I-MIX KEV I-MIX KEV I-MIX

1-5 6 4 3 1 6 4 3 1

6-10 None 5 3 None 1 5 2 None

11 None 2 None None None 2 None None


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Crusher

Heat Stress N/A

4 Boiler Heat Stress Dehydration N/A

5 Transformer Electrical Hazard Short Circuit Signage, Fence

Electromagnetic

Field Cancer

Isolation, Fence,

Signage

6 Conveyance Falling Injury

PPE, Scheduled

Maintenance

Table above described about control measure available associated with its hazard.

Control measure is an important aspect in every hazard identified, as existing control

measure can reduce the casualties. In Kapar Energy Ventures, there are several

hazards with existing control measure. Storage and unloading coal produce a mass

density of dust which may result in respiratory problem. Therefore employer provided

respiratory mask to their employee in way that it can reduce the effect. Electrical hazard

are most dangerous part if it happen, as it may cause causalities and damage of

property. Therefore, the existing control measure is installation of fence and signage as

it can restrict unauthorised person entering the most dangerous part.

1.Hazard identification 2. Risk Analysis 3.Risk Control


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6.0 RISK ASSESSMENT

Table 4: HIRARC Summary for Kapar Energy Ventures

Table 5: HIRARC summary for I-Mix Concrete sdn. bhd.

No. Work activity Hazard Which canExisting Risk

Control Likelihood Severity RiskRecommended

control

cause/effect (if any) measure

1 Ship Docking Ship CollisionMechanical

Damage24/7

Monitoring 1 5 5360 Degree Angle

CCTV

2 Unloading Coal Particulate

Matter Respiratory

Problem PPE 5 4 20 Job Rotation,

Training

3Storage(Coal

Yard) Particulate

Matter Respiratory

Problem PPE 5 4 20 Job Rotation,

Training

4Screening and

Crusher Ergonomic Back Pain N/A 4 4 16Job Rotation,

Training

Heat Stress N/A Job Rotation,Training

5 Boiler Heat Stress Dehydration N/A 4 4 16

JobRotation,TrainingResting Facilitie

6 Transformer Electrical Hazard Short CicuitSignage,

Fence 3 4 12 PPE

ElectromagneticField Cancer

Isoation,fence, Signage 3 5 15

Regular MedicalCheck Up, Job

Rotation

7

Convayence Falling Injury

PPE,Scheduled,

Maintainance 3 5 15 Signage, Isolation


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1. Hazardidentification

2. RiskAnalysis 3.Risk Control

No. Work activity Hazard Which can

ExistingRiskControl Likelihood Severity Risk

Recommendedcontrol


1 DisloadingParticulateMatter

RespiratoryProblem N/A 5 4 20 PPE/Training

Accident N/A 1 4 4 Isolation

2 Conveyance. High Falling Injury N/A 3 3 9 Signage,PPE

3 Mixing. NoiceInducedHearing Loss N/A 5 4 20

PPE, ScheduleMaintanance

ParticulateMatter

RespiratoryProblem 5 4 20 PPE

4 Loading Accident Injury N/A 2 4 8 Signage

ParticulateMatter

respiratoryProblem 5 4 20 PPE

5Transport.

particulate

Matter

respiratory

Problem N/A 5 4 20

PPE,

Isolation.SingageCarbon

Dioxide 4 4 16 PPE


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Based on our study, HIRARC were produced. There are several work activities in I-Mix

Concrete sdn bhd. and Kapar Energy Ventures that related to our parameter. The work

activities are unloading coal from the ship to the warehouse and storage of the coal inthe warehouse where hazard produce is particulate matter. Respiratory problem may

arise from presence of particulate matter. Employee who work as technician and

operator are usually expose to these hazard. Severity and likelihood rating given for this

hazard are 5 and 4 respectively. Lately, there are few cases which involve respiratory

problem, which constrain employee ability. This fact was strengthening by our

assessment by using spirometer. Employees are exposed 8 hour per day and 5 days

per week in average thus increase the likelihood for employee having a respiratory

problem. Although the employer providing PPE as control measure, but there are

certain aspect that should be taken. Job rotation and training are the most crucial part in

controlling respiratory problem among employee


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6.6.2 HAZOP study

Process Parameter Guideword Cause Consequences Recommendation

1.Disloading Dust high Expose to air flow

and opened

environment

Respiratory problem Dust collector

system

2.Conveyance Flow Less Conveyance

failure

Inadequate on supply to

mixing machine

Regular

maintenance

High Weighting scale

failure

Overflow on line and

cause falling of stone

Calibration o

weighting scale

3.Mixing Dust High Dust flowing out

due to vibration

Respiratory problem Maintenance to

control vibration

Volume Less water

volume

Low water

pressure

Alteration of quality of

material

Preparing

booster pump

4.Transport Flow Slow Long distance and

inadequate

transport

Alteration of concrete

quality

Providing

adequate

transport an

large capacity


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HAZOP assessment which related to machinery in I-Mix Concrete sdn bhd. describes

1.Hazard identification 2. Risk Analysis 3.Risk Control

No.

Workactivity Hazard Which can

Existing RiskControl

Likelihood

Severity Risk Recommended control


1ShipDocking Ship Collision

Mechanical Damage

24/7Monitoring 1 5 5 360 Degree Angles CCTV

2UnloadingCoal

ParticulateMatter

Respiratory Problem PPE 5 4 20 Job Rotation, Training

3Storage(Coal Yard)

ParticulateMatter

Respiratory Problem PPE 5 4 20 Job Rotation, Training

4Screeningand Crusher Ergonomic Back Pain N/A 4 4 16 Job Rotation, Training

HeatStress N/A Job Rotation,Training

5 Boiler Heat StressDehydration N/A 4 4 16

Job Rotation,Training,Resting Facilities

6 TransformerElectricalHazard

ShortCicuit

Signage,Fence 3 4 12 PPE

Electromagnetic Field Cancer

Isoation,fence,Signage 3 5 15

Regular Medical CheckUp, Job Rotation

7

Convayence Falling Injury

PPE,Scheduled,Maintainance 3 5 15 Signage, Isolation


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the relationship of machinery and the hazard produced. The most important process is

conveyance, which caused by wind blow and open system of conveyance. Presence of

high density of dust may lead to respiratory problem among employee. Though the wind

blow cannot be resist, engineering control should be taken where installation of dustcollector system at conveyance can reduce the hazard.


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7.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

7.1 DISCUSSION

Based on the assessment conducted at Kapar Energy Ventures, the result are

0.011mg/m 3, 50.6%, 438 ppm respectively. The level of particulate matter (PM10) at

Kapar Energy Ventures is higher than I-Mix Concrete; 0.021mg/m 3.

Based on the assessment conducted at I-Mix Concrete sdn bhd., the result of

PM 10 , Temperature, Humidity and CO 2 0.021 mg/m3, 35C, 50.6%, and 462 ppm

respectively. The level of particulate matter (PM10) at I-Mix Concrete sdn bhd., is higher

than at Kapar Energy Ventures is because of several factors. The concretes based

factory such as I-Mix produces a large amount of particulate matter (PM10). Compare to

the coal handling plant at Kapar Energy Ventures, the coal is not spread on the ground

but the coal is transported into a large container before use. This factor is supported by

other factor which is there is an establishment of safety committee at Kapar Energy

Ventures where control measures are taken in order to reduce PM10 in working area. At

Kapar Energy Venture, one of the control measures taken is by the using of pressurized

air pump before entering the electrical fuel service room. Electrical service room is the

room where the vacuum all the particulate matter the sampling point Unlike I-MixConcrete, there are no safety committee and no effective control measures taken to

reduce the level of PM10 in working area. Air pressurized pump to pump particulate

matter before entering electrical service room.

The other factor that contributes to the higher level of particulate matter at I-Mix

Concrete is due to the sampling point. As this assessment is done for outdoor air

quality, the sampling points of both factories are taken outdoor where the particulate

matter can be affected by the velocity of the wind. At Kapar Energy Ventures, thesampling point was taken below the chimney where particulate matter release can

easily brought away by the wind. The sampling point also is far away from the source

release due the height of the chimney. Different from I-Mix Concrete, the particulate

matter is release at the level of working area.


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Work process of the factories are different which add to the factor contribute to

the different level of particulate matter. In Kapar Energy Ventures, the work process is

mainly control by computer with high technology machine compared to I-Mix Concrete

where only mixing process of concrete is done by machine.

In determining the correlation between PM10 with lung function, a test is

conducted among the workers of both factories which lead to certain finding. The I-Mix

Concretes workers have gone through lung function test and the result of the test shows

the high reducing of the lung functions among them. Along with the test, a survey was

carried out to get information related. According to the standard the reading of FEV 1 and

FVC, for normal person is in the range of 85%. Any result below that level is

considered their lung function is reduced and a narrowing of the airways are detected.

Persons who are detected with this condition might have lung complications in future.

Based on result of lung test for workers at KEV, five workers are in the normal state

while other seven workers have possibility in having lung implications. At I-Mix

Concrete, the workers with reading of the FEV 1 and FVC are below the normal level are

high. This is amplified further by the survey conducted among the workers which

indicates some workers having symptoms like coughing and breathing difficulties. There

are 11 workers with the result below the standard of normal reading. The workers at I-

Mix Concrete are exposed to cement and silica where the probability for them having

silicosis is high. The factory also are not taken effective control measures for safety of

the workers increase the probability for them to have lung implications. Compared to

Kapar Energy Ventures, their workers are probably not much exposed to the coal dust

as their control measures and wearing mask as last resort reduce the probability. Much

lower period of exposure of the workers at KEV compared to I-Mix Concrete is also an

element resulting the reading of FEV and FEV 1 among them are primarily abnormal.

Since all of the workers are not smoking, we have decided to make smoking as

an excluded factor. Therefore there is high possibility that the concentration of

particulate matter in atmosphere have significant association with the abnormalities of

the workers lung function.


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7.2 CONCLUSION

There are abnormalities in lung function among workers at both factories highly

probably due to continuous exposure of particulate matter (PM10). Thus more effective

control measures should be taken to ensure the safety and health of the workers.Recommendations given are based on hierarchy of control comprises of substitution of

hazards as well as engineering control, administrative control and PPE to protect the

safety and health of the workers.

8.0 RECCOMENDATIONS

Regarding on particulate matter exposure, there are lot of way to control it. Thelevel of particulate matter (PM10) present in Kapar Energy Ventures and I-Mix Concrete

are complied with the standard level. However, the level of PM10 at I-Mix Concrete is

more than KEV and the spirometry shows the presence of PM10 in the working area

were affect the lung function of the workers. So, in order to reduce the dust exposure, it

is suggested that the I-Mix Concrete can implement sprinkler as it can reduce the

content of PM10 in ambient air within the working area. For KEV, a dust collector

system that can absorb the coal dust on reduce the exposure to the workers can be

implement. Other engineering control can be implemented at I-Mix such as provide an

enclosure conveyance belt and enclose loading bay to reduce the particulates from

suspended in air.

Administrative control such as keeping pavement and road of transportation

clean, clean any spill of cement, signage all installation and always maintenance the

machine according to the manual.

In KEV some improvements on the existing control measures can be done such

as on engineering control. The conveyance system of coal could be re-modified by

reducing the exposure of dust to the open air as it can be observed that due to wind

breeze from open air the dust from coal will fly and suspended in air. This will cause

high concentration on particulate matter and exposing worker with respiratory problem.


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Reducing the exposure to the wind can be done by doing roofed conveyance system or

put partition or wall.

Besides that, for administration, the job rotation is very important for both

factories. Scheduling the job can be done in order to avoid a prolonged exposure fromparticulate matter. It is recommended every two hours, the worker is rotated. This is

very helpful not only reduce the effect on lung function but also heat stress. Besides

that, medical surveillance also highly recommended. Medical check-up on the worker

regularly should be done and at least once a year the lung function efficiency of the

worker should be inspected. Those workers that have any respiratory problem such as

asthma and bronchitis should be excluded from doing job that expose to dust.

Last but not least, it is suggested that the factory worker in coal handling plant shouldhave training regarding on applying PPE. The employer of I-Mix Concrete does not

supplied their workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), it is suggested that

the workers are supplied with PPE especially mask for protection from inhaling PM10.

The proper wearing of PPE is very crucial to reduce the effect of Particulate Matter on

lung function as the source of hazard cannot be eliminate. The proper technique on

wearing PPE includes the position of respiratory and also suitability of respiratory. The

maintenance on PPE also needs to be taken. All PPE needs to be inspected from time

to time in order to make it functions properly especially on the filter of respiratory.

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