Assessment of Chemical, Physical, and Safety Hazards in Paper Industry in Dammam

Abstract

Paper and pulp industry represent a major industrial sector in Saudi Arabia. Workers in the paper industry may be exposed to a variety of chemicals, chlorinated organic compounds carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), benzene, methane, and a variety of physical hazards such as noise, heat, and illumination. The present study aimed at assessing the occupational chemical, physical, and safety hazards in different departments of paper industry, and administrative area. Levels of noise, heat, and illumination were measured using a standardized technique. Chemical exposure was assessed by measuring different pollutants as SO2, CO, Methane, and Benzene. safety measures were conducted in different paper plant. Analyzed data revealed high significant differences in the level of noise and heat between exposed and controlled area. However, there are no significant differences between the levels of illumination. Nevertheless, there are high significant differences in the levels of measured chemicals in paper plant departments in comparison with administrative area. These observations clearly support the need for further research on the effect of occupational exposure to chemicals and physical agents on workers in paper industry.

Keywords

• chemical
• physical
• safety hazards
• paper industry
• dammam