Document ID (ISN) | 100756 |
CIS number |
02-1748 |
ISBN(s) |
2-551-21649-4 |
Year |
2002 |
Convention or series no. |
Etudes et recherches R-317
|
Author(s) |
Lavoie J., Guertin S. |
Title |
Study of biological agents and ergonomic constraints when using trucks with side-lift arms for collecting household waste |
Original title |
Etude des agents biologiques et des contraintes ergonomiques lors de l'utilisation des camions avec bras assisté pour la collecte des ordures domestiques [in French] |
Bibliographic information |
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, Oct. 2002. 52p. Illus. 27 ref. |
Internet access |
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-317.pdf [in French]
|
Abstract |
One of the ways of limiting the exposure of garbage collectors to bioaerosols consists of using trucks with side-lift arms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the exposure to bioaerosols with this form of garbage collection and to identify the potential ergonomic constraints when using this type of equipment. Personal exposure of garbage collectors to bioaerosols was measured for five different types of collection and under the most extreme conditions, those prevailing in summer. The exposure of workers to airborne bacteria and endotoxins was significantly reduced by using trucks with side-lift arms. The recommended 8h exposure limit of 104CFU/m3 was reached only in the case of mixed wastes. However, even when using trucks with side-lift arms, strict personal hygiene remains one of the most effective means of prevention. In the ergonomic study, the following parameters were taken into consideration: quantities collected; distances driven; number of collection points; incident records and the density of the wastes. It is concluded that certain changes are necessary in the way garbage is collected in order to benefit fully from the advantages offered by trucks with side-lift arms. |
Descriptors (primary) |
garbage collecting trucks; refuse collection; biological hazards; ergonomic evaluation; lifting appliances |
Descriptors (secondary) |
moulds; bacteria; exposure evaluation; ergonomics; personal hygiene; bacterial toxins |
Document type |
E - Books, reports, proceedings |
Country / State or Province | Canada |
Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
Broad subject area(s) |
Industries and occupations
|
Browse category(ies) |
Waste collection and disposal Biological hazards Road transportation
|