Workplace environmental hazard assessment among auto-parts manufacturing in Rayong province

Abstract

This study was to assess the threat factors in the working environment of an automotive parts manufacturing in Rayong Province. The objectives were to survey and assess industrial hygiene problems such as the heat stress level (WBGT), noise and light intensity in working area that affect the work of employees in the metal stamping process by using heat stress monitor, sound level meter and digital light meter, respectively. Then the results were compared with Thai safety standards under the Ministerial regulations for management and safety operations occupational health and working environment concerning heat, light and noise B.E. 2559 and ACGIH (2017) which is a highly reliable global standard for hygiene industrial.

 The survey and assessment results of industrial hygiene problems found that most of the problems were physical environment factors such as heat, noise and light. The WBGT average was 28.94 + 0.85 ⁰C compared to the Ministerial regulation standard all point passed the standard. As compared the ACGIH standard, 4 points did not pass, that were 29.1–30.5 ^oC as accounting to 44.44%. The sound level of TWA average was 82.71 + 2.56 dB(A) and almost all passed the standard with the exception of 1 point did not pass, that was 86 dB(A) as accounting to 14.3%. And all of the light intensity was passed standard requirements.

Overall, the assessment results were within standards, but the value is rather high. Therefore, it is appropriate to suggest to monitoring and improve working area to prevent occupational health and safety problems that will affect the health of workers in the future.