Abstract
This descriptive cross-sectional study examines the compliance of workers from the European Gaseous Diffusion Uranium Enrichment Consortium (EURODIF) with personal protection equipment (PPE) in view of the various hazards in the nuclear fuel industry. The PPE inventory was drawn up by an industrial hygienist in charge of the PPE at EURODIF. Two hundred and twenty seven (10%) randomly selected, active and retired, EURODIF workers filled in a questionnaire on their attitudes towards PPE. Exposure data from the EURODIF job exposure matrix were used to examine whether PPE usage varies according to exposure level. The study suggests a PPE usage profile that varies depending on the hazards present and PPE available. Anti-uranium PPE and gloves were among the best rated, while anti-spray goggles were the least used. We found that, for most hazards known to cause cancer or irreversible health damage, PPE usage varied according to exposure (homogeneity test, p<0.05; trend test, p<0.05). The continuous use of PPE among workers should be encouraged through improvements to the PPE management system. A precise model of individual exposure can only be designed if the use and efficiency of PPE are taken into consideration.
Highlights
IRSN/PRP-Homme/SRBE/LEPID, Fontenay-aux-Roses1, In VS/ DST, Saint Maurice2, DIRECCTE Champagne-Ardenne, Châlons-en-Champagne3, EURODIF-production4, AREVA5, Service Santé du Travail, Pierrelatte, France
Received in July 2012 CrossChecked in April 2013 Accepted in December 2012. This descriptive cross-sectional study examines the compliance of workers from the European Gaseous Diffusion Uranium Enrichment Consortium (EURODIF) with personal protection equipment (PPE) in view of the various hazards in the nuclear fuel industry
Exposure data from the EURODIF job exposure matrix were used to examine whether PPE usage varies according to exposure level
Summary
IRSN/PRP-Homme/SRBE/LEPID, Fontenay-aux-Roses, In VS/ DST, Saint Maurice, DIRECCTE Champagne-Ardenne, Châlons-en-Champagne, EURODIF-production, AREVA5, Service Santé du Travail, Pierrelatte, France This descriptive cross-sectional study examines the compliance of workers from the European Gaseous Diffusion Uranium Enrichment Consortium (EURODIF) with personal protection equipment (PPE) in view of the various hazards in the nuclear fuel industry. Specific job exposure matrices (JEMs) covering the different hazards present in the industry [uraniferous compounds, potentially carcinogenic, mutagen or reprotoxic chemicals (CMR) [2], noise, metal dusts, electromagnetic fields, and heat] were built for the AREVA-NC Pierrelatte [3] and European Gaseous Diffusion Uranium Enrichment (EURODIF) [4] companies. This study was aimed at describing the attitudes of workers in the nuclear fuel industry towards PPE for further epidemiological investigation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
