Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess to which extent the modernisation of an anode plant had reduced occupational chemical health hazards for jobs with the highest potential of exposure. Periodical measurements of dust and gases were performed at the same workplaces using the same methods, before and after modernisation. These measurements were compared with the recommended standards. Before modernisation the concentrations of total dust, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, benzene, and phenol were above the recommended standards in 56.9 % (74/130) of the samples. After modernisation, only 12.3 % (21/171) of the samples were non-conforming. Before modernisation, workers were exposed to higher concentrations of all agents in all production sections. After modernisation, dust remained the primary pollutant in harmful concentrations in the anode baking furnace (GM=22.1 mg m-3) and in the anode rodding room (GM=22.1 mg m-3), hydrogen fluoride in the anode rodding room (GM=4.2 mg m-3), and sulphur dioxide in all production sections. As plant modernisation has not completely resolved the exposure issue, stringent compliance to safety rules and regular medical checkups are necessary.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to assess to which extent the modernisation of an anode plant had reduced occupational chemical health hazards for jobs with the highest potential of exposure
Workers are exposed to coal tar pitch volatiles and to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and to inorganic gases hydrogen fluoride, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide [2, 3]
Our results suggest that the working conditions in the anode plant today correspond to those in Norwegian aluminium plants [19]
Summary
The aim of this study was to assess to which extent the modernisation of an anode plant had reduced occupational chemical health hazards for jobs with the highest potential of exposure. Dust remained the primary pollutant in harmful concentrations in the anode baking furnace (GM=22.1 mg m-3) and in the anode rodding room (GM=22.1 mg m-3), hydrogen fluoride in the anode rodding room (GM=4.2 mg m-3), and sulphur dioxide in all production sections. In the primary aluminium industry, series of cells called “pots” are used to reduce alumina (Al2O3) to aluminium by electrolysis These pots may be of two types, Søderberg and prebaked. In potrooms using the Søderberg technology green anodes are continuously baked in uncovered pots and new fresh paste is regularly supplied during electrolysis. This involves exposure of potroom workers to very high coal tar concentrations in volatiles evaporated from the anode top. Thanks to modern technology, Aluminij has become the largest and technologically most advanced aluminium manufacturer in the Southeast Europe, with annual production of 125,000 tons of high-quality aluminium, of up to 99.9 % purity [13]
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