International Safety Standards Research Articles

Hand-arm vibration analysis of Caeski: a communication device for deafblind persons

Assistive technologies can improve greater participation in society and sociocultural experiences. A communication device for deafblind persons, called Caeski, is an assistive technology that allows independent communication between two deafblind persons or between deafblind and non-deafblind persons using vibrating keys. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of hand-arm vibrations (HAV) emitted by Caeski to check if this will be harmful to users. The vibrations emitted by the Caeski’s keys were analyzed from data provided by a triaxial accelerometer, positioned over the fingers of a sample of seven deafblind individuals. The obtained data are within acceptable limits set by International Health and Safety standards – ISO 8041, ISO 5349-1 and European Directive 2002/44/EC – on the physical risk of vibration. Safety is part of the product development process. It was possible to demonstrate that the proposed technology is not harmful to users and can be used safely.

Assessment of Lead and Iron Concentration in Cosmetics Traded in the AL-Ajilat City Market

This study examined the concentrations of heavy metals, namely lead (Pb) and iron (Fe), in lipsticks, foundations, and face powders to ensure compliance with international safety standards and assess potential health risks. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), samples were analyzed for heavy metal content and compared to WHO, FDA, and Health Canada guidelines. Results included that lead levels in lipsticks ranged from 0.03 to 6.15 ppm, with one sample exceeding the WHO limit of 0.01 ppm, raising safety concerns. Iron levels were alarmingly high, with a maximum of 2,566 ppm, well above the WHO guideline of 0.3 ppm. Baseline samples consistently showed low levels of lead at 0.03 ppm, but iron concentrations reached 5,735 ppm, indicating significant safety deviations. Lead concentrations in the face powders ranged from 0.03 to 2.14 ppm, with some exceeding the WHO limit, while iron levels averaged 2,613 ppm, well above acceptable limits. The study concluded that high iron levels in these cosmetic products pose health risks, stressing the need for stricter regulatory oversight and quality control in the cosmetics industry.

Quantitative analysis of toxicity risks in the operation of ammonia-fueled tugboats

As efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions in the global shipping industry intensify, people are constantly looking for new types of energy to replace traditional fuels. Ammonia is considered a novel energy source due to its potential for carbon-neutral shipping when produced from renewable energy sources and is extremely promising for the shipping industry. In this study, the fuel toxicity risk of ammonia-fueled ships under operating conditions was quantified for the first time. The assessment process adopts the traditional quantitative risk assessment (QRA) framework with accident probability calculations based on Bayesian theory, and the process of partial quantification of consequences also guides the delineation of safety zones. The results of the study suggest that ammonia-powered tugboats are at a higher risk of toxic accidents during operation than accidents at sea, but both are within the acceptable limits of current international maritime safety and environmental standards. Finally, safety measures and risk mitigation strategies are proposed based on the study results. This provides important support in safety risk analysis for the design, production and operation of subsequent ammonia fueled vessels and is of great theoretical and practical importance.

Enhancing equipment qualification testing facility for nuclear power plants: Achieving rapid temperature and pressure increase during design basis events

The present study focuses on the development of an equipment qualification (EQ) testing facility for Class 1E equipment in nuclear power plants (NPPs), emphasizing the need to ensure safety functions under design basis events (DBEs). The Republic of Korea (ROK) has implemented international safety standards to support large NPP projects, necessitating the development of domestic EQ testing facilities to reduce the dependence on foreign facilities. To address this need, herein, a specialized facility capable of simulating harsh DBE conditions that may occur in NPPs in ROK was constructed. Through exhaustive research, target temperature and pressure profiles were developed for pressurized water reactors, and a superheated steam injection technique was devised for rapid temperature and pressure changes. The present study contributes to the advancement of domestic EQ testing capabilities, achieving up to 230 °C and 700 kPa within 30 s.

Failure probability Forecasting for the warning and evacuation management system in case of fire

This article discusses the issue of fire safety insurance in educational institutions based on warning and fire evacuation control systems reliability modeling and forecasting. It was shown that these institutions are need of warning and evacuation management systems. To identify failures of individual elements of a complex technical system, failures were monitored during a selected period. When using the calculation method, the probability of trouble-free operation of the elements of the equipment system was identified. Based on the statistical data, schemes of the probability of failure-free operation of the warning and evacuation management systems were constructed and failure probabilities were determined. Ways to increase the level of trouble-free operation were identified. The requirements for security systems to maintain the required level were considered. They include compliance with the international fire safety standards, regular checks of systems operability, employees training to react to signals triggered by a fire alarm, and evacuation. The high efficiency of the methodology for determining the probabilities of trouble-free operation of the system at various stages of facility design and commissioning was emphasized. The contribution of the methodology to the general calculation of fire risks was shown.

Port State Control of Offshore Supply Ships, MODU and FPSO Units

The Port State Control system aims to ensure that all ships are subject to regular inspections, with particular attention to the ships of insufficient quality. To this end, during the inspection, priority is given to ships that are considered risky. Thetis database is an information system that contributes to the implementation of the Port State Control within the EU (European Unit). It contains data on inspections performed in the EU ports and the Paris Memorandum area. The Paris Memorandum has 27 member states and covers the waters of European coastal states and the North Atlantic basin from North America to Europe. The main goal of the Paris MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) is to eliminate substandard ships through a harmonized Port State Control system. Namely, inspections should ensure that ships meet international safety standards, are safe for the environment, and provide adequate living and working conditions for workers. The primary responsibility for ensuring these standards rests with the ship owner/shipper while the responsibility for ensuring such compliance rests with the flag state. The aim of this analysis is to determine the number of inspections performed in the ports of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Italy, to identify the cause of ship detentions and the most common deficiencies of offshore supply vessels, MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Units) and FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) Units. In the observed period, the impact of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was significant, resulting in the decline in the numbers of inspections performed in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the number of inspections increased, but it still has not reached its pre-pandemic level. During the period that was the subject of research, port state inspections in the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Italy revealed 241 deficiencies. Five areas with the largest number of deficiencies are: Certificate & Documentation, Safety of Navigation, Fire Safety, ISM, and Life-saving appliances, which follow the trend of the lack in the areas of the Paris Memorandum. The greatest increase in deficiencies was recorded in the areas of Labor Conditions-Health protection, Certificate & Documents (Crew Certificate, Documents), Emergency System and Fire safety area, which led to an increase in the number of offshore supply ships retention during the first half of 2022.

Safeguarding maritime transport: disclosing the paradox of safety in domestic ferry operations

ABSTRACT The domestic ferry sector plays a significant role in transportation but faces complex challenges requiring a comprehensive examination within a sociotechnical systems framework. This study explores into the inherent paradoxes of the sector, analyzing the interplay between safety dynamics and operational exigencies. Through a systematic review across micro (firm/operations), meso (industry), and macro (national/global) levels, it uncovers a landscape where safety awareness competes with operational demands, creating a paradoxical coexistence. Micro-level challenges like poor enforcement and inadequate safety awareness lead to noncompliance and unsafe practices, as seen in incidents like the Eastern Star tragedy. Strategic planning is vital for long-term industry improvements, requiring policymakers to address regulatory complexities. Interconnected dynamics across meso and macro levels highlight the International Maritime Organization's role in shaping safety standards and policy evolution. Insights into transitioning to international safety standards highlight the need for attitudinal shifts aligned with proactive risk management. This research provides a holistic view of challenges (Themes A to C) and enablers (Themes D to F), traversing micro, meso, and macro levels. By advocating for cross-industry collaboration and emphasizing a more secure and sustainable future for the domestic ferry sector, contributes significantly to the enhancement of safety and sustainable operations.

Analyzing traffic conflict scenarios and safety assessment in the context of intelligent vehicles: A research review

The several internal disputes and various types of traffic accidents at an urban crossroads make for a complex traffic scenario. Because accident data and crash-based methodologies are limited, researchers are now examining other safety measures, including traffic conflicts that do not depend on crashes. To better assess road safety in the decades to come new real-time data is essential. The automobile industry is heading toward intelligent cars with the goal of enhancing road safety. Although there is a common failure mechanism between accidents and traffic conflicts during driving, which makes it possible to apply crash frequency and severity estimates to traffic conflict frequency and severity models, predicting traffic conflicts presents distinct difficulties. This study discusses conceptual and methodological concerns while reviewing research papers on traffic disputes as safety measures. It offers a thorough synopsis of previous research from the viewpoint of intelligent vehicles. It explains that there are three primary categories into which the perception technology of intelligent cars may be separated: perception technology, communication technology, and the combination of perception and communication technologies. The paper emphasizes the need of harmonizing international safety standards as well as the role that governments and regulatory agencies play in guaranteeing the security of intelligent vehicles. It highlights the need for additional research on transport conflict modeling techniques and offers practical recommendations for future study.

Port State Control Inspections under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding and Their Contribution to Maritime Safety: Additional Risk Classifications and Indicators Using Multivariate Techniques

Port State Control (PSC) inspections conducted under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement have become a crucial tool for maritime administrations in European Union countries to ensure compliance with international maritime safety standards by ships entering their ports. This paper analyses all PSC inspections conducted in 10 major European ports belonging to the Paris MoU between 2012 and 2019. For its study, a multivariate HJ-Biplot statistical analysis is carried out, which facilitates the interpretation and understanding of the underlying relationships in a multivariate data set by representing a synthesis of the data on a factorial plane, with an interpretation that is very intuitive and accessible for readers from various fields. Applying this method with ship characteristics as explanatory variables, several classifications were derived. These classifications align with the annual performance lists published by the Paris MoU and the International Association of Classification Societies list, suggesting that this method could serve as a reliable classification approach. It provides maritime authorities with an additional indicator of a ship’s risk profile, aiding in the prioritising of inspections. The method also effectively categorises ports and types of ships used for cargo transport, offering insights into the specific maritime traffic each port experiences. Furthermore, this study identifies characteristics associated with substandard ships, which is a primary objective of PSC inspections. Beyond revealing these traits, this research underscores the existence of several readily applicable techniques to enhance maritime safety and reduce the risk of ocean pollution.

STATE AND PROSPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN UKRAINE AND GREAT BRITAIN IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

This article considers the prospects of economic relations between Great Britain and Ukraine in the agricultural area. Both countries have significant potential in this field, which creates unique opportunities for cooperation and development. Ukraine, which is one of the leading producers of grain, oil and other agricultural products, is one of the guarantee givers of food security in the world. On the other hand, Great Britain has a great demand for quality organic products, what Ukraine can use to expand the export range of agricultural production. Cooperation between two countries may involve the exchange of technologies, the expansion of sales markets and joint projects in the cultivation of organic products. However, in order to achieve success, it is important to develop infrastructure, bring production in line with international quality and safety standards, as well as intensify business contacts and facilitate the exchange of information between agricultural enterprises of both countries. Taking into account the potential and advantages, agricultural cooperation between Great Britain and Ukraine can contribute to sustainable economic development and ensuring food security.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ ИМПЛЕМЕНТАЦИИ МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫХ СТАНДАРТОВ ПО БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ПОЛЕТОВ В РОССИЙСКИХ НОРМАТИВНЫХ ДОКУМЕНТАХ

The present paper delves into the challenge of implementing international flight safety standards into the Russian regulatory framework governing the establishment, application, and refinement of aviation safety management systems (SMS) in the civil aviation sector in Russia. It underscores the reliance of SMS regulatory adherence on the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The paper conducts an examination of prevailing discrepancies, indeterminacies, and ambiguities in delineating core terms and concepts within the English and Russian renditions of ICAO SARPs documentation. Furthermore, it offers an evaluation of the implementation hurdles associated with SARPs in regulatory documentation pertaining to civil aviation flight safety in Russia. The deficiencies in the regulatory infrastructure for flight safety in Russia are substantiated. Drawing from practical insights gained in formulating and improving regulatory and methodological support for SMS in prominent Russian airlines, the paper proposes measures to mitigate inaccuracies and uncertainties in the integration of ICAO SARPs editions within the Russian regulatory framework for aviation industry service providers.

Advances and challenges in animal source food inspection legislation for Brazilian small-scale and artisanal producers.

The strict sanitary inspection legislation of animal source food has been considered a trade barrier for smallholder farmers and small-scale producers in Brazil. In this sense, law flexibilization is suggested to facilitate national trade of these products. We conducted a social and sanitary analysis, presenting the current Brazilian conjuncture and difficulties for animal source food Brazilian inspection law flexibilization. By discussing inequalities, human rights issues, animal source food legislation, and international food safety standards, we evidenced critical barriers for legislative reform in Brazil. Among these barriers, the main ones are social inequalities; high zoonotic risk of animal source food products; the Brazilian political structure and its reflection on different inspection practices among country jurisdictions; and the lack of inspection services in most Brazilian municipalities. At the same time, we present positive updates in the normative framework, and point out game-changers to modify the actual safety and trade situations of Brazilian small-scale and artisanal animal source food products, including policies to strengthen state and municipal inspection services and harmonization initiatives based on international standards and national legislation. We also suggest policies to implement inspection services in municipalities, whether by municipal action or by a consortium, as well as policies to strengthen technical assistance and rural extension for small-scale and artisanal producers. These policies aim to reduce technical and sanitary education inequalities and build a fairer animal source food system.

Design and Development of IoT based Smart System for Monitoring Laboratory Environment

This study was conducted to address the critical issue of the poor safety management system in laboratories, through the design of a smart laboratory management facility based on the Internet of Things (IoT). In this design, three major safety parameters-fire, temperature and carbon (ii) oxide (CO) levels were monitored by appropriate sensors, which transmit data to the microcontroller (Arduino) for interpretation. The Arduino microprocessor processed the data received from the sensor(s), makes decisions based on the predefined algorithms. Based on the decisions made by the Arduino, the microprocessor sends instructions to a relay module triggered the necessary actions to be taken by the output hardware devices-fire extinguisher, air conditioning system and exhaust fan unit. The temperature monitoring system was designed at an operational range of 18°C to 25°C, the CO control unit was designed to maintain the CO concentration inside the laboratory at a level not exceeding 4 parts per million (ppm), as approved by the World Health Organization; while fire control unit was designed to detect the presence of smoke of naked fire inside the building. In the event that any of these parameters breach safety thresholds, the smart structure's safety system will trigger the appropriate responses. The designed structure was built in compliance with international safety standards. Results obtained through the testing and evaluation of the system revealed that the smart system had overall performance efficiency of 91% and false output of 9%. The system's failure rate of 9% can be reduced by employing advanced sensors and adjusting the delay rate. The findings of this study revealed that IoT and automation can successfully monitor and protect the working environment inside laboratories.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY OF KAZAKHSTAN

Modern requirements for civil aviation personnel impose high standards in terms of professionalism, safety, and technical competence. With the constant development of aviation technology, appropriate personnel training is required. Training should include mastery of modern aviation systems, electronics, automated control systems, and the ability to work with latest technical developments. Global aviation safety standards are constantly being updated, and personnel must stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Educational programs should emphasize compliance with international safety standards and regulations. With an increasing number of international flights, the ability to communicate effectively in different languages and diverse cultural environments has become important. Educational programs should focus on developing communication and interpersonal skills. Civil aviation personnel must be prepared to respond effectively to crisis situations such as accidents, terrorist threats, and pandemics. Educational programs should include simulations and hands-on training to develop management skills for stressful situations. Civil aviation, one of the most complex and responsible industries, is developing rapidly and requires highly qualified and competent personnel. International standards and certification systems play a decisive role in specialist training, ensuring uniform requirements and quality of training throughout the industry. Adaptation of the education system in civil aviation to modern requirements plays a key role in ensuring not only a high level of professionalism of personnel but also the safety and reliability of aviation in the context of rapid technological and structural development of the industry. This article is devoted to the analysis and optimization of personnel training systems in civil aviation, taking into account the principles of vocational education. In the context of the rapid development of the aviation industry and constant changes in personnel requirements, this article examines the key aspects of the organization of the educational process at various levels, ranging from basic training to advanced specialized programs.

Survey of dermestid beetles using UV-light traps in two food industry facilities in the Czech Republic: One year field study

There is a growing interest in stored product Dermestidae species due to their capacity to damage and contaminate stored products of animal and vegetable origin. Limited published information is available on surveys of these pests in museums, grain commodity storage facilities, and mills, with a noticeable absence of surveys in the food industry. Notably, information on dermestid monitoring using a colour or UV light sticky traps, which are required as part of international food safety standards and ISO pest control procedures for food facilities, is lacking. This study represents the first report on dermestid surveys conducted in a beverage and a food packaging facility premises using traps that combine UV light with yellow sticky plates in central Europe. A total of 1031 dermestid beetle individuals were captured in the two facilities during a one-year survey period. During the sampling period, there was a seasonal trend with the maximum captured individuals from spring to early autumn, and no individuals during winter. These population fluctuations followed a similar pattern in the two facilities. In total, 13 species belonging to five genera were identified. The highest cumulative captures were found for Reesa vespulae and Anthrenus verbasci found in both facilities, followed by Trogoderma glabrum, which occurred in high numbers in the food packaging facility. Our data indicate that R. vespulae (an invasive species) is attracted to UV light + yellow traps, and its high frequency and abundance suggest that since its first isolated detection in the Czech Republic in 1987, it has proven to be a significantly spreading pest species.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (BEHP) in the Soil of Teff-Acacia decurrens-Charcoal Production System in Northern Ethiopia

The current study is aimed at investigating the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEHP), which pose a potential risk to human health, in soil samples collected from a teff-Acacia decurrerns-charcoal production system (TACP system) in northern Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from the TACP system and from an adjacent teff monocropping system (TM system) from 0 to 20 cm soil depth. Individual PAHs and total concentrations of PAHs and BEHP generally exhibited no significant variation between the TM and the TACP systems over three rotations. In the land-use systems, the mean concentration of PAHs decreased in the order phenanthrene > fluorene > pyrene > chrysene. Fluorene (22.84–24.69 ng g−1 dry soil), pyrene (21.99 ng g−1), and chrysene (21.79 ng g−1) were detected in the TACP system only, suggesting that they were from charcoal production. The maximum concentration of BEHP recorded in the soil samples was 104.00 µg g−1, which could be attributed to the polyethylene (PE) bags used for planting the Acacia decurrens seedlings of the TACP system. In soil samples, the sum of all PAHs analyzed ranged from not detected (ND) to 170.69 ng g−1, which is below the limits of prevention established by European regulations for soils (3000 ng g−1) and previous studies. Carcinogenic equivalent (BaP-TEQ) and mutagenic equivalent (BaP-MEQ) concentrations calculated for the individual PAHs in the land-use systems ranged from ND to 0.374 ng g−1 and from ND to 0.218 ng g−1, respectively, which is far below many international safety standards. Our results indicate that the charcoal production and the use of the charcoal residues as soil amendment in the TACP system is safe concerning soil contamination by PAHs and BEHP and the risk of cancer and mutation.

Organophosphorus pesticide contaminants in fruits and vegetables: A meta-analysis

The worldwide demand for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in food production has raised concerns about pesticide residues. Meta-analysis, proven effective in assessing contaminants like aflatoxins and organotin compounds, is applied here to comprehensively study OP contamination in fresh fruits and vegetables. Employing Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V3.0 software, we meticulously examined 24 relevant articles encompassing 69,467 data points. Our findings revealed that while the residual concentrations of OPs (such as chlorpyrifos and profenofos) in most fruits and vegetables have typically met international or national safety standards, including Codex Alimentarius Commission, European Union, British, and Chinese standards, there are some instances in which the maximum residue limits have been exceeded, posing safety risks. Therefore, significant efforts are required to maintain residual OP contamination at safe concentrations.

Risk analysis and management according to Russian and international safety standards

The paper analyzes the safety aspects outlined in national standards. The considered normative documentation answers the question of how to achieve acceptable risk levels. The basic concepts of risk assessment are presented. Positive changes in Russian safety standards are noted. There is no unified code in the legislation of the Russian Federation on environmental issues: there are federal laws, codes on certain environmental areas, as well as bylaws and legal acts of the subjects of the Russian Federation. Federal Law No. 7 “On Environmental Protection” should be mentioned among the main laws related to the regulation of environmental safety in construction. However, this law regulates the employer's leadership rather than their responsibility. The use of certain fines and penalties seems quite reasonable within the framework of improving environmental audit and management. At the same time, the international standard ISO 14001:2015 is aimed at forming a responsible attitude toward the ecosystem and natural resources as the most important asset of economic activity, rather than at specifying the need for managers to demonstrate leadership qualities as the main factor of environmental safety. As a result, risk analysts cannot be fully guided by the standards because they are not aligned with the universal international standard ISO 31000:2018, which creates a significant problem. An approach to risk assessment that describes the interaction of different scenarios should be developed, which will provide an increased ecological and economic effect.

Assessing the Impact of Data Sciences and Smart Technologies in Air Conditioning Project Management: A Delphi Method Analysis within the Construction Industry

The integration of data sciences and smart technologies in the construction industry, particularly in air conditioning project management, is an important area of research. This study employs the Delphi Method to explore this integration, surveying 40 experts in construction management. Participants were meticulously selected based on a set of inclusion criteria related to age, educational qualifications, and field experience. The study tests five hypotheses, each scrutinized through a score-based Delphi analysis. The findings are mixed and shed new light on several dimensions of air conditioning project management. For instance, the study refutes the commonly held belief that the location of air conditioning projects significantly impacts worker safety. It also challenges the assumption that exceeding international safety standards like ISO leads to cost savings. On the other hand, the study validates the significance of global safety standards and the undeniable role of data sciences and smart technologies in enhancing human safety in the air conditioning industry. These findings not only challenge existing models, but also open avenues for further research. They indicate a complex interplay between safety, cost-effectiveness, and technological integration in air conditioning project management. The study suggests a shift towards data-driven decision-making and underscores the need for international safety standards, particularly in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and globalization.

Evaluation of the safety standards system of power batteries for electric vehicles in China

In recent years, electric vehicle safety incidents related to batteries have occurred frequently enough to question the adequacy of the current international safety standards. As the world's leading producer of batteries for electric vehicles, China has thus formulated its own national standards, but there are questions as to the unique value of these standards. This review paper analyzes the Chinese safety standards from the perspective of the battery materials, cells, modules, battery systems, battery management systems, and vehicles. The findings from the analysis of the Chinese standards is used to provide suggestions for building better international battery safety standards with recommendations for different battery levels, battery life cycle design and emerging battery technologies.