Work Room Research Articles

The effect of surgical smoke on operating room workers, attitudes towards risks, and the implementation of preventive measures

Amaç: Bu araştırma, cerrahi dumanın ameliyathane sahipleri üzerinde mevcutlukları, risklere karşı tutumlarını ve para harcamanlarını planlama amacıyla tanımlama olarak yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Kesitsel kalitede bu çalışma, Türkiye'de bir hastanenin ameliyathane ünitesinde Nisan-Mayıs 2022′de kayıtlı süre boyunca devam etmektedir. Araştırmanın boyutları, dahil edilme kriterlerini karşılayan 73 ameliyathane çalışanından oluşuyordu. Araştırmanın verileri Kişisel Bilgi Formu, AORN (Peri-Operatif Kayıtlı Hemşireler Derneği) rehberleri ve ilgili kaynaklarla kırsal Cerrahi Dumanın Ameliyathane Çalışanları Üzerindeki Etkileri, Risklere Yönelik Tutumlar ve Önleyici Tedbirlerin Uygulanması Anketi ile toplanmıştır. Bulgular: Ameliyathane çalışanlarının %91,8′i (n=67) son beş yıl içerisinde cerrahi dumanla ilgili herhangi bir eğitime katılmadığını belirtti. Bunların %75,3′ü cerrahi dumana maruz kaldıklarını bildirdi. Ameliyathane çalışanlarının yaklaşık %50,7′si (n=37) lazer dumanı tahliyesi için herhangi bir cihazın kullanılmadığını belirtirken, %39,7′si (n=29) tahliye dumanı için kullanılan cihazlar hakkında bilgisinin olmadığını belirtti. Ameliyathane çalışanlarının %65,8′inin (n=48) iş yerlerinde cerrahi dumanla ilgili herhangi bir protokolden haber yoktu. Cerrahi dumana maruz kalmanın sağlık üzerindeki etkilerine, maruziyete dayanıklına süt verdiklerini bildirdiler: sızıntı (%65,8), göz tahrişi (%65,8), gözlerde sulanma (%63,0), göz kuruluğu (%65,8)), uyku bozuklukları (%49,3) %), solunum problemleri (%37,0) ve baş ağrısı (%35,6). Araştırmada ameliyathane çalışanlarının elde edebilecekleri cerrahi dumandan korunmak için kişisel koruyucu önlemlerin alınması. Cerrahi maske (%100), aspirasyon sondası (%60,3), önlük (%41,1) ve gözlük (%35,6) belirlendi. Sağlık çalışanlarının cerrahi dumanın potansiyel tehlikelerine karşı tutumları değerlendirildi. Diğer sağlık çalışanlarının ameliyathane çalışanlarına göre daha fazla kaygı yaşadıkları belirlendi. Sonuç: Araştırmanın düzenine göre ameliyathane çalışanlarının sağlıklı duman tehlikelerine yönelik ilerlemeye yönelik tutumlarını geliştirecek yöntemlerin benimsenmesinin esasları. Ayrıca vakum dumanıyla ilgili tamamlayıcıları önlemek için politikalar ve kılavuzlar iletilmeli ve yöneticilerden uygun ekipman ve destek eğitimi.

Measures to Improve the Behavior of Witnesses at the Scene of Cardiac Arrest by Guidance of Situation Room Workers

Measures to Improve the Behavior of Witnesses at the Scene of Cardiac Arrest by Guidance of Situation Room Workers

Ambient conditions of the operating theatre and its correlation with fatigue and sleep quality of operating room workers: a cross-sectional survey.

Anesthesia providers face numerous occupational hazards, including exposure to anesthesia gases, which can lead to fatigue. These professionals face challenges such as night shifts, OR stress, limited mobility and sunlight access, high workload, inadequate rest breaks. Health-related sociodemographic variables, such as smoking, sleep patterns, and obesity. Our research aims to explore various risk factors associated with fatigue among operating theatre workers including sleep quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 of operating room healthcare professionals from five tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia, for a period of 6 months, between January 1, 2023 to June 1, 2023. The study used a five-point Likert scale sheet and the FSS "fatigue severity scale" to analyze and measure fatigue and sleep quality. The questionnaire included all socio-demographic variables, work conditions, and fatigue severity scale items. The major findings revealed a significant correlation between fatigue severity scores and exposure to anesthesia gases. Socio-demographic variables such as smoking have showed major relevance to fatigue in the sample size, as (76.6%) of the participants that answered as regular smokers have showed result of positive correlation to fatigue and with a significant of (0.034). Out of the total sample, 76.1% were exposed to anesthesia gases once daily, showing a positive association with fatigue severity scores. Work-related factors like job experience and position also had a lower association with fatigue severity. p (0.031) Univariate logistic regression p (0.035). The study found that the work-related conditions like workload on Anesthesia technicians and technologists over 44 h per week and gas exposure is directly linked to fatigue severity and sleep quality so is the socio-demographic considerations. With poor sleep quality in younger staff which is documented in the study result a large-scale prospective analysis to understand the factors affecting OR staff's sleep quality and fatigue severity and what can be done to regulate working hours and break time and incorporate naps in to enhance patient safety and well-being for anesthesia providers in Saudi Arabia.

A longitudinal study combining the Double Diamond framework and Behavior Change Wheel to co-create a sedentary behavior intervention in police control rooms.

Police work can be sedentary and stressful, negatively impacting health and wellbeing. In a novel co-creation approach, we used the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) and Double Diamond (DD) design framework to guide the collaborative design and development of a sedentary behavior intervention in the control rooms of two British police forces. Multiple stakeholders participated in four phases of research. In Phase 1, a literature review, focus groups (n=20) and interviews (n=10) were conducted to 'discover' the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing in the police. In Phase 2, a steering group consolidated Phase 1 findings to 'define' a specific behavior for intervention. Phases 3 and 4 'developed' the intervention across six workshops with control room workers and six steering group workshops. The co-creation process identified contextual sedentary behavior as the target behavior, driven by behavioral regulation, social influence and social norms. The sedentary behavior intervention targeted these drivers and aimed to engage control room workers in short bursts of physical activity throughout their shifts. Key intervention features targeted involvement of staff in decision-making and embedding physical activity into work practices. The BCW and DD can be combined to co-create evidence-based and participant-informed interventions and translate science into action.

Attitude and Perceptions of Healthcare workers regarding ionizing radiation

IntroductionIn operating rooms, the routine use of radiological procedures is commonplace. However, this essential tool brings about significant concerns for healthcare workers due to the associated radiological risks. Understanding healthcare workers’ attitudes and perceptions about ionizing radiation is crucial for addressing these concerns.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the perceptions and concerns of healthcare workers regarding radiation risks and their practices in the operating room.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in February and March 2023 among the operating room staff of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. We used a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-professional data. Self-assessment of exposure risk and protection level against ionizing radiation was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10, and attitudes were assessed using a 5-item Likert scale.Results Our study population consisted of 92 healthcare workers, with 54.3% being male. When asking operating room workers about the availability, accessibility, and quality of lead aprons, the median scores were 3 (IQR [0;6.5]), 2 (IQR [0;5]), and 2 (IQR [0;5]), respectively. The median self-assessment score for exposure risk was 8 (IQR [5.5; 10]), while the median self-assessment score for protection against ionizing radiation was 1 (IQR [0;3]). Sixty percent of the population had limited knowledge of the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, with a median self-assessment knowledge score of 1.5 (IQR [0;3]). Sixty-two percent reported concerns regarding radiological risks. In terms of practices, 44.5% of the staff maintained a distance from the radiation source during intraoperative radiography, and 21.7% used the apron for protection. Dosimeters were not used by any of the participants. Concerns level was associated with self-assessment of exposure risk (p = 0.027).ConclusionsIn conclusion, awareness of the risks generates anxiety and concern among staff; however, it alone is insufficient to alter our practices. This underscores the imperative for a proactive approach in implementing robust safety measures and comprehensive training programs.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Psychological Safety and Hierarchy in Operating Room Debriefing: Reflexive Thematic Analysis

IntroductionDebriefing is a team discussion in a constructive, supportive environment. Barriers exist to consistent, effective team debriefing in the clinical setting, especially in operating theaters. The purpose of this study was to gain insights from frontline workers on how to set up an effective debriefing policy for our operating room. MethodsThis was a qualitative study in which we interviewed operating room workers in a tertiary children’s hospital. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Data were analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis technique within a critical realism paradigm. ResultsInterviews were analysed from 40 operating room staff: 14 nurses, seven anesthetic technicians, seven anaesthetists, and 12 surgeons; 25 (65%) were female. The three key themes were (1) “commitment to learning”—healthcare workers are committed to teamwork and quality improvement; (2) “it is a safe space”—psychological safety is a prerequisite for, and is enhanced by, debriefing; and (3) “natural leader”—the value of leadership, but also constructs around leadership that maintain hierarchies. ConclusionsPsychological safety is both a prerequisite for and a product of debriefing. Leadership, if viewed as a collective responsibility, could help break down power structures. Given the results of this study and evidence in the literature, it is likely that routine debriefing, if well done, will improve psychological safety, facilitate team learning, reduce errors, and improve patient safety.

Effects of N95 Masks on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation and End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure in Healthcare Workers

Background: Healthcare workers must wear masks throughout their shifts, especially those in operating rooms for long periods. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of wearing N95 masks on blood and cerebral oxygen saturation levels for three hours. Methods: The present case-control study enrolled 20 operating room workers wearing N95 masks. Their blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2), and right- and left-sided cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) were measured in the beginning (0 h) and after wearing N95 masks for one and three hours. Results: Wearing a mask affected PETCO2, rSO2, and pulse rate and caused fatigue and lightheadedness in some cases. The participants' mean PETCO2 increased significantly, from 32 mmHg before putting on a mask to 38 mmHg after wearing it for three hours (P < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the participants' mean rSO2, though changes in their rSO2 levels were recorded (P > 0.05). Conclusions: We showed evidence of changes in different physiology parameters due to using masks for 1 to 3 h. Notably, wearing an N95 mask increased end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and decreased cerebral oxygen saturation in individual cases, not all cases.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Burnout Syndrome in Operating Room Workers: Correlational Research

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Burnout Syndrome in Operating Room Workers: Correlational Research

Bacterial contamination of coffee and personal exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin in primary coffee processing factories in Ethiopia.

Endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria might be released when the coffee cherries are processed and may cause respiratory health problems among workers in the coffee industry. The relationship between bacterial contamination and occupational exposure to endotoxin levels has not been thoroughly explored previously in primary coffee processing factories in Ethiopia, or elsewhere. The aim of this study was to characterize the level of personal endotoxin exposure and its relations with bacterial contamination of coffee cherries in such factories in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 - February 2021 in 9 primary coffee processing factories in 3 regions in Ethiopia. A total of 180 personal air samples were collected to analyze workers' exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin. Correlation tests were performed to assess the relationship between total bacteria and endotoxin levels and between inhalable dust and endotoxin levels. The geometric mean (GM) of personal inhalable dust exposure among machine room workers and hand pickers were 9.58mg/m3 and 2.56mg/m3, respectively. The overall GM of endotoxin exposure among machine room workers and hand pickers were 10,198 EU/m3 and 780 EU/m3, respectively. Gram-negative bacteria were found in all 54 coffee samples. The correlation between inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure was significant (r=0.80; P <0.01). About 92% of the samples from hand pickers and all samples from machine room workers exceeded the occupational exposure limit of 90 EU/m3 recommended by the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Standards. Prevention and control of bacterial contamination of the coffee in primary coffee processing are suggested to reduce endotoxin exposure that might cause respiratory health problems among coffee workers.

Sensing the breakdown: managing complexity at the railway

ABSTRACT This paper explores the complex and time-critical work practices within operational train traffic in Sweden by reporting on an incident causing an infrastructure breakdown and large traffic disruptions. Based on a workplace study approach, we report on how the control room workers – train traffic controllers and information officers – grasp, make sense of, and handle the consequences of the incident as it unfolds in real-time. We portray how the workers develop and acquire a sense of place in relation to the incident’s severity which is essential for successfully handling the situation. By introducing the ‘sense of place’ concept originally derived from the field of natural resources to the domain of operational train traffic, we provide a deepened understanding of the challenges characterising remote control work from a safety-critical socio-technical systems perspective. Finally, reflections on the application of the ‘sense of place’ concept, safety aspects and directions for future research are provided.

Waste anesthetic gases have a significant association with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 2,732 participants

IntroductionOperating room workers are at risk of experiencing adverse effects due to occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). One of the consequences of long-term WAGs exposure is the probability of developing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. This systematic review investigated the link between WAGs and DNA damage in operating room workers. MethodsPubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Scopus, and EbscoHost, as well as hand-searching, were used to find literature on the relationship between WAGs and DNA damage. Three independent reviewers independently assessed the study's quality. Meta-analysis was conducted for several DNA damage indicators, such as comet assay (DNA damage score, tail's length, tail's DNA percentage), micronuclei formation, and total chromosomal aberration. ResultsThis systematic review included 29 eligible studies (2732 participants). The majority of the studies used a cross-sectional design. From our meta-analysis, which compared the extent of DNA damage in operating room workers to the unexposed group, operating room workers exposed to WAGs had a significantly higher DNA damage indicator, including DNA damage score, comet tail's length, comet tail's DNA percentage, micronuclei formation, and total chromosomal aberration (p < 0.05) than non-exposed group. ConclusionWaste anesthetic gases have been found to significantly impact DNA damage indicators in operating room personnel, including comet assay, micronuclei development, and chromosomal aberration. To reduce the impact of exposure, hospital and operating room personnel should take preventive measures, such as by adapting scavenger method.

Dispersion of sneeze droplets in a meat facility indoor environment – Without partitions

Spreading patterns of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) showed that infected and asymptotic carriers both played critical role in escalating transmission of virus leading to global pandemic. Indoor environments of restaurants, classrooms, hospitals, offices, large assemblies, and industrial installations are susceptible to virus outbreak. Industrial facilities such as fabrication rooms of meat processing plants, which are laden with moisture and fat in indoor air are the most sensitive spaces. Fabrication room workers standing next to each other are exposed to the risk of long-range viral droplets transmission within the facility. An asymptomatic carrier may transmit the virus unintentionally to fellow workers through sporadic sneezing leading to community spread. A novel Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of a fabrication room with typical interior (stationary objects) was prepared and investigated. Study was conducted to identify indoor airflow patterns, droplets spreading patterns, leading droplets removal mechanism, locations causing maximum spread of droplets, and infection index for workers along with stationary objects in reference to seven sneeze locations covering the entire room. The role of condensers, exhaust fans and leakage of indoor air through large and small openings to other rooms was investigated. This comprehensive study presents flow scenarios in the facility and helps identify locations that are potentially at lower or higher risk for exposure to COVID-19. The results presented in this study are suitable for future engineering analyses aimed at redesigning public spaces and common areas to minimize the spread of aerosols and droplets that may contain pathogens.

The Role of Incentives in Moderating the Impact of Work Demand on Work to Family Conflict Experienced By Health Workers at the Prof. Dr. I G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar as Covid-19 Referral Hospital

Prof. Hospital Dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah, which was formerly known as the Sanglah Central General Hospital (RSUP), is the largest Covid-19 referral hospital in Denpasar City. Moreover, this hospital is the most complete hospital with equipment, and is classified as a type A hospital. So, during a Covid-19 pandemic like this, health workers are the spearhead in efforts to deal with Covid-19. Therefore, health workers who are directly involved, such as Covid-19 isolation room workers, are very vulnerable to experiencing work to family conflict. This is due to high work risks and work demands or work demand. Recognizing the important role of health workers, the government pays special attention to health workers through incentives. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of work demand on work to family conflict, as well as the role of incentives in mediating the effect of work demand on work to family conflict experienced by health workers at the Covid-19 referral hospital Prof. Dr. I G.N.G. Ngoerah. This research is an explanatory research, with three variables, namely work demand, incentives, and work to family conflict. The research population was all health workers at the Covid-19 Referral Hospital Prof. Dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah in Denpasar. There are 75 health workers who are directly involved in handling Covid-19, considering that the total population is still below 100, so the sample in this study was determined to be a saturated sample, the data collected was then tabulated and analyzed using the SEM-PLS analysis technique. The results of the analysis show that work demand has a direct positive and significant effect on work to family conflict. It turns out that incentives do not significantly moderate the effect of work demand on work family conflict, and incentives are a predictor variable (predictor moderation).

Investigation of noise annoyance and audiometric results of Tehran subway workers and their relation to noise exposure

Introduction: One of the most important sources of pollution is the noise generated by traffic and transportation, especially the urban railway system (metro), thus this study aimed to assess the noise exposure of Tehran Metro employees and its relation with noise annoyance and audiometric results of employees.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Measurement was done by using a TES-1351B sound level meter recommendations for all employees which consists of the staff of the station affairs and the staff of the administrative department. A self-reporting questionnaire on workplace noise annoyance were distributed to the employees and then audiometric were used to measure the employees' hearing level.&#x0D; Results: The average noise exposure in platform workers was 79.3±10 dB and in control room workers was 56.5±6.9 dB. A significant difference was found between the average noise exposure in the employees of the two groups (control room-platform) (p-value=0.001). Based on the results, noise in the work environment was significantly more annoying for people working in metro line 1 than in line 6 (p-value=0.025).&#x0D; Conclusion: These results show that in general, due to the sound pressure level of 10% of the platform employees being higher than the permissible limit and the increase in the level of noise annoyance of the employees at the frequency of 8 kHz, it is necessary to plan and adopt administrative and technical-engineering measures to reduce the level of noise pollution to about it seems necessary to allow the standard.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Proposal for an epidemiological surveillance program for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases in workers exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) at a Venezuelan brewing company

Introduction: in manufacturing companies, specifically in the brewery, there are processes that involve the handling and use of chemical agents, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), this is the reason why workers are exposed to this agent. In the studied company, an accident was caused by exposure to this substance. Objective: to propose an epidemiological surveillance program for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases in workers exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) in a Venezuelan brewery. Methods: a qualitative-quantitative, field, descriptive, feasible project-type research was carried out, with the epidemiological surveillance program as the unit of analysis. Documentary review, direct observation and the interview were used as data collection techniques, and the observation guide, the sociodemographic form and the field diary were used as instruments. Results: the machine room has 18 workers, which shows that the workforce is composed of men over 40 years of age. Among the main causes of consultation of workers to the medical service are headache with 24,1 %, followed by fatigue with 20,6 % and then dizziness with 13,7 %. Conclusion: we propose an Epidemiological Surveillance Program aimed at machine room workers exposed to Carbon Dioxide (CO2), since there is no system that collects complete information on the working conditions and health of its workers, thus failing to comply with the legal framework governing the subject

EVALUATION OF THE PREVALENCE AND TRANSMISSION ROUTES OF COVID-19 IN HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL WORKING IN THE HOSPITAL

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and transmission routes of COVID-19 in healthcare personnel working in the hospital and the compliance with control measures.&#x0D; Material and Methods: In this study, hospital employees who were tested positive for COVID-19 between April 2 and September 30, 2020, were included. Out of the 1100 employees in the hospital, 80 were tested positive for COVID-19. A face-to-face survey was conducted with 66 healthcare workers that had COVID-19 positive PCR test results but returned to work only after their test results became negative.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 among the hospital employees was calculated as 7.3% (80/1100). In the study, 66 healthcare workers who were found to be positive for COVID-19, were included. The mean age of the employees was found to be 39.1 ± 8.3 (Min-Max: 23-57) and 71.2% of them were male. COVID-19 was detected most in nurses, emergency room workers (12.1%) and polyclinic workers (12.1%). It was determined that 30.3% (n=20) of COVID-19 positive employees had contact with infected colleagues in the hospital and 19.7% (n=13) had contact with infected household members. 78.7% of the employees had never worked in areas designated for COVID-19. Among employees, the level of compliance with measures of wearing a mask (94%) and ensuring hand hygiene (92%) was found high, while the level of compliance with 1.5-meters social distance (59%) was found low.&#x0D; Conclusion: In a short period of time like the first six months of the pandemic, 7.3% of the hospital workers were infected with COVID-19. &#x0D; Among employees, the level of compliance with the social distance rule was found low. It was determined that 78.7% of the infected employees had never worked in units designated for COVID-19. This shows that areas that are not designated for COVID-19 should not be ignored.

EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS

Introduction:&#x0D; Healthcare professionals have been of the fight against the pandemic, continued for more than a year. The anxiety levels of healthcare workers due to increased workload, social isolation, fear of catching COVID-19, etc. have increased significantly. The aim of this study is to determine the anxiety levels of emergency service workers who are always at the forefront of the fighting against the pandemic in Turkey.&#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; A questionnaire containing demographic information and the questions of 2 different scales (generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale, coronavirus anxiety scale), whose validation and reliability were performed in Turkey, was delivered via the web to the emergency room workers.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; Personnel working in the emergency service of a tertiary state hospital, 74% were reached. On the generalized anxiety scale, 53% of the participants received a score of 11 or above (severe anxiety). While the mean values of the generalized anxiety scale in the income and education groups showed a statistically significant correlation, the anxiety mean scores of those with less than 2 years of employment were found to be statistically significantly lower, and the anxiety mean scores of those who had covid-19 during the pandemic were found to be statistically significantly higher. This was found to be related to those with high anxiety and covid-related anxiety scores not wanting to work in the emergency service.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; As a result of the study, it was revealed emergency service workers have a high level of anxiety originating from pandemics, regardless of their seniority, age, and gender.

Depression, anxiety and stress levels of operating room workers during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of operating room workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The data were collected using the “Personal Information Form” and "Depression Anxiety Stress-21 (DASS-21)" scale. The personal information form consisted of eight questions including age, gender, profession, professional seniority, status of being diagnosed with COVID-19, being afraid of developing COVID-19, presence of chronic diseases and change in weight during the pandemic period. DASS-21 scale is a 4-point Likert type (never=0; always=3) scale and consists of seven questions with each predicting "depression, stress and anxiety dimensions".&#x0D; Results: A total of 253 volunteers with 161 (63.6%) being female and 92 (36.4%) male were included in this observational screening study. Anxiety score of female participants (5.65±4.44) was found to be statistically significantly higher compared to the male participants (3.94±4.68). Depression (5.97±4.41), anxiety (5.48±4.53) and stress (6.94±4.59) scores were significantly higher in the participants who were afraid of developing COVID-19. Depression, anxiety and stress scores were significantly higher in the participants with chronic diseases than in those without chronic diseases. &#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of our study indicate that the mean depression, anxiety and stress scores of the operating room personnel were mild.

A RESEARCH ON THE EVALUATION OF THERMAL COMFORT CONDITIONS OF OPERATING ROOM EMPLOYEES

İş sağlığı ve güvenliği; çalışma ortamında meydana gelebilecek kazaların önlenmesini, mesleki hastalıklara karşı maruziyetlerin en aza indirilmesini hedefleyen, yasalarla desteklenen bir bilim dalıdır. İş hijyeni; çalışanların çalışma ortamlarındaki maruz kaldıkları fiziksel, kimyasal, ergonomik ve biyolojik risklerin tespit edilmesini, ölçülmesini ve analiz edilmesini kapsamaktadır. Çalışma ortamlarında bulunan maruziyetlerin insan sağlığını etkileyecek boyutta olup olmadığı, birtakım standartlarla ölçüm ve analizler yapılarak tespit edilir. Fiziksel riskler grubunun en önemli etmenlerinden biri termal konfordur. Termal konforun dengeli olmadığı çalışma ortamlarında sıcak veya soğuk maruziyetinden kaynaklı hastalıklar meydana gelebilir, dikkatin yapılan işe verilememesine bağlı iş kazası riski artar. Çalışma ortamında termal konforun değerlendirilmesi için TS EN ISO 7730 standardı kullanılarak ölçümler gerçekleştirilir. Bu çalışmada, çalışanların soğuk olarak nitelendirdikleri ameliyathane odalarında termal konfor ölçümleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı; ameliyathane çalışanlarında termal konfor açısından soğuk stres maruziyetinin olup olmadığını tespit etmektir. Ölçümler bir araştırma hastanesinin 12 farklı ameliyathane odasında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın ölçüm sonuçları; PMV indekslerinin sınır değerler içerisinde kaldığını, PPD indeksinin ise en yüksek %34,11 olarak hesaplandığını göstermektedir. Elde edilen bulgular çalışmanın yapıldığı ameliyathane odalarında soğuk stres maruziyetinin olmadığını göstermektedir.

Medical occupational dose to the skin based on Hp(0.07) measured by thermoluminescent dosimeter: A Saudi national study

The most recent investigations of the data on atomic bomb survivors have showed excess relative risk for the incidence of non-melanocytic skin cancer. On the basis of this data, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) proposed an occupational dose limit for skin for occupationally exposed workers (500 mSv), which would provide an adequate protection against radiation risks. This study aimed to estimate the annual occupational dose for skin in terms of equivalent doses for medical workers in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, dentistry, and operation rooms. In this study, a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD-100) was used to obtain dose records of 41,180 medical workers for five consecutive years (2015–2019). The TLDs used in this study estimated the skin-dose equivalent at a depth of 0.07 mm, referred to as Hp(0.07). The annual mean Hp(0.07) received by skin averaged over the study period for diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, dentistry, and operation room workers were found to be 0.85 ± 0.63 mSv, 0.88 ± 0.58 mSv, 1.64 ± 0.29 mSv, 0.84 ± 0.35 mSv, 0.81 ± 0.54 mSv, and 0.70 ± 0.44 mSv, respectively. A one-way ANOVA results showed significant differences in annual mean Hp(0.07) among workers (F [5,41174] = 63.69, p = 0.000). Overall, the annual mean Hp(0.07) to the skin was well below the occupational dose limit. Since the relationship between exposure to low-dose ionising radiation and cancer risk has not yet been fully determined, compliance with radiation safety protocols and personal doses should be periodically assessed in any radiological department to keep radiation exposure to staff ALARA.