PhareSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé)
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Comment sont intégrés les exosquelettes dans les milieux de travail? Résultats d\u27une revue systématique
No full textLa popularité des exosquelettes est grandissante, pourtant on en sait peu sur comment ils sont intégrés, sur les effets mesurés et sur les impacts réels de ces dispositifs sur la réduction des risques en santé et en sécurité dans les milieux de travail. Une revue de littérature visant la description des études d’intégration en milieu de travail a été réalisée, un total de 35 études a été recensé entre 2010 et 2023. Ces études, réalisées en condition semi-contrôlées (n=14) et libres (n=21), impliquent des exosquelettes passifs et se déroulent dans des secteurs industriels diversifiés. Les données apportent des informations sur les objectifs poursuivis, sur les cadres théoriques mobilisés, sur le déroulement des essais d’intégration, sur les indicateurs utilisés pour mesurer les effets et sur les conclusions des effets des exosquelettes. La discussion porte sur les implications pour les milieux de travail et sur le potentiel avéré des exosquelettes.
Abstract
The popularity of exoskeletons is growing, yet little is known about how they are implemented, the effects measured and the real impacts of these devices on reducing health and safety risks in the workplace. A literature review aimed at describing workplace implementation studies was conducted, a total of 35 studies were identified between 2010 and 2023. These studies, carried out in semi-controlled (n=14) and free (n=21) conditions, involve passive exoskeletons and take place in diversified industrial sectors. The data provide information on the objectives pursued, on the theoretical frameworks used, on the progress of the implementation trials, on the indicators measuring the effects and on the conclusions of the effects of exoskeletons. The discussion focuses on the implications for workplaces and the potential of exoskeletons
Measuring toluene diisocyanate concentrations in accordance with ACGIH\u3csup\u3e®\u3c/sup\u3e inhalable fraction and vapor (IFV) notation
Full text linkToluene diisocyanate (TDI) is an irritant (skin, eye and respiratory) and a sensitizer. This compound is used to manufacture polyurethane materials such as flexible foams. The use of isocyanates may lead to exposure by inhalation and/or skin contact and isocyanates are recognized as a cause of occupational asthma. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommends a threshold limit value (TLV) for TDI of 1 part per billion (ppb) (7 µg m-³) with inhalable fraction and vapor (IFV) notation. This notation means that the inhalable fraction of particles and the vapor phase of TDI may contribute to the exposure and therefore the evaluation methods must comply with the IFV notation. This study aimed at developing and validating a TDI measurement method, compliant with the ACGIH IFV notation, using the IOM sampler with an impregnated filter. The new sampling method (IOM-IFV) used an IOM sampler (stainless steel cassette) with a glass fiber filter coated with 1,2-(methoxyphenyl)piperazine (MP) and diethyl phthalate. The sample was extracted using acetonitrile and analyzed by UPLC-MS. This application of the IOM sampler for such a reactive chemical was characterized and tested in laboratory to ensure efficient TDI recovery from both spiked samples and air samples. Based on a sampling time of 2 hours, the method has a measuring range of 0.3 to 15 µg m-³. At its reporting limit, the method is capable of measuring 8% of the 15 min short-term TLV (36 µg m-³). Method comparisons using a laboratory generation system showed that, under the conditions tested, the OSHA 5002 method was in agreement with the new IOM-IFV method. The ISO 17334-1 method showed a significant negative bias of -40% compared to the IOM-IFV method. The new IOM-IFV method demonstrated its suitability for measuring exposure to TDI for comparison with the ACGIH® TLVs, i.e. the STEL (15 min) and the TWA (8 h). A comparative study should be carried out in occupational settings to confirm the conclusions obtained in the laboratory
Identifying high-risk workplaces for radon: The role of buildings’ foundations and underground water sources
No full textOBJECTIVE: Radon, a naturally occurring lung carcinogen, can seep into buildings and expose occupants, including workers. Our aim is to describe radon exposure in various workplaces, identify factors associated with exposure, and highlight levers for preventive action.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Workplaces with an underground or slab-on-grade work area were recruited in four regions of Quebec (Central Canada) with high and low potential for radon emissions. Long-term radon samples were taken during the cold season with Alpha Track AT-100 passive dosimeters, deployed by the research team in accordance with Health Canada\u27s Guide for radon measurements in public buildings.
RESULTS: There were 354 radon measurements in 57 buildings constructed between 1877 and 2021 (54 workplaces), with on average six measurements (1-28) per workplace during a median of 109 days. Ten buildings had all measurements below the detection limit (15 Bq/m(3)), and six had at least one measurement above 100 Bq/m(3). The highest values recorded were in a fish hatchery (\u3e1500 Bq/m(3)). Generalized estimating equations revealed that a lowest floor made of materials other than poured concrete, the presence of naturally occurring radioactive material (underground water), and a small building footprint were the most predictive factors of higher concentrations, regardless of the regional radon emission potential.
CONCLUSION: In this convenience sample, most workplaces presented radon concentrations well below guidelines. However, the surprise expressed by workplace managers and public health officials regarding high concentrations associated with NORM is evidence of a lack of awareness of the dangers of radon in these environments. (©Elsevier
Détermination de la concentration des métaux de la faction inhalable dans l\u27air par ICP-MS avec prélèvement effectué sur DIS
No full textArm differences in muscle activity characteristics during a bilateral simulated overhead work in right-handed and ambidextrous individuals
No full textBackground:
Many work tasks use both arms to execute in-phase bilateral movements above shoulders. However, bilateral limb asymmetries have been proposed to be a possible cause for injuries. Additionally, the dominant arm is more predisposed to musculoskeletal injuries. Should we assume that both arms’ exposure to injury risk factors is the same during a bilateral task, and is not impacted by handedness and sex? Purpose: We measured the effects of sex and fatigue on activity of bilateral shoulder muscle activity during a bilateral fatiguing overhead shoulder flexion task, among right-handed or ambidextrous individuals. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adults (13 males) completed a bilateral overhead fatiguing task with repetitive shoulder flexions from 90° to 135°. Exposure was measured using electromyographic data from six bilateral shoulder muscles, and their activation amplitude (RMS) and movement-to-movement variability (SD) were quantified. Data were analyzed separately for right-handed (n = 18) and ambidextrous (n = 6) males and females. One male participant was left-handed. Results: With fatigue, right-handed females had greater anterior deltoid activation in the dominant arm, whereas ambidextrous females showed increased activation of their right infraspinatus. All females had greater middle deltoid activation variability in the left arm compared to the right. In contrast, right-handed males had more middle deltoid activation amplitude and variability in their left arm, but otherwise had fewer arm differences. Conclusion: Our results indicate more impact of a bilateral fatiguing task on arm electromyographic asymmetries among females. Thus, job rotation such as alternating arms may pose a greater injury risk for females, since their shoulders show a clearer side dominance. Thus, to enhance human health and safety in a workplace, handedness and sex should be considered, and muscle activity measured, when implementing job/task rotation for exposure variation at work
Détermination de la concentration des métaux des fractions inhalable et respirable dans l\u27air par ICP-MS avec prélèvement effectué sur DRS
No full textPerformance of different classes of filtering facepiece respirators toward nanoparticles
No full textIntroduction: In the case of exposure to harmful substances and the use of a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) to protect workers, it is important to know the performance of commercial FFR. In previous studies, the authors investigated a series of parameters on the effectiveness of a standard N95 FFR: particle diameter, airflow rate intensity, breathing simulation, time of use, relative humidity. It remains uncertain whether previous results can be extrapolated to all commercial FFRs.
Objective: To determine whether previous conclusions apply to other FFRs, an expanded selection of models was evaluated in this study. The initial penetrations are then measured in order to compare the penetrations amongst the different FFRs.
Methods: To do so, an experimental setup generates NaCl nanoparticles before introducing them into a test chamber containing the FFR. A constant flow of 85 L/min is drawn through the FFR and particle concentration is measured upstream and downstream of the FFR with a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. This setup allows penetration to be measured as a function of the particle diameter from 10 to 200 nm. Pressure drop was also measured across the FFR.
Results: The benchmark established in this study confirms that penetration measurements align with previously reported values. All tested FFRs exhibit comparable trends: the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) remains between 30 and 50 nanometers, with penetration decreasing for particles smaller or larger than this range.
Conclusion: The results obtained thus indicate that the outcome achieved previously for the standard N95 FFRs can be extrapolated to the other FFRs presented here
Evaluation and application of the Work-Related Asthma Screening Questionnaire-Long version (WRASQ[L])
No full textBackground
The Work-related Asthma (WRA) Screening Questionnaire—Long Version (WRASQ(L)) is a screening questionnaire that could improve the recognition of WRA.
Objective
To conduct a definitive evaluation of the WRASQ(L) to justify its implementation in clinical settings.
Methods
Employed adults aged 18 to 75 years with asthma confirmed by objective measures and the ability to take time off work were eligible. Participants completed the WRASQ(L) and then monitored their peak expiratory flow at and away from work or completed a specific inhalation challenge test. Data were classified as WRA or non-WRA by 2 asthma specialists, blinded to WRASQ(L) answers. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), and Youden’s index were calculated for cutoffs of a positive screen.
Results
Of 106 participants (47.1 ± 7.1 years [mean ± standard deviation]; 60 [57%] female), 14 (17%) were classified as having WRA and were significantly younger in age than non-WRA participants (P = .043). The questionnaire has high SN and NPV (90.9% and 93.1%, respectively) but low PPV and SP (32.1% and 26.0%, respectively).
Conclusions
The WRASQ(L) has high SN and NPV. High SN is of primary interest to ensure that few false-negative screens are missed and those with potential WRA are identified and continue to specialist care. The SN indicates utility of the questionnaire in clinical settings. Further benefits of the tool include its potential to prompt education on the symptom-workplace relationship, workplace exposures, personal protective equipment use, and collect exposure and occupational history
Assessing functional limitations in workers with a common mental disorder or a musculoskeletal disorder: A scoping review of questionnaires
No full textPurpose
Approximately, 80% of sick leave involve workers dealing with a common mental disorder (CMD) or a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Upon returning to work (RTW), these workers may encounter challenges, including functional limitations at work. However, assessing these limitations is complex. This study aims to map existing questionnaires that evaluate functional limitations in individuals with CMD or MSD.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted following the methods of the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Scoping Reviews Methodology Group, utilizing five databases: ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane, and PsycNET. Articles were included if they presented a questionnaire evaluating functional limitations or related concepts in individuals with CMD or MSD.
Results
A total of 541 articles were identified, with 6 articles selected after the screening process. The most frequently assessed dimensions in the selected questionnaires were physical (in 5 tools) and cognitive (in 3 tools). A thematic analysis was performed to develop a unified classification of dimensions and identify various types of functional limitations, addressing the inconsistent terminology across the questionnaires.
Conclusion
Physical limitations seem to be more objective and easier to assess than psychological limitations. Future research should focus on psychological limitations to enhance understanding among healthcare professionals and individuals with CMD or MSD
Substitution du dichlorométhane
No full textL’exposition aux solvants organiques est une préoccupation majeure en santé et en sécurité du travail. Selon CAREX Canada, 22 000 travailleuses et travailleurs canadiens étaient exposés en 2016 au dichlorométhane (DCM), incluant 5 600 travailleuses et travailleurs québécois. Le DCM est notamment utilisé comme solvant dans les décapants à peinture et les dégraissants, comme milieu réactionnel dans la synthèse de produits pharmaceutiques et de pesticides et comme solvant pour l’extraction de substances organiques. En plus de ses effets irritants et cancérogènes, le DCM peut être responsable d’une carboxyhémoglobinémie par production endogène de monoxyde de carbone lors de sa transformation métabolique. La toxicité du DCM a mené à son interdiction dans l’Union européenne dans les décapants à peinture depuis 2012 et de nouvelles réglementations se mettent en place aux États-Unis afin d’interdire ou de limiter son utilisation. Au Canada, le DCM est inscrit sur la Liste critique des ingrédients des cosmétiques de Santé Canada et son usage est interdit dans les cosmétiques en aérosols. Ces mesures forcent les entreprises à travailler au remplacement du DCM dans de nombreuses applications.
C’est dans cette optique qu’une revue de littérature critique a été effectuée afin d’identifier les options de rechange au DCM. Pour ce faire, une recherche exhaustive a été réaliséedans 1) des bases de données bibliographiques; 2) des banques de données factuelles; 3) des rapports d’études de cas et 4) des fiches de substitution par utilisation. Une consultation de quatre banques de données d’exposition professionnelle a aussi été complétée afin de cibler les milieux de travail les plus préoccupants au regard de l’exposition au DCM. Deux outils d’analyse comparative ont permis d’évaluer les options de remplacement du DCM. Il s’agit du rapport de danger de vapeur (indice « Vapour Hazard Ratio » ou VHR), indiquant le potentiel de surexposition de différentes options de remplacement, ainsi que du système P2OASys (Pollution Prevention Option Analysis System) produit par le Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) et permettant d’attribuer une cote aux produits chimiques selon différents critères (notamment en environnement, santé et sécurité). Finalement, les différents solvants de remplacement identifiés ont été analysés en regard du programme Safer Choice de l’U.S. EPA qui vise à informer sur le degré de vertitude des substances.
Les secteurs de la réparation des avions et automobiles (fuselage et carrosserie), de la production de produits chimiques organiques industriels et de produits du plastique (incluant les produits en mousse plastique), de la fabrication et de la réparation des structures de bois (rembourrage, matelas et sommiers, mobiliers de bureau, bâtiments publics et mobiliers connexes, cloisons, luminaires, armoires de cuisine), mais aussi ceux de la fabrication d’ascenseurs et d’escaliers mobiles sont propices à engendrer des situations de surexposition.
Dix-sept solvants de remplacement ont été identifiés avec à la fois un VHR ≤ 1000 et une cote P2OASys ≤ 6. Parmi ces solvants, on souligne les esters d’acides dicarboxyliques (DBE), le carbonate de propylène, le d-limonène, le lactate d’éthyle, les acétates, le diméthylsulfoxyde (DMSO), le méthylal (diméthoxyméthane), l’alcool benzylique (AB), l’isopropanol, et certains éthers de glycol. Les DBE, le lactate d’éthyle, l’isopropanol et l’acétate de propyle sont aussi des produits recommandés par le programme Safer Choice. D’autres substances présentant des enjeux plus importants en hygiène du travail, le N,N-Diméthylformamide (DMF) et la N-méthyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), apparaissent aussi comme des options de remplacement au DCM.
Toutes ces options de remplacement ne sont pas sans danger pour les travailleuses et travailleurs, et tout projet de remplacement du DCM devrait se faire selon une démarche organisée et systématique, soit la démarche en 9 étapes proposée par Gérin et Bégin (2002).
Abstract
Exposure to organic solvents is a major occupational health and safety concern. According to CAREX Canada, approximately 22,000 Canadians were exposed to dichloromethane (DCM) in the workplace in 2016, among them 5,600 Québecers. DCM is notably used as a solvent in paint removers and degreasers and in the extraction of organic compounds. It is also used as the reaction medium in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. DCM is irritating and carcinogenic, and it can also cause carboxyhemoglobinemia through endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) production during its metabolic transformation. Because of its toxicity, DCM has been banned in paint strippers in the European Union since 2012, and new regulations are being introduced in the United States to ban or limit its use. In Canada, DCM is included on Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist and its use is prohibited in aerosol products. These measures are forcing businesses to make efforts to replace DCM in a variety of applications.
With this in mind, a critical literature review was undertaken to identify alternatives to DCM. An exhaustive search was conducted in 1) bibliographic databases; 2) factual databases; 3) case study reports; and 4) substitution selection guides (fiches de substitution par utilisation). In addition, four occupational exposure databases were consulted to target workplaces where the risk of DCM exposure is greatest. Two comparative analysis tools were used to assess possible DCM replacement options: the vapour hazard ratio (VHR), which indicates the risk of overexposure with the different replacement options; and the Pollution Prevention Option Analysis System (P2OASys), developed by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) to score chemicals according to environmental as well as health and safety criteria. Lastly, the alternative solvents identified were evaluated under the U.S. EPA Safer Choice program, developed to help in finding the safest products for human health and the environment.
Industries where overexposure is likely to occur include aircraft and automotive repair (fuselage and car body); industrial organic chemicals and plastic products production (including manufacture of plastic foam products); wood structure fabrication and repair (upholstery, mattresses and bedsprings, office furniture, public buildings and related furniture, partitions, lighting fixtures and kitchen cabinets); and the manufacture of elevators and mobile stairs.
Seventeen alternative solvents with a VHR ≤ 1000 and a P2OASys score of ≤ 6 were identified. These include dibasic esters (DBE), propylene carbonate, D-limonene, ethyl lactate, acetates, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), methylal (dimethoxymethane), benzyl alcohol (BA), isopropanol and certain glycol ethers. DBEs, ethyl lactate, isopropanol and propyl acetate are also recommended by the Safer Choice program. Also listed as replacement options for DCM are other substances presenting more substantial occupational health issues: N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).
None of these DCM alternatives are without occupational risks, and an organized and systematic approach, like the nine-step method suggested by Gérin and Bégin (2002), is required in any DCM substitution project