Sanitary audit of working conditions in the concentrating mill of ore mining and processing enterprise Erdenet (Mongolia)

Abstract

Objective. Working conditions in the concentrating mill of ore mining and processing enterprise were analyzed. Methods. We measured the levels of vibration, noise, microclimate parameters, lightness, dustiness and the level of harmful chemicals in the air of the work area in accordance with regulatory and methodological documents of Mongolia. All used equipment underwent metrological control in a timely manner. To assess the elemental status of workers, a multi-element analysis of hair samples by mass spectrometry was carried out. Results. The noise level at the main work stations exceeded the hygienic standards by 10 dBA. Technological equipment generated vibrations, the intensity of which also exceeded hygienic standards. The concentration of dust in the air of the working area exceeded the maximum allowable by 1.1-12. The concentrations of harmful chemicals (benzene, xylene, diethyl ether) were by 2-3.6 higher than normal. Conclusions. At various stages of preparation of ore for enrichment, workers of the concentrating mill are exposed to a complex influence of factors of the production environment, the level of which considerably exceeds hygienic standards. The main unfavorable factors of the working environment can be called production noise, general vibration and the impact of fibrogenic aerosols. Thus, working conditions at the ore mining and processing enterprise Erdenet can be classified as harmful. At the workplaces of persons engaged in ore processing, there are also unfavorable microclimatic conditions and the impact of infrasound, as well as low doses of ionizing radiation.