Foundry workers are exposed to numerous health hazards (WHO, 1999). However,
there are preventive and control measures available for dust hazards, which
are stipulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act no. 85
of 1993). In particular, lead exposure poses workers to illnesses. The aim
of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the preventive and
control measures of lead dust exposure implemented in one of the South
African foundries. The foundry recycles lead-acid batteries hence the need
to conduct a study in this workplace.
The contemporaneous data was gathered through the method of interviews with
the technical director and two environmental officers. Subjective
information from the workers was obtained by use of the questionnaire. Other
information was obtained from the walkthrough evaluation of the plant. For
retrospective data (from the year 2000 until 2002), records for air
monitoring and blood samples for lead was obtained from the company. Other
information was obtained from the company throughout the research through
correspondence with relevant stakeholders.
From this study it was found that the foundry implements the most effective
preventive and control measures for lead exposure. The measures that are
implemented include engineering and administrative controls, education and
training, medical examinations and air monitoring. It was reported that the
engineering controls are implemented as the first priority in controlling
lead exposure in this foundry. Baghouses are the best engineering control
measure that the environmental officers recommended. However, in areas such
as the battery breaking and smelting there were very high air and blood lead
levels. These high levels could be attributed to either improper maintenance
of the engineering controls or a lack of supervision or monitoring for
regular use of PPE in designated areas.
From this study it was concluded and recommended that the foundry should
consider an effective maintenance programme for all control measures
implemented in the foundry. T...
