ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL-AGENTS AND ERGONOMIC STRESSORS IN TANNERIES IN KANPUR, INDIA

In developing countries qualitative assessment of exposure at the work place may be an essential tool in evaluating hazardous working conditi ons. This survey reports on qualitative assessment of exposure to chem icals, dust, and ergonomic stressors among 298 workers in 15 tanneries in Kanpur, India. In general, chemical exposure and dermal exposure w ere highest among beamhouse workers, less far workers involved in dry finishing activities, and lowest for those performing the wet finishin g of hides. Dermal exposure was rated as high to very high during beam house activities, reflecting direct contact with wet hides and manual handling of hides in soak tanks. Relevant dust exposure was observed o nly during dry finishing activities. Most workers experienced severe p ostural load due to working in trunk flexion and rotation For more tha n 50% of their daily work rime. In addition, manual materials handling with loads over 20 kg frequently occurred. The size of the tannery, i n general a reflection of state of technology, showed no systematic in fluence on exposure profiles. The survey suggested that mechanization of material transfer and application of trolleys reduced the work time with trunk flexion and rotation and implied less manual lifting. The presence of local exhaust ventilation in large tanneries seemed to red uce the chemical exposure. This survey has demonstrated the importance of rapid appraisal techniques for evaluating hazardous conditions at the workplace. In developing countries this approach may facilitate oc cupational hygiene research and practice.