occupational hygiene industrial attachment report focused on dust, noise and illumination sampling

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THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
REPORT ON MORNITORING OCCUPATIONAL NOISE LEVELS, DUST LEVELS
AND ILLUMINATION IN A COPPER PRODUCTION WORKPLACE.
EHS 4134- INDUSTRIAL ATTACHEMENT
PREPARED BY KATENDE SAMSON

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Acknowledgements
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the successful
completion of this school attachment report. It has been an incredible journey, and I am truly
grateful for the guidance, support, and encouragement I have received along the way. I would
like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my supervisor for their invaluable advice, patience,
and continuous support throughout this attachment. Their expertise and willingness to share
their knowledge have been instrumental in shaping the quality of this report.

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Abstract
This aims to delve into the critical aspects of occupational hygiene, specifically focusing on
noise, dust, and illumination sampling. The primary aim is to acquire practical knowledge and
hands-on experience in measuring and analysing these factors, ensuring a safe and healthy
working environment for employees. The attachment commenced with an introduction to the
importance of occupational hygiene and its impact on employee well-being and productivity.
This was followed by a comprehensive exploration of noise, dust, and illumination as
prominent occupational hazards. I gained a deep understanding of the respective measurement,
including the selection and proper usage of appropriate sampling equipment. This practical
component equipped me with the necessary skills to identify and evaluate potential risks
associated with noise, dust, and illumination levels. I learnt about the relevant regulatory
standards and guidelines that govern these occupational factors, ensuring compliance with legal
requirements. To enhance the overall learning experience, the attachment incorporated
collaborative discussions with industry professionals. This promoted the development of
critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, enabling me to make informed
decisions regarding the control and mitigation of occupational hazards.

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Table of contents
Contents
Acknowledgements ...............................................................................................................................2
Abstract..................................................................................................................................................3
Table of contents ...................................................................................................................................4
Abbreviation..........................................................................................................................................5
Definition of terms ................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1: Introduction .......................................................................................................................6
Description of the establishment of attachment.................................................................................6
Location and brief history of establishment.......................................................................................7
Vision of the establishment ..................................................................................................................7
Mission statement of the establishment ..............................................................................................7
Organisational structure of the department.......................................................................................8
Description of department attached to................................................................................................8
Occupational hygiene officer................................................................................................................8
Co-Ordinator occupational hygiene....................................................................................................8
Manager occupational health, senior coordinator occupational hygiene ........................................8
Objectives...............................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Attachment Process...........................................................................................................9
Methods of learning..............................................................................................................................9
Noise Sampling......................................................................................................................................9
Dust Sampling .....................................................................................................................................10
Illumination .........................................................................................................................................11
Reflections and lessons learnt - including knowledge and skills acquired.....................................12
Challenges encountered......................................................................................................................12
Chapter 3: Conclusion and recommendations .................................................................................12
Conclusion ...........................................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................13
Letter of Introduction.........................................................................................................................13
Letter confirming attachment............................................................................................................14
Pictures (if any) ...................................................................................................................................15

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Abbreviation
KCM Konkola Copper Mines
SLM Sound Level Meter
TWA Time-weighted average
TLV Thresh Hold Limit Value
ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
Definition of terms
Occupational hygiene is the discipline of protecting worker health by controlling workplace
hazards that can cause harm
Hazards is a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition
Risk anything that can cause harm
Hearing Zone refers to an area or space where sound can be heard clearly or where auditory
perception occurs
Breathing zone is the region around a person's nose and mouth where air is inhaled and
exhaled during breathing.
Dose refers to the measurement of the quantity or amount of a substance
Calibration process of adjusting or standardizing an instrument or device to ensure accurate
and precise measurements.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
Occupational hygiene at Konkola Copper Mines focuses on ensuring the health and safety of
workers in the mining industry. It involves identifying and controlling potential hazards and
risks that workers may be exposed to, such as airborne contaminants, noise, vibration, and
physical hazards. The team of occupational hygiene professionals conducts thorough
assessments, measurements, and monitoring to assess the workplace environment and evaluate
worker exposure levels. They implement effective control measures to minimize or eliminate
potential health risks and ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations and standards.
Additionally, they provide comprehensive training and education programs to raise awareness
among employees about occupational hazards and safe work practices. This helps to empower
them to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to protect their health and
well-being. At Konkola Copper Mines, they are committed to creating a safe and healthy work
environment for their employees. The dedicated occupational hygiene team continuously
strives to identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance workplace safety, ensuring a
sustainable and productive mining operation.
Description of the establishment of attachment
KCM occupational hygiene is an establishment dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe
and healthy work environment for employees. They follow a meticulous process, starting with
comprehensive workplace assessments to identify potential hazards. Advanced technology and
industry best practices are used to gather and analyze data for risk assessment. Based on the
analysis, tailored strategies and guidelines are developed to mitigate risks, involving
engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment
recommendations. Training and educational programs are provided to enhance employee
awareness and involvement in their own safety. Regular monitoring and evaluation are
conducted to track progress and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
KCM occupational hygiene aims to exceed industry standards and prioritize employee well-
being.

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Location and brief history of establishment
Occupational hygiene at Konkola Copper Mines is an essential aspect of their operations to
protect the health and safety of their workforce. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is located in
Chingola, Zambia, in the Copperbelt Province. The history of occupational hygiene at KCM
dates back to the establishment of the company in 1930. As the mining industry evolved, so
did the understanding of the importance of protecting workers from occupational hazards.
KCM recognized the need to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and established
a dedicated occupational hygiene department. Over the years, KCM has made significant
advancements in their occupational hygiene practices. They have invested in state-of-the-art
equipment and technology to monitor and control workplace hazards effectively. The company
has developed comprehensive policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure
compliance with national and international occupational health and safety standards. KCM's
occupational hygiene team works closely with other departments, such as mine engineering,
safety, and environmental management, to identify potential risks and implement preventive
measures. Their objective is to create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
The history of occupational hygiene at KCM demonstrates a continuous commitment to
improving workplace safety and protecting the well-being of their workforce. By prioritizing
occupational hygiene, KCM aims to achieve sustainable mining operations while ensuring the
highest standards of health and safety for their employees.
Vision of the establishment
KCM aims to be a world leading copper and cobalt producer. It is their objective to provide
attractive returns to the shareholders in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Mission statement of the establishment
To be a world class integrated copper producing company leveraging mineral and human
resources to enhance stakeholder value and be the pride of Zambia.

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Organisational structure of the department
Description of department attached to
Occupational hygiene officer
Occupational Hygiene Officer are responsible for assessing and managing workplace hazards
related to health, safety, and the environment. The duties may include conducting risk
assessments, analyzing air and noise quality, monitoring exposure levels, implementing control
measures, and providing recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Co-Ordinator occupational hygiene
Occupational Hygiene Coordinator’s primary responsibility include to oversee and organize
the occupational hygiene activities within the company. This may involve developing and
implementing occupational hygiene programs, conducting regular inspections and audits,
coordinating sampling and monitoring efforts, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with
relevant regulations and standards
Manager occupational health, senior coordinator occupational hygiene
Higher management
Manager Occupation
Health
Senior Co-ordinator
Occupational Hygiene
Co-ordinator
Occupational Hygiene
(KMRL)
Occupational Hygiene
Officer
Occupational Hygiene
Officer
Co-ordinator
Occupational Hygiene
(Smelter Co)
Occupational Hygiene
Officer
Occupationa Hygiene
Officer

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Objectives
1. To develop an understanding of occupational hygiene principles and practices, including
the identification, assessment, and control of workplace hazards.
2. To gain practical experience in monitor potential health hazards, such as dust exposures,
noise levels and illumination risks.
3. To collaborate with occupational health professionals and workers to develop effective
control strategies and recommendations to minimize or eliminate workplace hazards.
Chapter 2: Attachment Process
Methods of learning
The methods of learning through the attachment encompassed;
1. Theoretical learning (going through company procedures)
2. Observational learning
3. Participation in the activities
Responsibilities assigned
Noise Sampling
Noise is one of the Occupational health hazards identified at KCM. Therefore, all areas
identified as high noise level areas have to be noted and safety measures taken to minimise the
impact. It is the responsibility of area Managers, Supervisors and Employees inclusive of
Business Partners to report noise prone work areas, operations and processes for identification
and assessment to business unit Occupational Hygiene Section.
The noise dosimeters shall be calibrated using a reader unit before and after taking
measurement. Noise dosemeters shall be pinned on the employee's shoulder referred to as
Hearing Zone and switched on and off by either by a key fob or the dose badge reader. The
employee shall be allowed to carry out his normal duties for the eight (8) hour shift before the
badge is removed and sent for analysis.

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Sound Level Meter (SLM) shall be calibrated using an acoustic calibrator before and after
taking measurements. For workplace noise, SLM is placed on a tripled stand about 1.5m height
from the ground and must be 5 meters away from any object that may cause sound
reverberation.
The dose badge reader shall be used to read-out the noise data stored by the badge. The
information will include the following:
• % Dose, TWA, Exposure, Etc.
Dust Sampling
The step-by-step method of carrying out dust sampling at KCM workstations.
The scop covers the sampling of respirable dust at surface and underground operations with
the objective to measure total and respirable dust exposure of employee during monitoring as
required.
1. It is the responsibility of all Hygiene Coordinators as well as Hygiene officers to carry out
the Sampling as per annual sampling schedule and when need arise. Hygiene Coordinators
or Officers shall conduct instruments disinfection as per Covid-19 Public Health guidelines
2. Before instruments are dispatched for sampling, Sampling trains and calibrators must be
disinfected using a cotton/mutton cloth wipe slightly wetted with alcohol based disinfectant
disinfection process must be repeated once instruments are collected from the field. Used
wipes to be discarded by means approved for disposal of contaminated materials.
3. Manager or designated senior official responsible for areas must be informed prior to
personal dust monitoring for purpose of: designating areas to be monitored and making the
areas accessible
4. The pumps must be on charge a day before the actual sampling. Connect the Calibrator to
the pump fitted with a tubing and a sampling medium
5. Press the power button to switch on the calibrator, the pump with a sampling train has to
be inserted to the calibrator. The pump should run for a few minutes to initialise before
starting calibration.

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6. When calibrating the pump use a flow rate of 1.7/min for a 37mm diameter filter and
determine the number of samples to be taken and prepare the same number of trains (Pump,
tubing, sampling
7. Explain the purpose & benefits of taking the measurements, emphasize the need to care for
equipment and ensure confidentiality of test and respect for personal values
8. Record name, mine number and department of employee, record starting and finishing time
and date of Sampling. Attach the sampling train to an employee, ensuring the cyclone is
mounted in the breathing zone to capture the respirable dust.
9. Ensure to observe the work pattern of a worker during monitoring for quality control (ie
ensure pump is running, there's normal work process and the pump is attached to the
worker.
10. Sampling trains must be collected at the end of monitoring and take note of stop time. Post
calibration must be done using the Calibrator following the same steps as for pre-
calibration. Ensure sample details and results are recorded in the monitoring database
11. TLVs for respirable dust PNOS 3mg/m° and crystalline silica 0.025mg/m° is based on
ACGIH, TLVs and BEls
12. Recommendations for sample results shall be shared with respective departments for action
Illumination
To measure illumination, we used a light meter also known as a lux meter. It measures the
intensity of light in units called lux.
1. Position the lux meter: Hold the lux meter at the desired height and orientation, facing the
light source you want to measure. Aim for a location where you want to assess the
illumination levels.
2. Take readings: Press the measurement or hold button on your lux meter to capture the
readings.
3. Record and analyse the data: Note down the readings along with the corresponding
locations. You can compare multiple measurements to identify any variations or
inconsistencies in illumination levels.
4. The appropriate illumination levels may vary depending on the specific application or
industry standards. I used to consult relevant guidelines and experts to ensure your
measurements align with the desired requirements.

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Reflections and lessons learnt - including knowledge and skills acquired
The knowledge and insights gained over the duration of the industrial attachment included;
 Insights into identifying workplace hazards and assessing their potential risks to
workers' health.
 learned techniques to measure and evaluate workers' exposure to various hazards.
 Opportunities to enhance my communication and teamwork skills by collaborating with
professionals in the field.
Challenges encountered
 Transport limited us within specific areas.
Chapter 3: Conclusion and recommendations
Conclusion
The student attachment experience in conducting dust, noise, and illumination sampling was
immensely beneficial. It provided me with practical knowledge and hands-on exposure to key
elements of occupational hygiene. By actively participating in these sampling activities, I was
able to gain a deeper understanding of the potential health risks faced by workers and the
importance of implementing effective control measures. Furthermore, the findings from the
dust, noise, and illumination sampling exercises significantly contribute to the development of
robust occupational hygiene programs. The data collected aid in formulating preventive
strategies, enhancing workplace safety standards, and promoting the overall well-being of
employees.

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REFERENCES
Konkola Copper Mine company procedures.
Letter of Introduction

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Letter confirming attachment

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Pictures (if any)