Investigation of physical risk factors in Kahramanmaraş Paper Mill

• Main Authors: Ahmet TUTUŞ, Nevres DEMİR, Mustafa ÇİÇEKLER, Hasan SERİN
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Isparta University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Forestry 2018-09-01
• Series: Turkish Journal of Forestry
• Subjects: occupational health and safety; paper mill; physical risk factor; i̇ş sağlığı ve güvenliği; kağıt fabrikası; fiziksel risk etmenleri
• Online Access: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/tjf/issue/39497/414136?publisher=iubu

In this study, the hazards and risks that may arise in the paper industry in terms of worker health and work safety are analyzed and precautions were mentioned in order to keep these hazards and risks at acceptable levels. It is intended to give an idea of how risk analysis is implemented in a sector related to forest products in practice, and to provide an example of further work in the field. Kahramanmaraş Paper Mill (KMK) belongs to Kahramanmaraş Paper Industry and Trade Joint Stock Company was chosen as application area. According to No. 6331 Occupational Health and Safety Act, measurements such as gas, temperature, relative humidity, vibration, light intensity, and noise considered important in work environments in terms of occupational health and safety and workers' safety were performed. Measurements were made in approximately 35 different sections of the mill. When obtained results from measurements were compared with the regulations, it was determined that there was no threat to occupational health and safety in terms of noise, temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, gas and vibration. Besides, temperature and relative humidity values were found to be suitable for the mill when assessed according to U.S. ASHRAE standards. It has been also determined that the hand-arm vibration values of the employees are within the desired range. Hydrogen sulfide gas was only encountered in the refining section while the oxygen level in the working fields was sufficient. Sulfur dioxide has not been detected in any sections of the mills. As a result of these assessments, it is concluded that KMK does not carry any risk in terms of occupational health and safety.