Case study to evaluate working environment at Materials Recycling Facility in South Wales, UK

Abstract

The study was carried out during August–September 2006 and May 2007 to evaluate the working environment of a materials recycling facility in South Wales, UK.

A complete comprehensive risk assessment was undertaken. The measurements were conducted at various monitoring points within the segregation hall and administration area at the materials recycling facility: tipping hall, segregation line, baling area, resting room, administration area, and upwind and downwind monitoring points. The results of risk assessment showed that the segregation line and the baler area were the high-risk areas.

Concentrations of radon, particulate matter, BTEX, and the levels of light, noise, temperature, and relative humidity were determined. High concentrations of particulate matter, radon, and BTEX as well as the noise level were identified to be real problems at the segregation line and in baler area.

Radon concentration was highest during the process of baling aluminum cans. Radon concentration was higher than the action limit, 200 Bq m-3, in the residual area; however, the average concentration in the administration area was always as low as 37 Bq m-3.

Simple remedy techniques such as entilation, accepting fire detectors, and minimising green waste, recommended by the author, resulted in the reduction of radon, particulate matter, and BTEX at the materials recycling facility.