Identification and Assessment of Health Risks in Order to Provide Control Measures in a Bitumen Production Process from the Vacuum Batum of Oil Refineries

Background: In the process of bitumen production, the release of vapors and gases in a confined space can cause health hazards. These vapors contain aromatic hydrocarbons, smoke, and a very small amount of hydrogen sulfide. The aim of this study was to determine the level of health risk in occupational exposure of workers in a bitumen production industry using vacuum batum of oil refinery. Methods: In this study, the health risk assessment method of chemicals included semi-quantitative assessment of Malaysia, Singapore Department, which systematically identified chemical hazards and then, the exposure or probability of exposure was calculated, the risk level was determined, and control measures necessary to reduce related risks were introduced and prioritized. The occupations of the guillotine and press operator, welding and cutting units, paint pool, vacuum discharge, laboratory, repairmen, and guard and office units were assessed in this study. Findings: 65% of the people were working in the barrel making unit and bitumen production site and 79% of the people had less than 10 years of work experience. Workplace chemical agents included gasoline, toluene, orthoxylene, paraxylene, ethylbenzene, heptane, hexane, trichloroethylene, kerosene vapors, iron, zinc, copper, chromium fumes, asphalt fumes, and bitumen vapors. The highest risk coefficients were related to benzene, chromium fume, and bitumen vapors. In addition, in terms of location, the highest risk levels were related to the paint pool, cutting, pressing, and welding units, and laboratory, and about half of the exposure to metal fumes, organic solvents, and bitumen vapors had medium and high risk levels. Conclusion: The highest level of health risk was obtained for benzene compounds, chromium fume, and bitumen vapors, for which appropriate control measures should be taken, including the installation of local vacuum cleaners, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, reducing individuals’ exposure time, mechanization of processes, sampling of workers' respiratory area, and paraclinical tests and biological monitoring of chemical contaminants, which can be used to control the exposure to these compounds