Quantitative risk analysis and control measure evaluation for workplace exposure to aliphatic amines: A case study in the foundry sector

Objectives: This study aims to conduct a quantitative risk analysis and evaluate control measures for workplace exposure to aliphatic amines, focusing on a case study in the foundry sector. Methods: The study comprised four main phases: risk analysis, determination of weight coefficients for reducing exposure probability, uncertainty analysis, and evaluation of implemented risk control measures. During the risk analysis phase, air samples were collected and analyzed to identify the presence of aliphatic amines and assess associated risk levels. Weight coefficients for reducing exposure probability were established using the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM), where a panel of experts ranked workplace, administrative, and individual controls. Uncertainty analysis utilized the Monte Carlo (MC) method to generate triangular distributions for the weight coefficients, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of potential uncertainties.Results: Environmental monitoring in the industry revealed the presence of five aliphatic amines, with specific units (B and C) showing exposure risks to tri-ethylamine above the adjusted TLV. Additionally, the risk of exposure to mixed aliphatic amines was significant across all units. Deterministic weighting using the FUCOM method allocated the highest importance (0.66) to workplace controls for reducing risk probability. Uncertainty analysis using MC adjusted the weighted coefficients to 0.78 for workplace controls, 0.18 for administrative controls, and 0.13 for individual controls, with confidence levels of 85-95%. Evaluation of implemented controls in the industry indicated specific effectiveness across different control levels, with experts estimating risk reduction levels of 10.4% for individual controls, 9% for administrative controls, and 7.8% for workplace controls. Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical importance of implementing and evaluating control measures for workplace exposure to aliphatic amines in the studied industry.