@article{ref1,
title="Oxygen deficiency hazard in confined spaces in steel industry: assessment through predictive models",
journal="International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics",
year="2019",
author="Stefana, Elena and Marciano, Filippo and Cocca, Paola and Rossi, Diana and Tomasoni, Giuseppe",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="<i>Purpose.</i> In the steel industry, performing activities in confined spaces where potential oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) displacement can occur may expose workers to fatal consequences. To the best of our knowledge, no quantitative exposure assessment of O<sub>2</sub> deficiency in steel confined spaces is available in the literature. To overcome this gap, we perform Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH) assessments in real confined spaces using two existing models to identify the most critical parameters responsible for ODH, and suggest controls for mitigating the asphyxiation risk. <i>Methods.</i> We applied a well-mixed model and a Near Field-Far Field approach to estimate the indoor O<sub>2</sub> level in time during and following releases of simple asphyxiants. Models' inputs were mainly gathered thanks to audits and instrumental tests in three firms. <i>Results.</i> The most severe ODH exposures are posed in spaces with a restricted volume and where accidental releases of inert gases can occur. Such exposures can be controlled through early release detections and augmented reality systems. <i>Conclusions.</i> ODH assessments in confined spaces of steel firms allow the identification of the most critical parameters from an O<sub>2</sub> depletion perspective, focusing on which data need careful measurement, and help to establish controls compatible with the operations conducted into these areas.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1080-3548",
doi="10.1080/10803548.2019.1669954",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2019.1669954"
}