A walk through was carried out in a flower plantation in Ecuador, in order to obtain knowledge of the production process and specific tasks related with potential exposure to pesticides. Process flow diagram, with particular focus in pesticides exposure, was used to identify operations where workers were in contact with pesticides. Through cause-effect diagram the contact between pesticides and workers was studied. A relation diagram was used to obtain a better understanding of the pesticides exposure between the jobs of highest exposure. The fluorescent tracer technique was used with sixteen workers in three days. They were observed before and after the exposure tasks with an ultraviolet lamp. The tracer (Tinopal) was mixed in water (0.5grams of tracer/liter of water), no pesticide was used, and the workers applied this mixture as in normal conditions. A questionnaire was developed and applied to the complete group of workers in order to obtain information on training, attitudes, protective equipment and experience. The potential contact with pesticides was identified in almost all operations of the process. The women performing maintenance tasks had tracer on hands and arms. The applicators showed evidence of the tracer on their hands, and it was possible to detect tracer even in their nostrils. No personal clothing or protective equipment gave 100% protection and penetration occurred, especially on hands. In addition to more detailed results, the use of a process flow diagram to assess exposure will also be described.
Learning Objectives: 1. To bring technical assistance to the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute and a Non Governmental Organization in the development of walk-through methodology for flower industry greenhouses. 2. To support the research team in characterization and reduction of occupational hazards associated with pesticide use in flower industry greenhouses by means of the fluorescent tracer technique
Keywords: Occupational Health, Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.