Analyze the Level of Health Risks from Exposure to Toluene in Shoes Craftsman Workers

Abstract

Craftsmen informal footwear industry was one commodity export labor-intensive. But rapid industrial shoes craftsman was less balanced with adequate worker protection system. Hazards resulting from this industry could be derived from elements of biological, chemical, psychological and physical. For example toluene chemicals had a high risk of harm, induce damage to major organs example the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, skin and others. Public Health Center Sememi in October 2013 reported at least 12 health complaints in the shoes craftsman at Oso Wilangun village Surabaya. This study was to analyze the level of health risks from exposure to toluene in workers craftsmen shoes. The population was 51 people by the sampling technique using total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaires, checklist. While the research instruments using a vacuum pump combination glass tube containing activated carbon, bathroom scales, calculators and cameras. Data was analyzed descriptively with the results: 87.5% toluene concentrations below threshold limit values (<188 mg / m3), the smallest value of 0.80 mg / m3 and the highest concentration of 520.81 mg / m3, the level of health risk at the work site 1 (RQ = 5.25) and 3 (RQ = 1.06) was above the threshold value (in an unsafe condition), while the level of health risks in the workplace 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 was below a threshold value (RQ <1) and was in safe condition. There were 8 (17.0%) toluene concentrations below a threshold level of health risk, meaning that there were 8 people in an unsafe condition on exposure to toluene. So It was necessary to arrangements regarding the protection of workers' management through periodic examinations, the use of Personal Protective Equipment, setting hours of work, ventilate the room, as well as increased knowledge workers.