Table 2.
Perception of apprentice welders about physical, chemical, biological, and physiological risk factors (n = 161).
| Risk factors | n | Percent (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Heat | 128 | 79.5 |
| Noise | 102 | 63.4 |
| Ionizing radiation | 83 | 51.6 |
| Nonionizing radiation | 41 | 25.5 |
| Vibrations | 24 | 14.9 |
| Abnormal pressures | 18 | 11.2 |
| Moisture | 13 | 8.1 |
| Cold | 9 | 5.6 |
| Chemical | ||
| Gases | 122 | 75.8 |
| Dust | 91 | 56.5 |
| Chemical products | 58 | 36 |
| Fumes | 58 | 36 |
| Vapours | 51 | 31.7 |
| Mist | 15 | 9.3 |
| Fog | 8 | 5 |
| Biological | ||
| Bacteria | 43 | 26.7 |
| Fungi | 38 | 23.6 |
| Virus | 28 | 17.4 |
| Bacilli | 8 | 5 |
| Parasites | 6 | 3.7 |
| Protozoa | 6 | 3.7 |
| Physiological | ||
| Poor posture | 96 | 59.6 |
| Repetitive strain | 56 | 34.8 |
| Inadequate ventilation | 53 | 32.9 |
| Use of inappropriate equipment | 47 | 29.2 |
| Inadequate lighting | 35 | 21.7 |
| Rhythm of overwork | 32 | 19.9 |
| Requirement productivity | 30 | 18.6 |
| Machines and/or inadequate equipment |
29 | 18 |