Implementación de medidas técnicas de prevención en el proceso productivo de Topesa S.A. para controlar factores de riesgos físicos y ergonómicos.

Abstract

The aim of this work was the implementation of engineering controls in the production process of TOPESA S.A. to control physical and ergonomic risk factors. The operational area was identified as the area of greatest exposure to noise, it was measured the average values of sound pressure at each workstation between 67,05 – 107,93 dBA, which are over the permissible limits (85 dBA) established by the Executive Decree 2393. The control at supply consisted in changing the bolts of the P12 press and R7 threading machine. During the investigation it was determined as an engineering control in the receiver, the change of hearing protectors OPTIME 101 H7A to the process operators of: pressing, forging, stamping, washing and drying and the change of the hearing protectors OPTIME 98 H9A to the process operators of punching process, and packaging. It was completed the control measures for this risk factor, with the implementation of a program of health monitoring for noise, which established the realization of audiometries every two years for the operating staff of TOPESA S.A. In order to mitigate the exposition to forced positions in the threaded places it was built metal platforms to elevate in 30 cm the reference plane with respect to the floor of the threaded places R2 and R3, where it was possible to reduce the quantitative index of OWAS and REBA evaluation methods from 4 high risk to index 1 low risk. In addition, the absenteeism for lumbar ailments was eliminated and it was got it back the production of 6 600 pieces / h in the threading machine R3 and 4 500 pieces / h in the threading machine R2. For repetitive movements the control measure taken was the design and construction of ergonomic chairs based on anthropometric measurements of the operators in their workstations B5, B6, B10 and B11. The efficiency of this measure was reflected in the reduction of OCRA index more than 9, risk level high category, to OCRA index between 2,3 – 4,5, risk level very light and light category. The production was recovered of 6 000 pieces / h in B5 and B6 punching machines, 3 900 pieces / h in B10 punching machine and 3 000 pieces / h in B11 punching machine. Finally, it was implemented an integral plan of industrial safety to the permanent and temporary staff of TOPESA S.A.