HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AMONG PETROL STATION WORKERS IN PHATTHALUNG PROVINCE

Abstract

            The objective of this research was to assess the health risks of fuel service stations employees via BTEX exposure from 8 stations in Phatthalung. The data were collected using a questionnaire which was divided into 4 parts:  personal information, health information, Symptoms and abnormalities arising from work and behavior related to exposure at work. Regarding Health risk assessment, it was analyzed using risk matrix (the likelihood and impact). 47 Petrol Station Workers in Muang, Phatthalung Province were choose by purposive sampling. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The results showed that some employees had symptoms as headaches, dizziness, fatigue in the mild level (23.4%) and had vision, nausea/vomiting, cramps and blurred symptoms for moderate levels (8.5%). The behavior related to BTEX exposure of the workers are at a good level indicating to a good behavior of self-protective, and ingestion, inhalation and skin exposure. Moreover, the workers do not smoke and consume alcohol beverages in the work area. The workers also wear a face covering and long pants while working and then changed clothes and take a shower immediately after work every time. As a result, the health risk assessment was at a low level. However, these finding recommend the workers have annual health check-up program for health surveillance program.