Bio
Dr. Kennedy A. Osakwe is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager in Occupational Health & Safety at the School of Property, Construction & Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne. He holds multiple advanced degrees including PhD, MSc in Occupational Hygiene, Occupational Health, Occupational Medicine, MPH, MBA, BDS, and is a Chartered Member of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene (CMFOH). He is a member of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH). Dr. Osakwe has published research on noise and air quality risks in oil and gas industry settings in Nigeria.
Experience
Senior Lecturer & Programme Manager – Occupational Health & Safety
0 - 0 • School of Property, Construction & Project ManagementEditors Role
Reviewer
GJMBR
0 - PresentAffiliations
Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists
Member
Member since 0Royal Society of Public Health
Fellow
Member since 0Research
Quantification of Noise and Air Quality Risks at a Crude Oil Flow Station
Background: Occupational and environmental hazards are continually encountered by oil and gas workers in operational facilities. This study thus aimed at quantifying the noise level and air quality parameters within a crude oil flow station in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in one of the crude oil facilities at Escravosin Delta State of Nigeria. A descriptive, crosssectional design was adopted in the study. Area noise measurements were undertaken at 40 locations within and outside the facility using a CEL-485 (serial number 109776). Air quality measurements were undertaken in fourteen (14) locations within the facility using CASELLA Micro dust pro (Dust Monitor) and Multi-Gas Meter. Measured air quality parameters included Oxides of Sulphur (SOx) (ppm), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) (ppm), Carbon Monoxide (CO) (ppm), Carbon dioxide (CO2) (ppm), Particulate matter (SPM) (μg/m3) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) (ppm). Results: While the noise level measured within the facilityranged from 76.8- 111.7 dB(A), measured locations outside the facility ranged from 32.6-69.5 dB (A). Air quality parameters within the facility were found to exceed the limits established by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria. Conclusion: Operation of a functional crude oil flow station simultaneously contributes to noise and air pollution, which are potentially harmful to exposed workers within the facility. The results of this study generated new issues concerning health and safety practices in the oil and gas industry, which could lead to future research. Innovative ways to mitigate the harmful impact of exposure to noise and air pollutants should be deployed concurrently with the operation of a crude oil facility.
Health Impact of Occupational Exposure to Noise – A Mixed Method Assessment
Introduction: Globally, activities in the oil and gas industry are accomplished with the aid of machinery with the potentials to generate high noise levels above 85 dB(A). A visit to a typical crude oil production facility in Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA) revealed noise-producing machinery such as generators, compressors, pumps, fluid, and gas flow, to mention but a few. This study assessed the health risks of exposure to noise in an offshore crude oil installation in Nigeria. Methods: A mixed-method approach was adopted to determine the associated health impacts. While the qualitative approach entailed the administration of questionnaires to exposed workers, the quantitative method involved the audiometric assessment of personnel exposed to noise sources at work the flow station and the statistical analysis of questionnaire sad ministered using the Statistical Programme for Social Science (SPSS) version 18.0 SPSS. Results: Although risk control measures were in place, health surveillance revealed a threshold shift but there was no exceedance of 30 dB (A). Relatedly, there are subjective evidence of Temporary Threshold Shifts (TSS) with symptoms. Conclusion: Exposure to excessive noise levels remains a potential risk in the oil industry despite the robust risk control measures. Though there might not be presentation of hearing loss, there could be health complaints suggestive of Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS). This exposure could be a precursor to Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL), if exposure to excessive noise levels continues without mitigation.
