Nanotechnology in Fire Protection—Application and Requirements

Nanotechnology is used, to an increasing extent, in practically every aspect of the economy and society. One area where nanotechnology is constantly advancing is fire protection. Nanostructures are found in elements used in direct protection, such as in protective clothing, filters, and helmets. Solutions in the field of nanotechnology are also used in elements reducing the fire risk and increasing the fire safety, such as building materials and structures, paints, coatings, or fire safety equipment (e.g., fire detectors). However, new solutions may also pose a threat to the safety of people and the environment. As a result of operation or combustion and degradation processes, the emission of nano-substances with toxic properties may occur. Therefore, knowledge in this field is necessary, as it allows for the appropriate targeting and use of nanotechnology.

Conservation conditions of chainsaws and electric chainsaws and safety of the farmers who operate these machines

The increasing use of chainsaws in rural areas has demanded the health of rural producers who operate these machines. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the conservation conditions of chainsaws with a 2-stroke Otto Cycle engine and check if they meet NR12 Annex V, as well as confirm whether users meet NR31 in terms of training for use. With the aid of a questionnaire and visits to farms, 103 chainsaws were verified in six municipalities in the central region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. After organizing the data in an electronic spreadsheet, descriptive statistics and canonical correlation were performed. The questions were divided into four groups, namely: operational, mandatory machine safety equipment, cutting set, and engine. The conservation condition of the machines was seen as worrisome. This is because it was found that 66.01% of machines did not have a saber guard and 49.51% of these were worn out. In addition, 97.08% of the producers did not take a chainsaw operation course, and 85.44% reported not using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), therefore, in disagreement with the NR6, NR12 Annex V, and NR31 standards. It was clear the need for the operators to carry out training on the safe use and handling of chainsaws.

K3 training for the safety of fishermen in Muara Pantuan Village, Anggana District

This community service aims to provide occupational safety training (K3) to fishermen in Muara Pantuan Village, Anggana District. Based on the observations, it was found that fishermen do not understand and aware of the implementation of K3 when carrying out their activities. Based on this condition, it can pose a risk that endangers the lives of the fishermen. The activity was carried out on 8-9 July 2021 through the training and demonstrations on the use of safety equipment from the community service teams. In addition, community service teams also provided assistance in the form of safety jackets that can be used during fishing activities at sea. Through this Community Service (PkM), fishermen will be aware of the importance of using K3 tools, especially during activities at sea.

Self-reported Motorcycle Riding Behavior in Southeast of Iran

Background: Motorcyclists are among the greatest vulnerable individuals of road accident victims. Their behavior has a significant correlation with increased injury and mortality rate. Determining the risky and unsafe behaviors of motorcycle drivers is necessary for preventing riders and other citizen from potential accident risks. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the risky driving behaviors of motorcyclists in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 2019 in Sistan and Baluchestan Province as the second widest province of Iran. Using randomized sampling method, we included 613 motorcyclists from the province. To collect data, the Persian version of Motorcycle Riding Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ), as a standard questionnaire, was used. For data analysis, descriptive and analytical statistics such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, and linear regression were used by SPSS software version 21. Results: The age range of 57% of the motor riders was 15 - 30 years, and 50% of them did not use any safety equipment. About 58% of the subjects had started motorcycle riding under 18 years old, and 73% of them did not have a motorcycle riding license. Moreover, more than 50% of motorcyclists used mobile phones while driving. The mean score of driving behavior (106 ± 22) was desirable. Based on multivariate analysis, job, average amount of riding, lacking a riding license, type of motor, alert from police, non-fasting helmet band, exceeding speed limits, fatigue, and hand-free riding were the main predictors of risky riding score (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to our results, the riding behavior of motorcyclists was desirable; however, many people used motorcycles without a license and safety equipment, which increases high-risk behaviors. Considering the potential dangers of motor riders, it seems necessary to hold training courses to obtain motorcycle certification and how to use safety equipment.

Shape-Memory Properties of 3D Printed Cubes from Diverse PLA Materials with Different Post-Treatments

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) belongs to the 3D printable materials which show shape-memory properties, i.e., which can recover their original shape after a deformation if they are heated above the glass transition temperature. This makes PLA quite an interesting material for diverse applications, such as bumpers, safety equipment for sports, etc. After investigating the influence of the infill design and degree, as well as the pressure orientation on the recovery properties of 3D printed PLA cubes in previous studies, here we report on differences between different PLA materials as well as on the impact of post-treatments after 3D printing by solvents or by heat. Our results show not only large differences between materials from different producers, but also a material-dependent impact of the post treatments. Generally, it is possible to tailor the mechanical and recovery properties of 3D printed PLA parts by choosing the proper material in combination with a chemical or temperature post-treatment.

Analysis of Ship Noise Characteristics Generated According to Sailing Conditions of the G/T 1000-ton Stern Fishing Trawler

In this study, we conducted onboard noise measurement experiments under the conditions of anchoring, sailing, casting, and hauling to determine whether noise generated in the G/T 1000-ton fishing trawler triggers zone-specific effects upon vessel operation. It was shown that most accommodation areas of the trawler comfortably met the IMO acceptance criteria regardless of the sailing condition, but most of the stern area, where the fishing actually occurs, exceeded the permitted limit of 75 dB (A). Furthermore, the statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) only in the bow and the stern, which are both open areas. In the case of the former, improvements were deemed possible due to the influence of the fluid emission noise from the seawater piping in the bow, and the acceptance criteria were also appropriate. However, in the case of the latter, a significant difference was seen in hauling conditions, and on-site analysis confirmed frictional noise from hydraulic oil in the trawl winch and between the chains and the metal hull, leading to the conclusion that various improvements are required, such as the mandatory wearing of safety equipment by workers and stricter legal standards for permitted noise levels.

Injuries and Use of Safety Equipment in Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Background: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport that has gained in popularity. Still, very little is known about its injury profile. Purpose: To analyze the incidence, mechanisms, and risk factors for SUP-related injuries in mainly calm waters and the use of safety equipment. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The authors distributed an online survey that gathered information on characteristics, injury history over the past 12 months, use of (safety) equipment, and health issues of SUP riders in German-speaking countries. Results: A total of 438 participants completed the survey. The mean participant age was 45 years (range, 8-82 years), 48% were female athletes, and 19.6% took part in competitions. Over the past 12 months, 72 (17%) of 431 respondents experienced a SUP-related injury, resulting in an overall incidence rate (IR) of 1.95 injuries per 1000 hours of activity. Male competitive athletes using a hardboard had the highest risk of injury. The IR for competitive riders was higher (3.21 injuries per 1000 hours) than that for recreational riders (1.41 injuries per 1000 hours). Mechanisms of injury were overuse (n = 29) and contact with the board (n = 18) or ground (n = 12). Injuries affected mainly muscles/tendons and joints of the upper arm/shoulder (n = 20), followed by wrist/hand (n = 18), knee (n = 16), elbow/forearm (n = 12), and foot (n = 11). The highest risk of injury occurred when paddling in wild water (33.3%), followed by SUP surfing (29.4%), and the lowest risk occurred while paddling on a lake (16.1%). A life vest was always used by 27, depending on the situation by 201, and never by 202 participants; a leash was always used by 161, depending on the situation by 244, and never by 26 participants. Of the 272 participants who paddled in winter, 253 wore a drysuit or wetsuit, whereas 19 paddled without any special clothing. Conclusion: SUP-related injuries predominantly happened in wild water or while SUP surfing, and male competitive athletes using a hardboard had the highest risk of injury. The main mechanisms of injury were overuse and hitting the board or ground. The upper extremity was more prone to injury, followed by the knee and foot. More effort should be made to educate paddlers on the necessity and correct use of the life vest, leash, and specialized outfits.