Physical factors affecting the reliability of rail crane operators

As it is known, load-lifting rail cranes of various models employed as part of Russian Railways repair and recovery trains are high-risk facilities. They normally have large dimensions and powerful engines that generate significant thrust and high energy. The paper examines the effects of harmful occupational factors of physical nature, i.e. industrial noise and vibration on the performance and health of rail crane operators.

Aim. Based on the analysis of the causes of incidents that occurred in the course of operation of rail cranes, generalizing the experimental findings regarding the effects of industrial noise and vibration on crane operators and identifying the correlation between the clinical signs of distress in this category of workers and the levels of the above harmful physical industrial factors.

Methods. Experimental studies and the subsequent evaluation of the effect of industrial noise and vibration generated by the mechanisms of cranes were conducted with the use of an Assistant Total+ noise and vibration analyzer in the course of operation of rail cranes of various models when handling cargo, as well as when crane engines idle. Measurements were conducted at workstations where the operator is to be at during the operation and maintenance of the crane, i.e. the control cabins, operator seat, control handles, near the crane engine.

Results. The paper provides a classification of sources of noise and vibration that affect crane operators, experimental findings regarding the levels of industrial noise, general and local industrial vibration for various models of cranes. Clinical signs of distress are identified, a list is set forth of the most typical occupational health problems for this category of workers.

Conclusions. The paper concludes that the reduction of industrial noise and vibration caused by the mechanisms of rail cranes is a relevant engineering and socioeconomic problem. From the socioeconomic point of view the solution to this problem will allow improving the working conditions of crane operators, while in terms of engineering it will enable higher technical and operational characteristics of crane mechanisms.

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