HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF WORKING CONDITIONS OF PASSENGER VEHICLE DRIVERS IN A METROPOLIS

Objective: To study the characteristics of the working environment of passenger transport drivers (PTDs) in a metropolis. Methods: The study was conducted at the state unitary enterprises "Avtobus-1", "Avtobus-2", "Avtobus-3", and "Trolleybus-1" of the city of Dushanbe. 223 drivers of AKIA, ISUZU, LiAZ buses and TIU trolleybuses were involved. Studies of noise and vibration levels at workplaces and dust and gas pollution in driver's cabs were carried out. Results: Noise and vibration levels in the AKIA and ISUZU buses were within the normal range. In LiAZ buses, noise and vibration levels exceeded the maximum permissible levels (MPL) by 9 dB and 12.7 dB, respectively. In trolleybuses, these levels were exceeded by 20 dB and 17.3 dB. The dust concentration inside vehicle cabins of all vehicles was 3.9 to 5.75 times higher than the maximum allowable concentration (MAC). The highest dust concentration was noted in the air at the workplaces of LiAZ buses and TIU trolleybuses drivers – 10.4 mg/m3 and 11.5 mg/m3, respectively. The amount of nitric oxide in the breathing zone of AKIA bus drivers was 10.3 mg/m3, and in the cabs of ISUZU buses, it was 10.6 mg/m3. The highest concentrations of nitric oxide were observed in the cabs of LiAZ buses, which exceeded the MAC by 2.7 times. All vehicles' carbon monoxide concentration was 1.4 to 2.3 times the MAC. Conclusion: Noise and vibration levels are increased in older vehicles, while they correspond to the norms in new generation buses. A significant MAC excess of dust and harmful gases in the buses and trolleybuses cabs, especially during the hot season, is mainly due to the attitude of PTDs in Dushanbe, who fail to comply with the driver's cabin sealing recommendations. Keywords: Passenger vehicles, noise, vibration, gas contamination and dustiness of the air.