Occupational hazards and control measures in two lithium-ion battery manufacturing companies

Objective To investigate the characteristics of occupational hazards in two lithium-ion vehicle-power battery manufacturing industries and evaluate the effectiveness of present control measures. Methods The occupational hazards were surveyed and the potential effects of these occupational exposures on workers' health were evaluated by the analysis of occupational surveillance data. Results The occupational hazards in lithium-ion vehicle-power battery manufacturing industries included lithium iron phosphate dust,activated carbon dust,graphite dust,aluminium oxide dust,iron oxide dust,nickel and its inorganic compounds,polyvinylidene fluoride,manganese and its inorganic compounds, N-Methylpyrrolidone,alcohol,copper fumes,lithium hexafluorophosphate,ethylene carbonate,propylene carbonate, noise,and power frequency electric field. The levels of those hazards were lower than the national exposure limits. The occupational surveillance data showed that the current exposure had no effect on workers' health status. Conclusion The classification of occupational hazards in lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry was ranked as severe according to the national guideline,however,the present control measures were effective to protect workers' health. But the regular and periodical examination should be done to ensure that these measures be forever effective.