Electrical and Geotechnical Properties of Soils around Electrical Power Transformers

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Electrical and Geotechnical Properties of Soils around Electrical Power Transformers

ELECTRICAL AND GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS AROUND ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSFORMERS

1Odoh, F.E., 1Asibeluo, U.N. and 2*Akpokodje, O.I.

1Department of Electrical Engineering, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, NIGERIA

2Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, NIGERIA

*corresponding author: akpokodjeo@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Geophysical investigation of the soil was embarked upon in this research, to evaluate the effects of power transformer oil spill on the immediate environment. The impact of electrical transformer oil on the soil’s heavy metals content (lead “Pb”, Cadmium “Cd” and zinc “Cd), geotechnical properties (Atterberg limits) and electrical resistivity, were determined using standard procedures. Findings obtained from the laboratory tests signified that the oil significantly increased the soil’s Pb, Zn, Cd content, and the soil’s electrical resistivity. Remarkably, the soil liquid limit “LL”, plasticity index “PI” and plastic limit “PL”, declined in an uneven pattern with an increase in oil pollution rate. In the soil specimens sampled from the vicinities of the transformers, the Cd content ranged from 0.23 – 1.42 mg/kg, Pb content ranged from 21 – 35 mg/kg, and Zn concentration ranged from 17 – 36 mg/kg. It was also observed from the contaminated soil samples that LL values varied from 40.51 – 53.63%, PL values ranged from 19.88 – 23.88%, and the PI values varied between 19.7 and 32.32%; while the control site’s soil had LL, PL and PI values of 59.23%, 25.27% and 28.96% respectively. Regarding soil electrical resistivity, the transformer oil impacted soil samples developed resistivity that varied from 374 Ωm to 877 Ωm; which were higher than the resistivity value of 284 Ωm recorded for the reference point’s soil. The increase in the soil resistivity of the contaminated soil, poses a momentous threat to the transformer’s grounding structure. Results obtained from this research revealed the necessity for regular monitoring of the electrical distribution installations to enhance their working conditions.

Keywords: Electrical installation, health hazards, heavy metals, oil pollution, soil properties.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Standard Precautions among Selected Health Care Workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AMONG SELECTED HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

1Mbenyi, Oluchi Edith, 2E. A. Nwoke and 3C.O.A. Amadi.

1, 2&3Department of Public Health

Federal University of Technology, Owerri,

Imo State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Background: This research study centered towards determining the knowledge, attitude and practice of standard precautions among selected health care workers in the University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The specific objectives are; to assess the level of knowledge of standard precaution among health care workers, ascertain the attitude of health care workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State towards standard precautions and to determine the level of practice of standard precaution. Related literature was reviewed.

Methods: Descriptive survey design was employed in this study. Out of the 400 selected health workers, Taro Yamane sample size determination was used to sample 200.  A well-structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as mean, and frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze all the objectives. Chi-Square was used to analyze the hypotheses posed to the study.

Results: The result revealed that there were more females (67.5%) who participated in the studies than the male counterparts (32.5%). Majority (42.0%) of the respondents were still within their mid age of 30 – 39 years, followed by 26% who were within the age range of 40 – 49 years of age. Furthermore, the study showed that all participants (100%) had at one time or the other had previous knowledge of standard precaution as a concept in the health care system. However, their sources of information varied from formal training (65%), colleague/friend (26%), media (5.5) and other means (3.5%). Also, the respondents opined that every employer in the health care system should as a matter of utmost importance make provision for training on standard precautions. They believed that standard precaution is helpful in the protection against health hazards in workplace ( = 3.40). Some (50%) thought that recap of needle after use is a safe way to prevent needle injury and transmission of diseases.  Safety measures agreed by the respondents 98% include disposal of needle and syringe immediately after use. Methods of needle disposal in UPTH include the use of waste bin (50.5%) and enclose and burn (60%). The calculated value (76.23) and table value (9.48) which mean that we do have sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant impact of knowledge of standard precaution on practice.

Conclusion: The study showed that all participants (100%) had at one time or the other had previous knowledge of standard precaution as a concept in the health care system. This study revealed that the health care workers in UPTH has positive attitude towards standard precaution. In order to promote good standard precaution and mitigate the risk of hospital acquired infections, it is necessary for health authorities in Nigeria to institute policies that make it compulsory to establish IPAC (infection control and prevention) committees in all hospitals.

Keywords: Health Care system, Health hazards, Standard Precaution, Rivers State, University Teaching Hospital.

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