| 1. |
- Almén, Lena, et al.
(author)
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The Influence of the Designer on the Risk of Falling from Heights and of Exposure to Excessive Workloads on two Contruction Sites
- 2012
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In: Safety Science Monitor. - 1443-8844. ; 16:1, s. 2-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Workers on construction sites are exposed to an excessive risk of being injured at work. This study identifies occupational hazards on two construction sites – hazards that were related to the design of the building – and undertakes an analysis of the basis upon which related design decisions were made.Risks of falling from heights were related to the shape of the building. Risks related to an excessive workload were related to the weight of building products and possibilities to use equipment to avoid manual transports.The hazards were discussed at focus group meetings. During these meetings, the participants showed an increased understanding of safety issues in the project, each other's views and difficulties, and their own ability to facilitate acceptable risk levels for others.Some hazards were not foreseen during the design and planning phase. According to the architects, their knowledge about construction methods was not sufficient to predict hazards related to the shape of the building.Other hazards were foreseen, though considered to be primarily the contractor's responsibility. Consultants in the design and planning phase, on behalf of the client, were focused on quality, time schedule and economy, more than on occupational safety. There were building products on the market which were designed to fulfil functional regulatory requirements and requests from consumers, but not sufficient enough to ensure that they could be handled without exposure to an excessive workload. The demands and routines in the project did not ensure that project-specific hazard information was given to the contractor.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Carlsson-Kanyama, Annika, et al.
(author)
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Odla under tak i eller nära bostaden
- 2014
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Within a project called “The sustainable greenhouse as a complement to buildings” financed by the Delegation of sustainable cities in Sweden, researchers, consultants and students have during 2013 developed, tested and evaluated various solutions for cultivating under roofs in or close to dwellings. We included solutions such as cultivating a plot in a rooftop greenhouse, a circular cultivation balcony or to cultivate in one’s kitchen or living room using a fish and vegetable furniture, a green wall, a green lamp or a green frame attached to the wall. The practical trials were preceded by a literature survey that described good examples of cultivation under roofs in various cities around the world.The results show that here are many inspiring examples of cultivating under roofs in cities and that such cultivation has gained some momentum. Our practical trials show among others that urban agriculture seems challenging and appealing for many but that the solutions that we have tested seem to be too expensive and partly also too time-consuming. Those who like to cultivate do so because it is fun and they can get products of good quality. To lessen the environmental impacts are also a reason but here our results that productivity in urban farming has to be higher than in our trials in order for the products to be considered as “climate-friendly”. Growing fish at home showed to be rather unpopular and many thought that slaughtering the fish by themselves would be nasty. Others results from the project are a water cooled LED lamp built in four copies and successfully installed in a fish and vegetable production unit as well as drawings and costs estimates for a cultivation bench.Proposals for further studies include analysis of flight and nutrient requirements for cultivation under roofs in cities as well as measurements of productivity. More low cost solutions for cultivating under glass should also be developed. To expand and maintain interest and knowledge for cultivation under roofs in cities is not only important for increasing social sustainability and eventually the environmental one as well but also because of the need to enhance preparedness.
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| 4. |
- Hallberg, Sven-Erik, et al.
(author)
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Anti-Skid Treatment Tests with Glucose, Fructose and Unrefined Sugar
- 2007
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Over the past ten years, salt consumption for de-icing treatment on Swedish roads has been halved from approximately 400,000 tons to some 200,000 tons per year. This is largely a result of preventive measures with salt solution, which entails significantly smaller salt doses than in the case of dry and moistened salt. The purpose of the investigation has been to conduct tests with a salt solution in combination with glucose/fructose/refined sugar in order to determine whether a certain amount of the salt solution can be replaced by a product containing these substances and the kind of technical and environmental effects the mixture would have. The introductory trials, which were performed on an airport landing strip 2004/2005 gave experience of value, regarding friction coefficients etc, to continued testing. Field tests have been carried out the winter season 2005/2006. The fact that salt will continue to play an important role in anti-freeze treatment is borne out by the testing. The investigation has shown that it is possible to use a mixture of the salt solution that is today used for anti-freeze treatment together with a glucose/fructose product and maintain safety friction conditions. Exactly how large the sugar solution is and its concentration should be further studied through continued airfield trials and as well as on a section of road used by traffic. The results from the recent season as using mixtures of 75% salt and 25% sugar as well as trials on 50/50 base, looks promising. The sugar part of the solution can not melt ice but delay freezing. The product should be looked upon as a complement to salt as it leads to a lower freezing-point of the solution. Friction measurements Cost The analysis does not contain any form of financial evaluation in year one as to the cost of the solution or the value of reduced salt attack on the vehicle fleet. Since the mixtures have been produced manually and on a small scale, practical handling of the mixtures on a larger scale is included in the investigation in the winter season 2005/2006. The products environmental impact on corrosion, concrete, animal life and plant life have been studied. Oxygen is consumed in the breakdown of glucose/fructose/unrefined sugar. The breaking down of glucose/fructose/unrifined sugar by micro-organisms is influenced by the presence of toxic substances such as metals and salts and should be studied both in the field and in the laboratory. Furthermore, the oxygen consumption in recipients should be studied.
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| 5. |
- Idenfors, Annika, et al.
(author)
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När det brister : En studie av dammsäkehet och säkerhetsarbete mot översvämningar längs Skellefte- och Umeälven
- 2012
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Denna rapport sammanfattar resultat från en studie om dammsäkerhet och säkerhetsarbete mot översvämningar längs två reglerade älvar i Västerbotten. Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur dammsäkerhetsarbetet, när det gäller dammbrott, säkerhetsarbete mot översvämningar och incidenter relaterade till nyttjandet av älvarna, är organiserat och fungerar längs Skellefte- och Umeälven. Övriga älvar i länet samt gruvdammar ingår inte i undersökningen. Det ansvar som Statens geotekniska institut (SGI), Sveriges meteorologiska och hydrologiska institut (SMHI), försvarsmakten, Boverket, Vägverket och polisen har för att förebygga och agera i samband med översvämningar behandlas inte heller i studien.Rapporten baseras på en litteraturöversikt rörande den senaste forskningen på området, dokumentstudier, intervjuer med säkerhetsansvariga vid Länsstyrelsen Västerbotten, Umeå, Vännäs, Lycksele och Skellefteå kommun, samt två vattenregleringsföretag.Studien tar sin utgångspunkt i begreppet mänsklig säkerhet och analyserar dammsäkerhet och säkerhetsarbete utifrån ett sociotekniskt perspektiv. Det innebär att varje teknisk konstruktion, varje tekniskt system, såsom vattenkraftverk och dammar, där olika tekniska instrument används för att kontrollera och reglera vattenflöden och producera elektricitet, också utgör sociala system. Det innebär att rapporten uppmärksammar deltagande och delaktighet som en central aspekt av säkerhetsarbetet.Utifrån resultaten drar studien följande slutsatser:Dammsäkerhetsarbetet och säkerhetsarbetet mot översvämningar längs Skellefte- och Umeälven uppvisar brister ifråga om resurser, kompetens och insyn.Dammsäkerhetsarbetet inkluderar inte allmänhetens säkerhet vid och på dammar (public safety around dams).Det finns oklarheter rörande vem som har ansvar för dammsäkerhet och för säkerhetsarbete mot översvämningar.Dammsäkerhetsarbetet i Västerbotten inkluderar endast i begränsad omfattning sociala aspekter, lokal kunskap tas inte tillvara, och allmänhet och rättighetsinnehavare ignoreras i stor utsträckning i säkerhetsarbetet.Det är generellt svårt att bedöma effekter av säkerhetsarbetet kring dammar och längs älvarna, men klart är att pågående säkerhetsarbete, i form av till exempel enskilda projekt och övningar, ökar kunskaperna om risker och ansvar, samt stärker samverkan mellan olika aktörer.Dammsäkerhet uppfattas främst handla om tekniska konstruktioner medan människa-maskin- natur och mellanmänskliga och organisatoriska säkerhetsaspekter hamnar i skymundan.
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| 6. |
- Ilskog, Elisabeth, 1965-
(author)
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And Then They Lived Sustainably Ever After? : Experiences from Rural Electrification in Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya
- 2008
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Accelerating the introduction of basic, clean energy services is seen as a key strategy for promoting sustainable development in rural areas. Still, many people worldwide lack access to modern energy such as electricity, and Africa lags behind other developing regions of the world. Support to rural electrification is therefore given high priority by the national governments and donor organisations. There is a trend to encourage the involvement of other actors than national utilities for implementation of rural electrification. At the same time, it is required that the activities shall contribute to sustainable development. The objective of the work presented in this thesis has been to reach increased knowledge on the impact from organisational factors on project sustainability, and to examine whether rural electrification implemented by private entrepreneurs or other non-governmental organisations contribute more effectively to sustainable development than the conventional approach where rural electrification is the responsibility of a government utility. A key activity of the research work has been to improve and develop the present methodologies used for evaluations, as to attain a more functional in-field evaluation method. The thesis presents findings from seven rural electrification cases in Eastern and Southern Africa and shows how these can be used to illustrate different dimensions of sustainability by means of indicators. The evaluation indicates that the national utilities perform better from a social/ethical perspective, whereas the private organisations and the community-based organisations manage their client-relation issues in a more sustainable way. In addition, a literature survey shows that among stakeholders there are a number of “concepts-taken-for-granted” as regards to rural electrification. These are not supported by the findings from the seven cases. The observed deviations between expectations and realities can obstruct the development as decision-makers may have unrealistic expectations when planning for new electrification activities. Instead, activities have to be implemented with the empirical reality in mind. By doing so the ambiguities, complexities and all the paradoxes of rural electrification can hopefully be better managed. The study has been funded by The Swedish International Development Agency, Department for Research Cooperation (SAREC), and Ångpanneföreningen’s Foundation for Research and Development (ÅFORSK).
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| 7. |
- Ilskog, Elisabeth, et al.
(author)
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Functionality aspects on indicators of public health : A study on access to infrastructural services by a group of female-headed household in Vingunguti, Dar es Saalam
- 2011
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In: Safety Science Monitor. - Stockholm. - 1443-8844. ; 15:3, s. art 8-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AbstractA public health case study in the informal settlement of Vingunguti, Dar es Salaam, organised for a small group of female household-heads to document aspects of the infrastructural services with the help of photo eliciting and compared this to the results of a traditional socio-economic survey, previously implemented in the area.It is argued that, in the case of Vinguguti, major problems concerning infrastructure such as the sewage dam and the function of services, could not be properly described by traditional indicators. The study showed that there is a need for an increased focus on functionality and accessibility, dimensions not covered by indicators commonly utilised.Key words: Indicators, infrastructure, informal settlements, Tanzania
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| 8. |
- Ilskog, Elisabeth, et al.
(author)
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Study on access to services in peoples settlements : Interdisciplinary perspectives on infrastructure issues in Kenya and Tanzania
- 2010
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Informal settlements (slum-areas) are often considered a transient phenomenon and an outcome from economic hardship which will ease once the national economy improves. This has however proven to be a myth rather than reality. Instead, different forms of informal settlements in and around cities are constantly growing worldwide. Access and affordability to infrastructure services such as water, sanitation, energy and communication is essential for sustainable development and poverty eradication. Even so, the living conditions for people in these areas are far below an acceptable level. This report presents the result from a study on infrastructural issues in informal settlements in East Africa. The aim of the study was to identify indicators within the infrastructural sector that are of special concern for vulnerable groups, such as female-headed households. An additional aim was to apply and test a method for participatory documentation – photo eliciting. The study targeted two informal settlements: Kibera in Nairobi, and Vingunguti in Dar es Salaam, where Vingunguti was selected for the implementation of a field study. In the study 18 female-headed households were interviewed, each of them equipped with a disposable camera with which they were asked to document the problems of their everyday life. The photos were developed and used as a base for individual discussions. In addition, one focus-group discussion was held with 6 (1/3) of the femaleheaded households. The implementation of the study was made using as reference, a previously implemented mapping survey of the settlement. From the study, it is clearly seen that the use of indicators is crucial to get an overview of infrastructural conditions in a settlement. However, indicators can fail to acknowledge problems for vulnerable groups. In the case of Vinguguti, major problems concerning infrastructure such as the sewage dams, an abattoir, and a city dump could not be properly described by traditional indicators. Instead there is a need of increased focus on functionality and accessibility, a dimension not covered by indicators commonly utilised today. Also, photo eliciting is proposed as a way of visualising the every-day life, and a tool for increased participation by the respondents in a study. In addition, photo eliciting of infrastructure shows how interrelated the different issues are. The result from the study clearly illustrates the awareness of the respondents of health implications due to inadequate infrastructure (e.g. no water-dust problems-bronchitis-expensive drugs; rain emptied latrines-bad water quality-stomach problems etc) although they lack the resources to do something about it. This is contrary to other studies, where it is stated that there is a low awareness among residents with regards to these issues. Photo eliciting may also be a way of bridging gaps between the researcher as interviewer and the poor dweller as the interviewee. Lastly, by implementing photo eliciting as a supplemental methodology, the task of definition and interpretation of questions/answers can be easier addressed. The hypothesis of the study was based on the presumption that the specific need of access to infrastructure faced by vulnerable groups in informal settlements is not entirely met by on-going development activities. While this is true, it is not likely that the design of planned infrastructural programmes for informal settlements of Dar es Salaam or Nairobi had been very much different if the perspective of the women included in the study had been fully included. Many poor people are living in informal settlements of Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, and the measures proposed in Action Plans etc., based on results from socio-economic surveys previously referred to, can therefore still be assessed to be suitable from a perspective of reaching the majority of people inhabiting these areas. The study was implemented during 2008-2009 by KTH, School of Environment and Heath, Centre for Health and Building, in corporation with the University of Dar es Salaam, Sociological Department. The project was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Department for Research Corporation (SAREC).
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| 9. |
- Johansson Thunqvist, Eva-Lotta, et al.
(author)
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Airborne spreading and deposition of de-icing salt : A case study
- 1999
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In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 235:1-3, s. 161-168
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study it was concluded that between 20 and 63% of the de-icing salt applied on the road was transported by air and deposited on the ground 2-40 m from the road. The reason for the higher percentages is suggested to be intense snowfall, which leads to more splash generation and ploughing. Ninety percent or more of the total deposition occurs within 20 m at all transects. For all periods and both localities the deposition was greater on the east side of the road, which reflects the prevailing westerly winds in relation to the de-icing action occasions.
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| 10. |
- Johansson Thunqvist, Eva-Lotta, et al.
(author)
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Factors regulating the air-borne spreading of pollutants from roads
- 1998
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In: The Xth International PIARC Winter Road Congress. - London : PTRC Education and Research Services Ltd. ; , s. 459-468
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pollutants from roads are spread by mechanisms such as splash, spray and ploughing. In this study, the spreading was studied at two locations where information on the local weather was available and the amount of salt applied on the road could be obtained. When comparing the deposition of Na, Ca, K and Mg, the road-related gradient is obvious; the increase of sodium in the containers closest to the road is sometimes more than 1000-fold, and the increase of the other cations 10 - 100 fold. Also during a period of no de-icing the deposition of cations is higher towards the road. The deposition of Na is related to the amount of road salt applied, and also to wind and type and amount of precipitation. The increase of other cations could be an effect of weathering and/or ion-exchange on the fresh surfaces of the road.
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