Industrial Hygiene and Control Measure
Industrial Hygiene and Control Measure
Industrial Hygiene and Control Measure
Classification of Hazards
Chemical Hazards
Harmful chemical compounds in the form of solids, liquids, gases, mists, dusts, fumes, and
vapors exert toxic effects by inhalation (breathing), absorption (through direct contact with the
skin), or ingestion (eating or drinking). Airborne chemical hazards exist as concentrations of
mists, vapors, gases, fumes, or solids. Some are toxic through inhalation and some of them
irritate the skin on contact; some can be toxic by absorption through the skin or through
ingestion, and some are corrosive to living tissue.
The degree of worker risk from exposure to any given substance depends on the nature and
potency of the toxic effects and the magnitude and duration of exposure. Information on the
risk to workers from chemical hazards can be obtained from the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) that OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires be supplied by the manufacturer
or importer to the purchaser of all hazardous materials. The MSDS is a summary of the
important health, safety, and toxicological information on the chemical or the mixture's
ingredients. Other provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard require that all containers
of hazardous substances in the workplace have appropriate warning and identification labels.
Biological Hazards
These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other living organisms that can cause acute and
chronic infections by entering the body either directly or through breaks in the skin. 5
Occupations that deal with plants or animals or their products or with food and food processing
may expose workers to biological hazards. Laboratory and medical personnel also can be
exposed to biological hazards. Any occupations that result in contact with bodily fluids pose a
risk to workers from biological hazards.
In occupations where animals are involved, biological hazards are dealt with by preventing and
controlling diseases in the animal population as well as properly caring for and handling
infected animals. Also, effective personal hygiene, particularly proper attention to minor cuts
and scratches especially on the hands and forearms, helps keep worker risks to a minimum.
In occupations where there is potential exposure to biological hazards, workers should practice
proper personal hygiene, particularly hand washing. Hospitals should provide proper
ventilation, proper personal protective equipment such as gloves and respirators, adequate
infectious waste disposal systems, and appropriate controls including isolation in instances of
particularly contagious diseases such as tuberculosis.
Physical Hazards
These include excessive levels of ionizing and nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, noise,
vibration, illumination, and temperature.
In occupations where there is exposure to ionizing radiation, time, distance, and shielding are
important tools in ensuring worker safety. Danger from radiation increases with the amount of
time one is exposed to it; hence, the shorter the time of exposure the smaller the radiation
danger.
Distance also is a valuable tool in controlling exposure to both ionizing and nonionizing
radiation. Radiation levels from some sources can be estimated by comparing the squares of
the distances between the worker and the source. For example, at a reference point of 10 feet
from a source, the radiation is 1/100 of the intensity at 1 foot from the source.
Shielding also is a way to protect against radiation. The greater the protective mass between a
radioactive source and the worker, the lower the radiation exposure.
In some instances, however, limiting exposure to or increasing distance from certain forms of
nonionizing radiation, such as lasers, is not effective. For example, an exposure to laser
radiation that is faster than the blinking of an eye can be hazardous and would require workers
to be miles from the laser source before being adequately protected. Shielding workers from
this source can be an effective control method.
Noise, another significant physical hazard, can be controlled by various measures. Noise can be
reduced by installing equipment and systems that have been engineered, designed, and built to
operate quietly; by enclosing or shielding noisy equipment; by making certain that equipment is
in good repair and properly maintained with all worn or unbalanced parts replaced; by
mounting noisy equipment on special mounts to reduce vibration; and by installing silencers,
mufflers, or baffles.
Substituting quiet work methods for noisy ones is another significant way to reduce 6 noise-for
example, welding parts rather than riveting them. Also, treating floors, ceilings, and walls with
acoustical material can reduce reflected or reverberant noise. In addition, erecting sound
barriers at adjacent workstations around noisy operations will reduce worker exposure to noise
generated at adjacent workstations.
It is also possible to reduce noise exposure by increasing the distance between the source and
the receiver, by isolating workers in acoustical booths, limiting workers' exposure time to noise,
and by providing hearing protection. OSHA requires that workers in noisy surroundings be
periodically tested as a precaution against hearing loss.
Another physical hazard, radiant heat exposure in factories such as steel mills, can be controlled
by installing reflective shields and by providing protective clothing.
Ergonomic Hazards
The science of ergonomics studies and evaluates a full range of tasks including, but not limited
to, lifting, holding, pushing, walking, and reaching. Many ergonomic problems result from
technological changes such as increased assembly line speeds, adding specialized tasks, and
increased repetition; some problems arise from poorly designed job tasks. Any of those
conditions can cause ergonomic hazards such as excessive vibration and noise, eye strain,
repetitive motion, and heavy lifting problems. Improperly designed tools or work areas also can
be ergonomic hazards. Repetitive motions or repeated shocks over prolonged periods of time
as in jobs involving sorting, assembling, and data entry can often cause irritation and
inflammation of the tendon sheath of the hands and arms, a condition known as carpal tunnel
syndrome.
Ergonomic hazards are avoided primarily by the effective design of a job or jobsite and by
better designed tools or equipment that meet workers' needs in terms of physical environment
and job tasks. Through thorough worksite analyses, employers can set up procedures to correct
or control ergonomic hazards by using the appropriate engineering controls (e.g., designing or
redesigning work stations, lighting, tools, and equipment); teaching correct work practices (e.g.,
proper lifting methods); employing proper administrative controls (e.g., shifting workers among
several different tasks, reducing production demand, and increasing rest breaks); and, if
necessary, providing and mandating personal protective equipment. Evaluating working
conditions from an ergonomics standpoint involves looking at the total physiological and
psychological demands of the job on the worker. Overall, industrial hygienists point out that the
benefits of a well-designed, ergonomic work environment can include increased efficiency,
fewer accidents, lower operating costs, and more effective use of personnel.
In sum, industrial hygiene encompasses a broad spectrum of the working environment. Early in
its history, OSHA recognized industrial hygiene as an integral part of a healthful work setting.
OSHA places a high priority on using industrial hygiene concepts in its health standards and as a
tool for effective enforcement of job safety and health regulations. By recognizing and applying
the principles of industrial hygiene to the work environment, America's workplaces will become
more healthful and safer.
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