Module

Industrial
Hygiene

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 Module 3 - Industrial Hygiene

Learning Content:
• potential occupational health hazards in the workplace.
• process of evaluating the different hazards in the workplace through Work
Environment Measurement (WEM), including the instruments used and the
standards to be observed
• concept of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and interpret their numerical values.

Learning Outcomes:
• Identify the potential occupational health hazards in the workplace.
• Explain the process of evaluating the different hazards in the workplace
through Work Environment Measurement (WEM), including the
instruments used and the standards to be observed
• Identify the concept of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and interpret
their numerical values

This module aims to introduce to the processes involved in identifying and

recognizing occupational health hazards in the work environment and help do this in
a systematic manner. It will also help to go through the process of evaluating such
hazards through the Work Environment Measurement (WEM) which objectively
assesses the level of workplace hazards through the use of different industrial hygiene
equipment.

Industrial hygiene is “the science and art devoted to the recognition, evaluation and
control of environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which
may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort
and inefficiency among workers or citizens of the community.”
Source: Theory and rationale of industrial hygiene practice: Patty’s industrial hygiene and
toxicology,p. 14

Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety
of people at work and in their communities.

Implementing industrial hygiene practices such as exposure assessment and instituting

control measures to minimize occupational accidents and diseases and their costs as
well as enhance productivity.

Industrial hygiene is interconnected with the different aspects of work – research and
development, production, medical/health, safety and management.

Recognition of occupational health hazards

A. Classification of occupational health hazards

The various environmental stresses or hazards, otherwise known as occupational
health hazards can be classified as chemical, physical, biological, or ergonomic.

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1. Chemical Hazards. Occupational health hazards arise from inhaling chemical
agents in the form of vapors, gases, dusts, fumes, and mists, or by skin contact
with these materials. The degree of risk of handling a given substance depends
on the magnitude and duration of exposure.
a. Gases are substances in gaseous state are airborne at room temperature.
Examples are chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, phosgene and formaldehyde.
b. Vapour results when substances that are liquid at room temperature
evaporate. Examples are the components of organic solvents such as
benzene, toluene, acetone, and xylene.
c. Mist is a fine particles of a liquid float in air (particle size of 5 to 100 um
approximately. Examples: nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
d. Dust is a solid harmful substances are ground, cut or crushed by mechanical
actions and fine particles float in air (particle size of about 1 to 150 um).
Examples are metal dusts and asbestos.
e. Fume is a gas (such as metal vapor) condensed in air, chemically changed
and becomes fine solid particles which float in air (particles size of about 0.1
to 1 um). Examples are oxides generated from molten metal such as
cadmium oxide, beryllium oxide, etc.

2. Physical Hazards. Problems relating to such things as extremes of temperature,

heat stress, vibration, radiation, abnormal air pressure, illumination, noise, and
vibration are physical stresses. It is important that the employer, supervisor, and
those responsible for safety and health are on guard to these hazards due to
the possible immediate or cumulative effects on the health of the employees.
a. Extreme temperature. Extreme temperatures (extreme heat and extreme
cold) affect the amount of work that people can do and the manner in
which they do it. In industry, the problem is more often high temperatures
rather than low temperatures.
Heat stress may be experienced by workers exposed to excessive heat
arising from work.
Heat can be internally generated from internal body sources or external
work factors such as radiation, and hot surfaces of equipment and tools.
Internally generated heat is a product of the processes that occur within the
cells, tissues and organs in the body.
The factors influencing heat stress include:
• Air Temperature - known as the ambient room temperature.
• Air Humidity - the amount of water vapor or moisture content of the air.
• Air Velocity - the rate at which air moves and is important in heat
exchange between the human body and the environment. because of
its role in convective and evaporative heat transfer. Air movement cools
the body by convection, the moving air removes the air film or the
saturated air (which is formed very rapidly by evaporation of sweat) and
replaces it with a fresh air layer, capable of accepting more moisture
from the skin.
• Radiant Temperature - the thermal load of solar and infrared radiation in
the human body.

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 • Clothing – working clothes style/design/mode and the type of
fabric can affect the body heat temperature.
• Physical Workload - may be categorized as light, moderate, or
heavy depending on the task or job activity carried out by the
worker.
• Light - work-sitting or standing to control machines.
• Moderate work - walking about, moderate lifting and
pushing
• Heavy work – intense work of the extremities and trunk.

Cold stress. Workers exposed to extreme cold or work in cold

environments such as those in ice plants or refrigerated workplaces may
be at risk of cold stress.

Refrigerants such as ammonia, methyl chloride and halogenated

hydrocarbons used in freezing and cold storage bring risks of poisoning
and chemical burns. Ammonia and other refrigerants such as propane,
butane, ethane and ethylene, though less frequently used are
flammable and explosive chemicals. Monitoring and evaluation of
these chemicals is highly recommended when working in cold storage
and refrigerating plants. (Reference: Encyclopedia of Health and
Safety)

b. Radiation
Electromagnetic waves are produced by the motion of electrically
charged particles. These waves are also called “electromagnetic radiation”
because they radiate from the electrically charged particles. They travel
through empty space as well as through air and can penetrate some other
substances. Radio waves, microwaves, visible light and X-rays are all
examples of electromagnetic waves.

The electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into two at a wavelength of

about 10 nm, which distinguishes NON-IONIZING RADIATION and IONIZING
RADIATION. Visible light, infrared and microwaves are types of non-ionizing
radiation. X-rays and Gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation. The
distinction between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation is simply one of
associated energy. For the ionizing region of the electromagnetic spectrum,
the energy incident upon a material is large enough to remove an electron
from an atom orbit to produce ionization, whereas for the non-ionizing
region the energy is not normally sufficient to produce ion pairs.
Types of Non-Ionizing Radiation
1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
2. Infrared (IR) Radiation
3. Laser Radiation
4. Microwave Radiation

Effects of Non ionizing radiation

Ozone may be produced as a result of electrical discharges or ionization of
the air surrounding non-ionizing radiation sources, e.g. UV, high power laser,
microwave and short duration exposure in excess of a few tenths ppm can

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 result in discomfort (headache, dryness of mucuous membranes and
throat).

c. Extreme pressure. It has been recognized as from the beginning of caisson

work (work performed in a watertight structure) that men working under
pressures greater than at a normal atmospheric one, are subject to various
illnesses connected with the job. Hyperbaric (greater than normal pressures)
environments are also encountered by divers operating under water,
whether by holding the breath while diving, breathing from a self-
contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), or by breathing gas
mixtures supplied by compression from the surface.

Occupational exposures occur in caisson or tunneling operations, where a

compressed gas environment is used to exclude water or mud and to
provide support for structures. Man can withstand large pressures due to the
free access of air to the lungs, sinuses, and middle ear.

d. Inadequate illumination. The measure of the stream of light falling on a

surface is known as illumination. The key aspects of illumination include lux,
luminance, reflectance, glare and sources of lighting.

Key aspects of illumination:

• Lux - unit of measurement.
• Luminance - measure of light coming from a source
• Reflectance - ability of a surface to return light.
• Glare is caused by bright light sources which can be seen by
looking in the range from straight-ahead to 450 above the
horizontal. There are two types of glare: direct and reflected.

* Direct Glare is produced when light is positioned at the surface. It

can be prevented by correct installation of lighting fittings,
installing louvers below the light source, enclosing the lamps in
bowl reflectors, and opaque or prismatic shades.
* Reflected Glare is produced when light is reflected off a shiny
surface. It may be addressed by providing indirect lighting.

Sources of light
There are two sources of light:
• Daylight, also called natural light depends on the availability at the
location and weather condition.
• Electric Light can come from:
* Incandescent lamps or bulbs
* Fluorescent lamps or tubes
* High intensity discharge or mercury

Types of Lighting
Illumination can also be viewed in terms of:
• General lighting illuminating the entire premises
• Local lighting directing light on a particular object that you are
working with.

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 Factors in determining the quantity of light:
• Nature of work - more light will be required if one is working with
small objects.
• Environment - the ability of the surrounding surfaces to reflect light.
• Eyesight of the workers - the ability of the eye to adjust rapidly to
different distances declines as people grow older.

e. Excessive vibration
A body is said to vibrate when it is in an oscillating motion about a reference
point. The number of times a complete motion cycle takes place during the
period of one second is called the frequency and is measured in hertz (Hz).
Vibration usually refers to the inaudible acoustic phenomena, which are
recognized by through touch and feeling. It is a vector quantity described
by both a magnitude and direction.

Portable meters are available for vibration measurements. These usually

provide readouts that must be compared to the appropriate standards.

f. Noise or unwanted sound is a form of vibration conducted through solids,

liquids, or gases. The level of noise in an industrial operation can constitute
a physical hazard to the exposed workers. The extent of the hazard
depends not only on the overall noise level but also on the time period and
frequency and type of noise to which the worker is exposed.

Types of noise
• Continuous noise is a steady state noise with negligible level
fluctuations during the period of observation.
• Intermittent noise levels shift significantly during observation.
• Impact noise consists of one or more bursts of sound energy, each
lasting less than one second.

Factors that can influence noise exposure

A number of factors can influence the effects of the noise exposure.
These include:
• variation in individual susceptibility
• the total energy of the sound
• the frequency distribution of the sound
• other characteristics of the noise exposure, such as
whether it is continuous, intermittent, or made up of
a series of impacts
• the total daily duration of exposure

3. Biological Hazards. Biological hazards are any virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite,
or living organism that can cause a disease in human beings. They can be a
part of the total environment or associated with certain occupations such as
medical professions, food preparation and handling, livestock raising, etc.

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are commonly infectious and

parasitic which can also result from exposure to contaminated water, insects,
or infected people.

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4. Ergonomic Hazards. “Ergonomics” literally means the customs, habits, and laws
of work. According to the International Labor Organization it is

“… The application of human biological science in conjunction with the

engineering sciences to achieve the optimum mutual adjustment of man [sic]
and his [sic] work, the benefits being measured in terms of human efficiency
and well-being.”

The ergonomics approach goes beyond productivity, health, and safety. It

includes consideration of the total physiological and psychological demands
of the job upon the worker. It deals with the interaction between humans and
traditional environmental elements as atmospheric contaminants, heat, light,
sound, and all tools and equipment used in the workplace.

The human body can endure considerable discomfort and stress and can
perform many awkward and unnatural movements for a limited period of time.
However, when awkward conditions or motions are continued for prolonged
periods, the physiological limitations of the worker can be exceeded. To ensure
a continued high level of performance, work systems must be tailored to
human capacities and limitations.

Examples of ergonomic hazards are:

• Poor workplace design – cramped leg area, crowded worktable,
distant work materials
• Awkward body postures – prolonged sitting, twisted body while
bending
• Repetitive movements – sewing, cutting, stamping
• Static posture – prolonged standing without motion
• Forceful motion – extreme pulling and pushing
• Manual handling – improper carrying of materials, use of pliers.

In a broad sense, the benefits that can be expected from designing work
systems to minimize ergonomic stress on workers are as follows:
• more efficient operation;
• fewer accidents;
• lower cost of operation;
• reduced training time; and
• more effective use of personnel.

5. Special Considerations:
The following items have become important OSH issues that need to be
addressed by Industrial Hygiene professionals and employers:

a. Confined space is an enclosed or a partially enclosed space. It has

restricted entrance and exit (by location, size, and means) thus, the natural
airflow is limited. This can cause accumulation of “dead” or “bad” air” and
airborne contaminants. Confined spaces are not designed, and intended
for human occupancy.

Examples of confined space:

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 Storage tanks, sewers, boilers, manholes, tunnels, pipelines, trenches, pits,
silos, vats, utility vaults, culverts.

Hazards of confined space:

• Oxygen deficiency – air is considered oxygen deficient when the
oxygen content is less than 19.5% by volume. Oxygen level in a confined
space can decrease due to consumption or displacement by inert
gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Work processes such as
welding, cutting or brazing, and certain chemical reactions such as
rusting and bacterial reaction (fermentation) can also reduce oxygen
concentration.
• Flammable/explosive atmosphere – may result from:
o Oxygen enriched atmosphere exists where oxygen in the air is
greater than 21%. An oxygen enriched atmosphere will cause
flammable materials such as clothing and hair to burn violently when
ignited.
o Flammable gas, vapor, or dust in proper proportion.

• Toxic atmospheres are those which contain toxic substances in

concentrations that exceed the Threshold limit Value 9TLV), as specified
in the Occupational Safety and Health Standards or the
Chemical/Material Safety Data Sheet of the substance used at work.
Toxic substances in the atmosphere may come from the following:
o Products stored in the confined space
o Work being performed in a confined space
o Areas adjacent to the confined space

• Mechanical and physical hazards

o Rotating or moving mechanical parts or energy sources can create
hazards within a confined space
o Physical factors such as extreme temperatures, noise, vibration and
fatigue
o Loose materials such as fine coal, sawdust or grains can engulf or suffocate
the workersAn example of confined space with its accompanying
occupational health hazards
(Source: Confined space – introduction. (2002, December 20). Retrieved August

31, 2011, from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety
Web site:
http://www.cochs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/confinedspace_intro.html

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 b. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside buildings as
based on the concentration of pollutants & thermal (temperature & relative
humidity) conditions that affect the health, comfort and performance of
occupants.

Sources of IAQ problems:

• Ventilation system deficiencies
• Overcrowding
• Tobacco smoke
• Microbiological contamination
• Outside air pollutants
• Off gassing from materials in the office, furniture and mechanical
equipment.
• Poor housekeeping

Indoor air pollutants:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Formaldehyde
• Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Monoxide
• Nitrogen Oxides
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Ammonia
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Dust

Other factors affecting occupants:

• Comfort problems due to improper temperature and relative humidity
conditions
• Poor lighting
• Unacceptable noise levels
• Adverse ergonomic conditions and
• Job-related psycho-social stressors.

B. Methods of Recognizing occupational health stresses/hazards

Now that we are familiar with the classification of hazards, we can now discuss
how to identify the different hazards through a combination of the following
methods:
1. Walk-through/ocular inspection – this is necessary in identifying the potential
hazards and determining the critical conditions in the workplace. It will be good
to make a checklist for inspection.
2. Review of the process involved – The identity of the chemical intermediates
formed in the course of an industrial process and the toxicological properties
of these intermediates may be difficult to establish. Undesirable chemical by-
products such as carbon monoxide resulting from the incomplete combustion
of organic material may be formed.
3. Knowing the raw materials, by-products and finished products – Knowing about
the raw materials used and the nature of the products manufactured will help
you determine the specific contaminants to which workers are actually

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 exposed. Possible impurities in raw materials such as benzene in some solvents
should be considered.
4. Gathering workers’ complaints – the actual chemicals or substances handled
may be determined by interviewing the workers. More so, their complaints can
also be gathered and assessed in the clinic record.
5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a summary of important health, safety and
toxicological information on the chemical or the mixture ingredients. It should
contain:
a. identification
b. hazard(s) identification
c. composition/information on ingredients
d. first-aid measures
e. fire-fighting measures
f. accidental release measures
g. handling and storage
h. exposure control/personal protection
i. physical and chemical properties
j. stability and reactivity
k. toxicological information
l. ecological information
m. disposal considerations
n. transport information
o. regulatory information
p. other information

The SDS should conform to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of

classification and labeling of chemicals.

The GHS is an international standard for classifying chemicals and

communicating its hazards. It is a basis for establishing a comprehensive
national chemical safety program, and a comprehensive approach to
defining and classifying hazards and communicating information on labels and
safety data sheets.

The GHS was developed in Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on

Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Brazil in 1992.

Benefits of GHS – All countries, international organizations, chemical

producers, and users of chemicals will benefit from the GHS as it will:
• enhance the protection of humans and environment
• facilitate international trade in chemicals
• reduce the need for testing and evaluation of chemicals
• assist countries and international organizations to ensure the sound
management of chemicals

Elements of GHS
a. Hazard Classification Criteria has three major hazard groups namely
physical, heath, and environmental hazards. Based on the three
classifications of hazards, the following compose the GHS criteria:

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 * Physical hazards – explosives, flammable gases/aerosols, oxidizing gases,
corrosive to metal, substances and mixtures which, in contact with water,
emit flammable gases, and others.
* Health hazards – acute toxicity, skin corrosion/ irritation, serious eye
damage/eye irritation, respiratory or skin sensitization, carcinogenicity,
reproductive toxicity, aspiration hazards, and others.
* Environmental hazards – hazardous to aquatic environment, hazardous to
the ozone layer, and others.

b. Hazard communication composed of Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Labels.

GHS labels must include specific:
* signal words - warning or danger
* hazard statements - flammable liquids, fatal if swallowed
* symbols/ pictograms.

(Source: Globally harmonized system. (2011, June 01). Retrieved

August 31, 2011, from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and
Safety Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/ghs.html)

Evaluation of occupational stresses/hazards

A. Determining the magnitude or level of hazards using industrial hygiene

equipment through Work Environment Measurement (WEM)

Once the hazards have been recognized, it is necessary to measure the levels
of the hazards and the magnitude of workers’ exposure to them. This is done through
the WEM which employs direct measurement of hazards. WEM is conducted
for the following purposes:

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 • determine magnitude of harmful environmental agents.
• physically check the environment through measurement.
• predict harmfulness of new facilities, raw materials,
production processes and working methods.
• monitor worker’s exposure to harmful substances.
• evaluate the effectiveness of environmental control
measures adopted to improve the workplace.
• maintain favorable environment conditions.

Types of Environmental Monitoring:

1. Personal Monitoring – themeasurement of aparticular employee’sexposure
to airborne contaminants. The measuring device is placed as close as
possible to the contaminant’s entry port to the body. For example, when
monitoring a toxic air contaminant, the measuring device is placed close to
the worker’s breathing zone. The data collected closely approximates the
concentration of contaminants to which the worker is exposed to.
2. Area/Environmental Sampling – Environmental sampling is the
measurement of contaminant concentration in the workroom. The
measuring device is placed adjacent to the worker’s normal workstation or
at fixed locations in the work area. This kind of monitoring does not provide
a good estimate of worker’s exposure buthelps to pinpoint work areaswith
high or lowexposure levels of contaminants.

Instruments used to measure the different hazards

Lux Meter -
illumination
Psychrometer - humidity
Anemometer - air
movement Smoke Tester -
air direction
Globe Thermometer - heat
Sound Level Meter - noise

3. Biological Monitoring – involves the measurement of changes in the

composition of body fluids, tissue or expired air to determine absorption of
a potentially hazardous material. Examples are measurement of lead and
mercury in blood or in urine.
It is best that WEM be conducted on a regular basis. Work Environment
Monitoring should be done at least once a year.

B. Analysis of results
The collected samples from the WEM are analyzed in the laboratory. Some of
the analytical instruments used are as follows: UV-VIS Spectrophotometer for
analyzing acids, AAS for heavy metals, Gas Chromatograph for organic
solvents, and X-ray Diffractometer, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR)
Spectrocopy, and Phase Contrast Microscope (PCM) for quantitative and
qualitative analysis of asbestos and silica.

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 Analytical Equipment Sample

Gas Chromatograph Solvents

High Performance Liquid Inorganic chemicals
Chromatograph
Atomic Absorption Metals
Spectrophotometer
Phase Contrast Microscope (PCM)/ Asbestos fibers /
Fourier Transform Infra-red quantitative (fiber count)
Spectrocopy (FTIR) and qualitative
analysis.
X-ray Diffractometer Mineral dust
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Acids and Other
Chemicals

C. Comparison of measurement results with standards

Laboratory analysis results are compared with the Threshold Limit Values
(TLVs). These are exposure guidelines that have been established for airborne
concentration of many chemical compounds. Concentrations of hazards
that exceed the TLVs can cause adverse effects to humans. There are three
categories of TLVs:

1. Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) is the time-weighted average

concentration for a normal 8-hour workday or 40-hour workweek to which
nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without
adverse health effects.

Computation for Time Weighted Average:

Example: Exposure Level to Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas

H2S Concentration Sampling
(ppm) Time
5 2 hours
15 4 hours
2 1 hour
5 1 hour
TWA Concentration = {(5ppm)(2 hrs) +

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 (15ppm)(4 hrs) + (2ppm)(1 hr) +
(5ppm)(1 hr)} ÷ {2hrs + 4hrs+ 1hr + 1hr}

TWA Concentration of H2S = 9.625 ppm

TLV for H2S is 10 ppm. So, the exposure is below TLV

2. Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is the maximum

concentration to which workers can be exposed
continuously for 15 minutes without suffering from any
of the following:
a. Irritation
b. Chronic or irreversible tissue damage
c. Narcosis of sufficient degree to increase the likelihood
of accidental injury, impair self-rescue or materially
reduce work efficiency.

3. Ceiling (TLV-C) is the concentration that should not be

exceeded during any part of the working exposure;
otherwise, the exposed workers might be vulnerable to
serious risks.

TLV tables

Permissible Noise Exposure

Duration per day, hours Sound Level, dB(A)

8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ 115
* ceiling value: No exposure in excess of 115 dB(A) is allowed

Threshold Limit Values for Selected

Chemicals
Chemicals TLV Category Ambient
Concentration
(mg/ (ppm)
m3)
Hydrochloric Acid TLV – C 7.0 5.0
Methanol TLV – TWA 260 200
Lead TLV – TWA 0.15 0.0177
Xylene TLV – STEL 435 100
Toluene TLV – TWA 375 100

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 ILLUMINATION LEVELS
Area of Exposure Minimum Lighting
Level and Task (Lux)
Cutting cloth Sewing
cloth Finish inspection 2000 and above
Fine assembly Color (200 foot
grading candles)
Fine machining
Inspection and assembly Clay enameling
and glazing Electric motor insulating Coil
winding and testing Chipping
Grinding
Fine core making
Machine shop bench work Transcribing
handwriting Indexing references 1000 (100 foot
Accounting candles)
Pattern making
Drafting
Welding
Automotive frame assembly Chemical
laboratory Foundry moulding
Metal pouring Sorting
Core making
Rubber extrusion and tire making Punch
press 500 (50 foot
Shearing candles)
Stamping
Spinning
Woodworking
ILLUMINATION LEVELS
Area of Exposure Minimum Lighting
Level
and Task (Lux)
Sizing Planning Rough sanding
Medium quality machine and
benchwork 500 (50 foot
First aid station candles)
Packaging Barrel washing Turbine
Clay molding and pressing Chemical
furnace
Tank Dryer 300 (30 foot
Evaporator Extractor candles)
Cleaning and annealing furnace Plating
Drop-forge shop Lunch room Locker room
Rest room Shower room

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 General construction plants and shops
e.g. batching plants, screening plants,
mechanical
and electrical equipment rooms, carpenter
shops, rigging lofts and active storerooms, 100 (10 foot
barracks or candles)
living quarters, tunnel and shaft heading
during drilling, mucking, and scalding

Tunnels, shaft and general underground work

areas,
General construction areas: Concrete
placement, access ways, Active storage
areas, loading platforms, 50 (5 foot
Refueling, and field maintenance candles)
areas.
Indoors: warehouses, corridors,
hallways, and exit ways.

TLVs for other environmental hazards and stresses may be found in the
Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and in the
ACGIH, OSHA, and NIOSH web sites

Notes:
• The impact of hazard exposure depends on the following:
➢ Nature of the material or energy involved
➢ Intensity of exposure
➢ Duration of exposure
➢ Individual susceptibility
• The key elements to be considered when evaluating a health
hazard are:
➢ how much of the material in contact with the body cells is
required to produce an injury
➢ the probability of the material being absorbed by the body to
result an injury
➢ rate that airborne contaminants is generated
➢ total time in contact
➢ control measures in use
• The TLV conversion equations for parts per million (ppm) to
milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3 ) at standard temperature and
pressure are:

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Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHs) Rule 1070

Rule 1070 is OSH standard for occupational health and

environmental control. It has seven (7) rules:

Rule 1071 – General Provisions

“Thisruleestablishes TLVsfortoxicandcarcinogenic substances and physical
agents which may be present in the atmosphere of the work environment.
TLVs refer to airborne concentration of substances and represent
conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be
repeatedly exposed daily without adverse effect.”

Rule 1072 – TLVs for Airborne Contaminants and Rule 1073 (Tables)
These refer to TLVs of airborne contaminants for “time weighted
concentration foran 8-hour workday and a total of forty-eight 48 hours of
work exposure per week.” TLVs tables for airborne contaminants, mineral
dusts, and human carcinogens are also established.

Rule 1074 – Physical Agents

This refers to TLVs for physical agents particularly noise or “sound pressure
that represents conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers
may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect on their ability to hear
and understand normal speech.

Rule 1075 – Illumination

“All places where persons work or pass or may have to work or pass in
emergencies, shall be provided during time of use with the adequate
natural lighting or artificial lighting or both, suitable fortheoperationandthe
specialtype of workperformed.”

Rule 1076 – General Ventilation

This is about General Ventilation that encompasses the workroom
condition for air supply, temperature, humidity, and odor. It states that:

“Suitable atmospheric conditions shall be maintained in workrooms by

natural or artificial means to avoid insufficient air supply, stagnant or
vitiated air, harmful drafts, excessive heat or cold, sudden variations in
temperature, and where practicable, excessive humidity or dryness and
objectionable odors.”

Rule 1077 – Work Environment Measurement

“WEM shall mean sampling and analysis carried out in respect of the
atmospheric working environment and other fundamental elements of
working environment for the purpose of determining actual condition
therein.”

It also includes the responsibility of the employer that WEM “shall be performed
periodically as may be necessary but no longer than annually.” Industrial hygiene
is also concerned with the development of corrective measures to control

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 hazards by reducing or eliminating the exposure. These control procedures may
include:
1. Engineering controls such as substitution of harmful or toxic materials with less
dangerous ones, changing work processes, and installation of exhaust
ventilation system.
2. Administrative controls such as safety and health policies and programs (i.e.:
hearing conservation program, healthy lifestyle project)
3. Provision of personal protective equipment like earplugs, face shield, and dust
mask.

Summary
Industrial hygiene is a discipline within occupational safety and health of
anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling physical, chemical,
biological and ergonomic hazards in the working environment with the objective
of protecting worker’s health and well-being and safeguarding the community.

Industrial hygienist uses strict and rigorous scientific methodology and requires
professional experience and judgment in determining the potential for hazard,
exposure or risk in the workplace and recommend appropriate control measures
for hazard abatement.

Work Environment Measurement (WEM) as stated in Rule 1077 of the OSHS shall
be carried out periodically but not longer than annually to determine the
potential hazards in the working environment. This is primarily the responsibility of
the employer in order to promote and maintain the health of his workers.

Additional Instruction/References
For further readings, please refer to the following websites:
www.ohseinstitute.org/training/johsc/5CaseStudiesForJOHSCCourse.pdf
www.europe.osha.eu.int/good_practice/risks/ds/case_studies.asp?tcid=6
www.ccohs.ca
www.osha.gov http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics

References:
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from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/confinedspace_intro.html

Globally Harmonized System. (2011, June 01). Retrieved August 31, 2011, from
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/ghs.html

Indoor Air Quality. (2011, July 04). Retrieved August 31, 2011, from Canadian
Center for
Occupational Health and Safety Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/iaq_intro.html

United States. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

(ACGIH®).
(2010). TLVs® and BEIs® Based on the documentation of
the threshold limit values for chemical substances and

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 physical agents & biological exposure indices. Cincinnati,
OH: ACGIH.

Philippines. Department of Labor and Employment – Occupational Safety and

Health Center. (2010, September).

Occupational Safety and Health Standards as amended. Intramuros, Manila:

DOLE-OSHC.

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