You are on page 1of 30
What are Health Hazards? > Any condition (in the workplace) that may impair the health of employees or cause significant discomfort (enough to make them lose time from work) Health Hazards Classification Chemical Physical \ Lo Biological | Ergonomic Psychosocial Chemical Hazards Organic Solvents Vapor Acids / Bases Mists Dust / Particulates Powder / Fibers Heavy Metal Fumes Gases Gas Chemical Hazard. Vapors * Gases formed when liquid evaporates + Associated with solvents, adhesives, alcohols, varnishes, paints & lacquers, degreasers, gasoline, dry cleaning agent, etc. * The common organic solvents can be classified as hydrocarbons & (toluene), ketones (methyl ethyl ¥ ketone), esters (ethyl acetate), ether (ethy/ ether), alcohols (ethy! Chemical Hazard. Mists + Dispersion of liq in the air Suspended liquid droplets when vapor condenses back to liquid Associated with acids, chlorine, formaldehyde, phenols, etc. & processes like electroplating, spraying and misting + Common acids are hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric .. and phosphoric acids. Chemical Hazard... Fumes id particles Volatilized solid that condenses when they contact air Very small, solid particles created when hot vapor reacts with air to form an oxide Associated with molten metals & processes like welding, soldering, metalizing and coating. Examples: Lead, Iron, Chromium, Tin and Zinc Fumes Chemical Hazard... Dust/Particulates SOURCES OF EXPOSURE SILICA METAL WOOD DUST DUST DUST pO * Building * Thermal and materials + Leaded | Floorin acoustic insulation such as paint 3. Fire resistant walls 4 + Wood os stone, + Grinded fixt and partitions bricks and Metal xtures. Asbestos cement concrete sheets and flooring How much dust is a problem? _Depends on the amount/concentration, size & type of dust Chemical Hazard... Gases + Substances in the gaseous state at room temperature and pressure. Have no warning odor at a dangerous concentration. o By-product of incomplete combustion (carbon monoxide) o Wastewater treatment plant (hydrogen sulfide & chlorine gas) o Refrigeration & fertilizer plants (ammonia) o Machinery using diesel engine (nitrogen dioxide) Biological Hazards 1. Microbiological 4 Bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi and protozoa 2. Macrobiological Insects, parasites, plants and animals Routes of Exposure Both Chemical and Biological hazards can enter a person’s body through: Ingestion Skin Contact 49 99 — 8D ¢} ~fic Inhalation Physical Hazards ee Physical Hazards. Noise « UNWANTED and EXCESSIVE sound * form of vibration conducted through solids, liquids, or gases Arms’ Length Rule “If two (2) people with no hearing impairment have to raise their voices or shout to be heard in a distance of less than arm’s length from each other, the sound level is potentially hazardous.” ») « — Physical Hazards Vibration * Transmission of mechanical energy from sources of oscillation. + Low frequency or whole body — weaving looms, harvester- thresher, tractors, etc. + High frequency or segmental - hand driven power tools such as chain saw, portable grinder and polishers Physical Hazards... IIlumination + is the measure of stream of light falling on a surface Sources of Light Natural Artificial Types of Workplace Lighting 1. General lighting 2. Local lighting Physical Hazards... Extreme Temperature + Extremes of temperature (low or high) affect the amount of work that man can do and the manner in which they do. Physical Hazards... Extreme Temperature Factors that influence thermal comfort = Metabolic rate and/or activity level (light, moderate or heavy workload) = Clothing = Air temperature = Radiant temperature * Solar loading. = Air speed (velocity) = Humidity Physical Hazards... Extreme Pressure Change in the altitude or atmospheric pressure below or greater than normal atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi or 101.325 kpa) Occupational Exposure: + Underwater tunneling * Diving + Sewage construction * Aviation * Mining Physical Hazards... Radiation Emission or transmi of energy as waves or moving particles. ion + lonizing radiation - radiation consisting of particles, x- rays, or gamma rays with sufficient energy to cause ionization in the medium through which it passes. Non-ionizing radiation - refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules—that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule. Ergonomic Hazards ERGONOMICS process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them “FIT the TASK to the PERSON” Ergonomic Hazard Examples + Improperly designed tools or work areas + Repeated motion in/and awkward position + Improper lifting or reaching * Poor visual conditions correct “~~~ _ incorrect a up up Psychosocial Risk & Stress at Work Psychosocial risks arise from: * Poor work design, organization and management * Poor social context of work may result in NEGATIVE psychological, physical and social outcomes such as work- related stress, burnout or depression. Psychosocial Risk & Stress at Work Examples of working conditions leading to psychosocial risks are: dealing with work conflicts meeting deadlines relationships with coworkers. managing staff long working hours having a demanding boss a workload that is overly high lack of direction on tasks lack of perception of fairness lack of control over the work environment low reward (not enough pay, benefits, etc.) Why do we need to control the health hazards? i) CONTROL ry) PROTECT Ky) COMPLY oe Safeguard workers against health hazards Compliance with OSH policies and government Management of health hazards eneralize Diagram of Controlling Health Hazards Three (3) zones where control measures can be applied: + At the source of contamination/hazard + Along the transmission path + At the receiver (worker) AIR PATH Cancun) (eee) = Re Hierarchy of Controls 1. Engineering control 2. Administrative control 3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment Engineering Controls Highest degree of protection Engineering out the hazard to remove or reduce worker's exposure, either by initial design or by applying physical changes on work environment, equipment, materials and etc. Principles of Engineering Controls a] v3 3 ELIMINATION SUBSTITUTION ISOLATION CONTAINMENT a by CF Engineering Controls Elimination * Most effective at addressing hazards = ° Physically remove the hazards Engineering Controls Substitution + Involves changing chemical substances and/or a process with less hazardous or harmful one. Factors to consider: » Hazard Assessment > Effectiveness > Compatibility Existing Control Measures Waste Disposal Vv Vv Substitution Lead (Pb) Solder wire == Lead-free (Tin) wire Solvent-based paints = Water-based paints Engineering Controls Isolation and Containment * Enclosure of work operation to reduce number of employees exposed or enclosure of a worker in a control booth or area . * Containment of the source of the hazard by placing the hazardous substance in a sealed vessel of a system to create a barrier between the hazard and the worker Engineering Controls Modification * Change or alteration of the physical operating conditions without changing the chemicals or process. , * | aa £ t i Engineering Controls Ventilation + The process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to and from any space. + General: Adequate fresh air to control temperature, humidity or radiant heat load + Local Exhaust: at the point of generation or dispersion of contaminants Types of Industrial Ventilation General or Dilution Ventilation + Aims at the supply and removal of air in the work environment so that the possible contaminants are diluted to levels considered to be not harmful to health and to maintain good indoor air quality. General or Dilution Ventilation ca. he Hae + Natural Ventilation + Mechanical Ventilation When to Use General or Dilution Ventilation? * Contaminants are relatively non-toxic * Quantity of contaminant is not high « Workers are far from contaminant source * Outside source of air is not contaminated Types of Industrial Ventilation Local Exhaust Ventilation + Removes airborne contaminants from the point of dispersion before they can reach the breathing zone of the exposed workers. Types of Local Exhaust Ventilation 1. Enclosure or Booth Type © *most efficient type of hood *minimum air volume required. Typically used for laboratory hoods, Spray paint booths, abrasive blasting, ovens, etc. Types of Local Exhaust Ventilation 2. Capturing Type Less efficient than enclosing hoods Greater exhaust airflow is required. Located as close as possible to the source. Capture velocity should be adequate Types of Local Exhaust Ventilation 3. Canopy/Updraft or Receiving Hood * Should only be used for the removal of relatively harmless material such as steam or heat. * Should not be used if the operator tends to bend over the contaminant source When to Use Local Exhaust Ventilation? + Contaminants are moderately or highly toxic or hazardous * There is a risk of direct workers’ exposure + Generation of contaminants is high Purpose of Ventilation * To ensure condition of thermal comfort and continuous supply of air. + To renew the air in the workplace, therefore diluting eventual air contaminants to acceptable levels and provide good indoor air quality. * To prevent hazardous air contaminants from generating into the working environment and reaching the workers breathing zone. Administrative Controls + Reduction of work periods ( Office and Government Memorandums) + Adjusting work schedule (ex. Labor Advisory no. 3 series of 2016, Flexible work arrangements) * Job rotation * Education of supervisors + Employee information and training .* Housekeeping and maintenance Administrative Controls + Emergency response training (ex. First aid and Basic Life Support) + Special programs specific to Ergonomics (ex. Prolonged standing and sitting and etc.) * Medical Surveillance ¢ PPE Program + Work Environment Measurement * Chemical Safety Program (DO 136-14) Administrative Controls + DA. no.3 s.2016 Safety & Health Measures to Prevent & Control Heat Stress in the Workplace + Business Continuity Planning + Risk Assessments (General safety and Bio-risk assessment) * Signage and Infographics * Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) * Safety or Tool box meetings and reporting Personal Protective Equipment 1. Dust/ Gas Respirators 5. Aprons 2. Safety Goggles/Spectacles 6. Safety Shoes 3. Face Shields 7. Helmets 4. Earplugs / Earmuffs 8. Gloves DUST/ GAS FACE SHIELD / GOOGLES / RESPIRATORS VISOR SPECTACLES Personal Protective Equipment HARD HAT / HELMET SAFETY BOOTS / SHOES PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Uses of PPEs a. where temporary control measures are necessary before engineering controls are installed. b. to supplement engineering controls in reducing exposure during maintenance and repair. c. during emergencies. d. If there is a direct exposure to the hazard. It is the last line of defense. Respiratory Protective Equipment Air Purifying Filtering air particulates or impurities which are present in the atmosphere before they are inhaled by the worker. + Filter- type * Cartridge- type Hearing Protection Earplugs Hearing protectors placed inside the ear to block out noise. To work effectively, they should fit snugly into the ear Reusable, Washable canal. Pre-formed Earplugs Foam Earplugs Hearing Protection Earmuffs | A device composed of a @: headband with two cushioned ear cups that form a seal around the outer ear, covering it completely and blocking out the noise. Purpose of Medical Surveillance * Primary o Prevention of illness/new cases = Knowing the cause & effect * Putting in appropriate control measures * Secondary o Early detection of work-related health problems & determining its cause Medical Surveillance * Data provide trends or emerging patterns in workplace hazards & illnesses * Followed by preventive action (appropriate control measures) & evaluation of the effectiveness of intervention * Conducted to meet regulatory requirements Why conduct medical surveillance? * Worker population is not homogenous * Monitoring of certain high risk groups o New workers o Workers returning after illness or injury o Workers with concurrent condition that can be adversely affected by workplace hazards o Workers exposed to very hazardous substances or work processes * When diseases in question are associated with particular exposure or industry * Once action level is reached (50% of TLV for chemicals, 85 dBA for noise, etc.) * Meet regulatory requirements Steps in Surveillance of Occupational & Work-Related Diseases Hazard & exposure assessment N Identification of adverse health outcomes for each hazard Selection of medical screening tests Interpretation of data & recommendation Communication of results Documentation/records keeping Evaluation of control measures NOW Pw

You might also like