PRINCIPLES OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this topic, students should be able to:
• Explain in detail the principles of industrial hygiene
CATEGORIES OF HAZARD
Chemical hazards

There are
thousands of
hazardous
chemicals
commonly used
at work.
Dusts – in this case stone dust contains crystalline silica
which causes silicosis, a serious lung disease

Silica released during stone cutting activities

Source: HSE
Now you see it

Mists – in this case paint containing isocyanates, a

major cause of occupational asthma
Vapours are given
off paints and
other solvent
based products
such as inks and
adhesives
Fume – very fine particulate matter
 Physical HAZARD

NOISE
Vibration (this hand grinder will also produce high
noise levels)
Non-ionising radiation like the ultra-violet radiation
generated by arc welding
The thermal environment – hot and cold
 Biological hazards

Biological agents like the micro-organisms that can cause

legionnaires’ disease and anthrax
 Ergonomic hazards

Back and muscular damage caused by poor manual

handling practices
Tasks involving repetitive actions
The use of display screen equipment
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES

Recognition Evaluation Control

Occupational hygienists are trained to anticipate and

recognise health hazards at work
Bakers are exposed
to flour dust which
can cause
occupational
asthma
Bakers are about
80 times more
likely to develop
occupational
asthma than other
workers
Coal miners and
quarry workers are
exposed to dust
that can cause
silicosis – a serious
debilitating lung
disease
Cleaning with
solvents can lead to
dermatitis and
exposure to solvent
vapours.
And some solvents
can be absorbed
through the skin
This worker is
exposed to dust,
noise and vibration
Arc welders are
exposed to metal
fumes which can
cause metal fume
fever and, in some
cases, asthma and lung
cancer.

They’re also exposed

to irritant gases and
ultra-violet radiation
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES

Recognition Evaluation Control

 RISK = Hazard x Exposure

Exposure assessment is an important part of the

occupational hygienist’s role

Personal Exposure Sampling

Observations
Biological
Monitoring

Which may involve taking blood samples

But taking urine samples is usually preferable as it’s
easier and more acceptable to the worker
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRINCIPLES

Recognition Evaluation Control

The “Hierarchy Of Control”

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE
 Prevention

Process
Elimination Substitution
change
ENGINEERING -containment
 A fume
cupboard
– an example
of local
exhaust
ventilation
Work practices / organisation
Time Reduce exposure time
Job rotation
Work – rest regimes
Work scheduling
Distance Segregation
Restrict access
Rest areas
Organisation Reduce numbers exposed
Good working practice
Written procedures
“Permits to work”
Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE
Personal protective equipment – which should be the
last resort

Respiratory
protection
Chemical
protective
clothing,
gloves and
eye protection
Management measures
Maintenance of controls

Supervision

Exposure monitoring

Screening & health surveillance

Information, instruction, training

Review and audit

THANK YOU