HAZARDS AND ITS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard
Any situation that has potential/capability to cause Injury/harm to the
worker, damage to the property, Loss/contamination to the environment.
Risk
Any situation that has probability to cause Injury/harm to the human,
damage to the property, Loss/ contamination to the environment.
Physical Hazards
Physical Hazards
Definition: Physical
conditions or factors in
the workplace that pose a
risk of injury or harm to
health.
Impact: Immediate or
long-term health concerns
may arise from exposure
to physical hazards.
Common Types of Physical Hazards
• Mechanical Hazards: Moving machinery, equipment, or tools.
• Electrical Hazards: Exposure to live wires, faulty electrical
equipment.
• Thermal Hazards: Extreme temperatures, burns, or frostbite.
• Noise Hazards: Excessive noise levels affecting hearing
health.
• Radiation Hazards: Exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing
radiation.
Body Regions Affected
Body regions Impacts form

Head and Eyes: Impact from falling objects or exposure to bright lights

Feet and Legs: Risks associated with slips, trips, and falls.

Whole Body: Impact from physical exertion or ergonomic factors.

Hands and Injuries from machinery, tools, or repetitive motions

Arms:
Control Measures for Physical Hazards
• Strategies for Control: Engineering Controls: Safeguarding
machinery, implementing safety features.
• Administrative Controls: Training, proper signage, work
scheduling.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmets, gloves, safety
shoes, hearing protection.
• Ergonomic Interventions: Redesigning workstations for comfort
and safety.
Mitigating Physical Hazards
• Regular Equipment Inspections: Ensuring machinery is in
proper working condition.
• Employee Training: Educating on proper handling, use of PPE,
and emergency procedures.
• Workplace Design: Ensuring layout minimizes risks and
provides safe escape routes.
• Emergency Response Plans: Preparedness for accidents and
swift response.
Chemical Hazards
 Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards refer to any chemical that has the potential to
cause harm to people, animals, or the environment, in various forms,
gas, liquid or solid. Chemical hazards are a common workplace
hazard in many industries, including manufacturing, construction, and
healthcare (Ta et al., 2010).
 Categories of chemical hazards
Health hazards Physical hazards Environmental hazards
Toxic Combustible Air contaminants
Carcinogen Flammable Toxic waste
Mutagenic Explosive Aquatic toxicity
Reproductive toxins Reactive or pyrophoric Eutrophication
Sensitizers Oxidizer Chemicals which are in all
consumer products
Irritants Corrosive Huge temperatures and
weather events

Corrosives Compressed gas

Asphyxiants Liquids Cryogenic gases
 Classification of Environmental Contaminants

Contaminant Definition
An agent which may produce cancer. Examples include formaldehyde,
Carcinogen
asbestos, radon, vinyl chloride, and tobacco.
A substance which can cause physical defects in a developing embryo.
Teratogen
Examples include alcohol and cigarette smoke.
A material that induces genetic changes (mutations) in the DNA. Examples
Mutagen include radioactive substances (such as radon and nuclear fuel and waste)
and nitrous acid.
A substance that can cause an adverse effect on the nervous system.
Neurotoxin
Examples include lead and mercury.
A chemical that may interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal)
system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological,
Endocrine disruptor and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. endocrine disruption,
including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, arsenic,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and other pesticides.
Route of exposure
What Symptoms May be Caused by Chemicals at Work?
SYMPTOMS COMMON CAUSES

Head Dizziness, headache Solvents, paint, ozone, smoke

(including tobacco)

Eyes Red, watery, irritated, grainy feeling Smoke, gases, various dusts, vapors
from paint and cleaners

Nose and Sneezing, coughing, sore throat Smoke, ozone, solvents, various dusts,
throat vapors and fumes from paint and
cleaners
Chest and Wheezing, coughing, shortness of Metal fumes, various dusts, smoke,
lungs breath, lung cancer solvents, vapors from paint and
cleaners

Stomach Nausea, vomiting, stomachache, Some metal fumes, solvents, paint

diarrhea vapors, long-term lead exposure

Skin Redness, dryness, rash, itching, skin Solvents, chromium, nickel,

cancer detergents and cleaners, paint on skin

Nervous Nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, Long-term solvent exposure, long-

System tremors, loss of balance or coordination term lead exposure
CONTROL METHODS FOR CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Designated Area
This is an area assigned for the usage of either a particularly hazardous
substance or purpose.

For example:
If carcinogens are being used in the lab, a "designated
area" should be assigned, and warning label should be posted.
Substitution
Examples of substitution include using:
• less hazardous solvents instead of toxic ones
(such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform),
dichloromethane or fluorochlorohydrocarbon instead
of carbon tetrachloride; and toluene, cyclohexane or ketones instead of benzene). Check the labels
of chemicals in your workplace to see if they match any of these chemical names;
• Detergent plus water-cleaning solutions instead of organic solvents;
• Freon instead of methyl bromide chloride as a refrigerant;
• Leadless glazes in the ceramics industry;
• Leadless pigments in paints;
• Synthetic grinding wheels (such as aluminium oxide, silicon carbide) instead of sandstone
wheels.
 Engineering
Controls

Dilution Local Exhaust

Fume Hoods
Ventilation Ventilation
Dilution Ventilation
Local Exhaust Ventilation
Fume Hoods
 Work Practice Controls
• Chemical Transportation:
Assure that an unbreakable secondary container is being used, and that transport carts are designed
for this purpose.
• Eating and Drinking:
There should be no eating, drinking, chewing of gum or tobacco, application of cosmetics, storage of
utensils, food, or food containers in the laboratories.
• Pipetting:
Mechanical pipetting aids should always be used for all pipetting procedures. Oral pipetting is
prohibited
• Personal Hygiene:
All personnel should wash their hands immediately after the completion of any procedure in which
chemicals have been used and when they leave the laboratory. If hazardous chemical exposures
occur to skin, immediately shower or wash affected areas for 15 minutes.
• Housekeeping:
Keeping the working area clean and orderly reduces the frequency and severity of accidents
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Lab staff should prepare a SOP for hazardous operations

as well as the use, storage and disposal of hazardous
materials. SOPs serve as a training tool for new workers.
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic Hazards

Ergonomic hazard refer to any physical condition or

factor found in the workplace that can cause injury or
health hazards and concerns, both in the short and long
term. Many ergonomic hazards affect the musculoskeletal
system causing aches or strains that may appear small and
insignificant, to begin with, but can develop into serious
ailments that can even cause permanent damage to the
body.
 Examples of Ergonomic Hazards

Environmental, operational, or design factors can all negatively impact a worker or user;
examples include whole-body or hand/arm vibration, poor lighting, or poorly designed
tools, equipment, or workstations. Some of the common body regions where injuries may
occur include:

1- Muscles or ligaments of the lower back

2- Muscles or ligaments of the neck
3- Muscles, tendons, or nerves of the hands/wrists
4- Bones and muscles surrounding the knees and legs
 Sources of Ergonomic Hazards
Poor quality chairs and
Lifting heavy loads
workstations

Slippery surfaces Strenuous tasks

Repetitive tasks Awkward movements

Poor posture/awkward postures

Some Common Ergonomic Hazards

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis)

Tendinitis Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis)

Lower Back Pain Muscle Strains

Neck Pain and Strain Eyestrain

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

(TOS)
 Control Measures of Ergonomic Hazards

While it's often difficult to completely eliminate hazards in the workplace, there are several
ways to mitigate their effects. These can be as simple as training sessions in how to lift loads
correctly or as far-reaching as redesigning the workplace to address certain safety issues
and reorganizing or restructuring how the work itself is carried out.

Some Common control measures for Ergonomic Hazards are listed below

• Eliminate the Hazards

• Improve Work policies and procedures
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment
• Reimagining the workplace
 Eliminate the Hazard

The most effective way to control ergonomic hazards is to eliminate the risk factors
altogether. Sometimes you can change the tools, equipment, job design, or work area to
remove the hazard completely. This is called using “engineering controls.”

These are some examples of engineering controls

• Redesign workstations and work areas to eliminate reaching, bending, or other awkward postures.
• Provide adjustable tables and chairs that can be used by employees with a range of sizes and shapes,
and that allow neutral postures.
• Provide carts for transporting material and mechanical hoists to eliminate lifting.
• Use tools that fit the hand, have no sharp edges, and eliminate awkward hand and wrist positions.
• Change where materials are stored to minimize reaching.
• Design containers with handles or cutouts for easy gripping.
 Improve Work Policies and Procedures

The next most effective solution is to develop work policies, procedures, and practices that
change how the job is done. This is called using “administrative controls.”

These are some examples of administrative controls

• To the extent possible, rotate employees among different tasks to rest the various muscle groups of the
body, reduce repetition, and ease mental demands.
• Improve work scheduling, if possible, to reduce risk of fatigue.
• Increase staffing to reduce individual workloads.
• Provide sufficient breaks, since adequate recovery time can reduce fatigue.
• Encourage proper body mechanics and use of safe lifting techniques (see box on next page).
• Require all loads to be labeled with their weight.
• Store heavy objects at waist height.
• Follow good housekeeping practices.
• Keep floors free of slipping or tripping hazards. Maintain power tools properly to reduce vibration.
• Keep cutting and drilling tools sharp to reduce the force required.
• Provide workers with training on safe working postures, lifting techniques, ergonomics policies and
procedures, and the safe use of lifting and carrying devices.
 Provide Personal Protective Equipment

While more permanent solutions are being found and implemented, or if you are unable to
redesign the job or equipment to eliminate risks, personal protective equipment (PPE) can be
used.

PPE that can help address ergonomic problems includes:

• Knee pads for kneeling tasks

• Shoulder pads to cushion loads carried on the shoulder
• Gloves to protect against cold, vibration, or rough surface
 Reimagining Workplace
It may be necessary to completely revolutionize your workspace. Standing desks, exercise balls, and even exercise chairs
are just some of the ways that companies are looking to improve when it comes to ergonomics.
This will almost certainly involve some investment in the short term, but as we've seen, the costs of an ergonomic hazard
left unresolved can have serious consequences both for the employee and the employer

The following table showing some of the common Ergonomic hazards with it's possible Solutions

Risk Factor Definition Possible Solutions

Repetition Making the same motion over and over. Redesign tasks to reduce repetitions. Increase rest time
between repetitions

Rotate among tasks with different motions

Awkward Posture Prolonged bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting, or Redesign tasks, furniture, and equipment to keep the body in
twisting any part of your body. more "neutral" positions. Minimize reaching, bending, and
twisting

Forceful Motion Excessive effort needed for tasks like pulling, pounding, Redesign tasks to reduce exertion needed. Assign more staff or
pushing, and lifting. use mechanical assists
Conti.......

Stationary Position Staying in one position too long, causing Redesign tasks to avoid stationary positions
fatigue in muscles and joints. Provide opportunities to change position

Direct Pressure Prolonged contact of the body with a hard Improve tool and equipment design or layout to
surface or edge. eliminate pressure.

Provide cushioning material

Vibration Using vibrating tools or equipment. Insulate the hand or body from vibration. Keep tools
or equipment in good condition to reduce excessive
vibration
Extreme Temperature Working where it is too hot or too cold. Control temperature where possible

Cold reduces feeling, blood flow, and strength. Insulate the body against cold with gloves and warm

Heat increases fatigue. clothing

Provide breaks and fresh water in hot environments

Machine-paced work, inadequate breaks, - Establish a reasonable workload

Work Stress Monotonous tasks, multiple deadlines, - Provide sufficient breaks
Poor work organization, or poor supervision.
Biological Hazards
 Biological Hazards
• What is biohazards?

Biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms is know as biological
hazards or biohazards. Harmful effects posed to human health by these biological hazards are
mainly of three types infections, allergy and poisoning.

• Examples
i. Microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, fungus.
ii. Infected tissue cultures.
iii. Human or animal blood or body fluids.
iv. Bioactive compounds.
 Types of Bio-Hazards
1- Biological Agents
Organisms that can directly cause human disease like bacteria, parasites and fungi.

2- Bio-Toxins
Toxic and poisonous substance with a biological origin. For example, plants, bacteria or
animals.

3- Human blood, Blood products and Human bodily matter.

4- Biting and Stinging Insects

Outdoor workers can be at risks of biting or stinging insects found in area.
How do Biological Hazards enter into the body?
Direct contact through breaks in the skin or through
mucous membranes with eyes , nose and mouth.

Absorption

Exposure
Ingestion
Hazard come into body through
breathing.
Inhalation Ingestion through swallowing

Injection Injection through a puncture.

 Classification of Biological Hazards
• The Public Health Agency of Canada PHAC has defined 4 levels of risk in classification of organisms

Classification Risk Group Examples

Risk Group 1 Low community and low individual risk of Bacillus subtilis, micrococcus spp. and
disease . E. coli K12.

Risk Group 2 Low community risk and moderate individual risk Toxo-plasma spp., HIV , Measles,
to disease. Mumps and Influenza viruses.

Risk Group 3 Low community risk and high individual risk to Hantavirus, Mycobacterium
disease. tuberculosis and Bacilius anthracis.

Risk Group 4 Agents with extremely high community and Marburg virus , Ebola Virus and
individual risk. hemorrhagic fever virus.
 Bio-Safety Levels
Dangerous and exotic microbes with high risk of life
BSL-4 threatening disease. For example Ebola virus, Marburg
virus.
Micro-organisms causing serious diseases through respiratory
BSL-3 transmission. For example Tuberculosis.

BSL-2 Moderate risk to personnel and the environment associated

with human disease. For example Various pathogens.

BSL- 1 Agents not consistently causing disease in healthy adults. For

example non-infectious bacteria.
 Controlling Bio-hazards
There are three approaches to control biological hazards. The fist consideration for controlling biological hazards is
to look at engineering controls. If the hazards cannot be eliminated through engineering methods a second
approach to controlling hazards is administrative . Then , if exposure to hazard cannot be prevented with either
engineering or administrative controls then PPE is necessary.

Engineering control

Administrative
control

PPEs
 1-Engineering Control
10
Control Biohazards min

These controls are the first line of defense and include built in protection in building work
areas, equipment or supplies.
Examples are
• Ventilation systems and construction seals to create negative pressure rooms.
• Bio safety hoods with specific ventilations.

2-Administrative Control

These controls are steps in work procedures or work process that minimize the risk of
exposure to hazards. If control does not eliminate hazard but can significantly reduces the
risk of injury.
Examples are
EXPLORE • Worker training
• Rules that require regular handling
Control Biohazards 3-Personal Protective Equipment 10
min

When hazard poses a threat even after engineering and administrative controls
have been implemented , then PPEs is necessary.
Some PPEs measures that can protect you are
• Proper mask and latex gloves for biohazards
• Eye protection

 For PPEs to be effective it must be worn correctly and must be

comfortable and fitted for each person. Workers must be trained
properly so that it is worn when needed.
 Biological Causes Effects Precautionary
Hazard Measures

Viruses Person-to-person transmission Respiratory illnesses Vaccination

Zoonotic transmission from animals Pandemics and widespread Personal hygiene (hand
infections washing, masks)

Bacteria Contaminated food and water Gastrointestinal illnesses Proper cooking and food
handling
Person-to-person transmission Septicemia, pneumonia Antibiotic use under medical
supervision

Toxins Toxin-producing bacteria or fungi Poisoning Food safety practices

Industrial processes and pollutants Neurological disorders Regular monitoring of

environmental toxins

Insects Vector-borne diseases (e.g., Malaria, Dengue, Zika Use of insect repellents
mosquitoes)
Allergenic reactions to insect bites Allergic reactions Vector control (e.g.,
insecticides)
Psychological Hazards
 Psychological hazards

• Psychological hazards are aspects of the work environment and the way that work is organised
that are associated with mental disorders and physical injury or illness.
Common Psychological Hazards
Importance of Addressing Psychological Hazards
Work Overload
•Impact: Stress, burnout, decreased
job satisfaction, impaired mental
health.
•Control: Prioritize tasks, set realistic
expectations, delegate responsibilities,
provide resources and support,
encourage work-life balance.
Job Insecurity
•Impact: Anxiety, stress, decreased
motivation, impaired performance.
•Control: Maintain transparent
communication, provide regular updates on
organizational changes, offer career
development opportunities, ensure fair and
consistent treatment of employees.
Workplace Bullying
Impact: Psychological distress, decreased
productivity, toxic work culture.
Control: Clear policies, training,
supportive leadership, open
communication, support services, regular
monitoring.
Discrimination and Harassment
•Impact: Psychological trauma, fear, low
self-esteem, reduced job satisfaction.
•Control: Establish zero-tolerance policies,
encourage reporting mechanisms, conduct
thorough investigations, and take swift
disciplinary action against offenders.
 Isolation and Loneliness
•Impact: Depression, anxiety, decreased morale,
reduced productivity.
•Control: Foster social connections, encourage
team collaboration, provide opportunities for
social interaction, offer support networks and
counseling services.
Lack of Recognition and Appreciation
•Impact: Decreased morale, feelings of
undervaluation, reduced motivation.
•Control: Implement recognition programs,
acknowledge achievements publicly, provide
regular feedback and praise, foster a culture of
appreciation and gratitude.
Psychological
Risk
Management
Psychological Risk
Management
Thank You