11.10.

2023

Introduction
Lesson objectives:
Introduction to Industrial 1. Identify types of health hazards in the workplace.
2. Describe strategies to control chemical hazards.
Hygiene 3. Describe strategies to control biological hazards.
4. Describe strategies to control physical hazards.
5. Describe strategies to control ergonomic hazards.
10-hour General Industry Outreach
Training

Introduction
Introduction
Industrial Hygiene – the
• Health hazards on the science of protecting the health
job site and safety of workers through:
• Protect yourself; protect • Anticipation,
your family • Recognition,
• Evaluation, and
• Control
Source: OSHA …of workplace conditions Source: OSHA

that may cause workers’

injury or illness.

https://www.osha.gov/Publicati
ons/OSHA3143/OSHA3143.htm
• Workers can be exposed to a variety of health • What is Industrial Hygiene?
hazards on a job site, including:
Industrial hygiene is the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and
• Chemical •
controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers' injury or illness.
• Biological Industrial hygienists use environmental monitoring and analytical methods to
detect the extent of worker exposure and employ engineering, work practice
• Physical controls, and other methods to control potential health hazards.

• Ergonomic • How Are OSHA and Industrial Hygiene Related?

• If not practicing good hygiene, these hazards can
Under the Act, OSHA develops and sets mandatory occupational safety and
be brought home and expose family members as •
health requirements applicable to the more than 6 million workplaces in the
well. Protect yourself and your family by knowing U.S. OSHA relies on, among many others, industrial hygienists to evaluate
jobs for potential health hazards.. Industrial hygienists also play a major role
what health hazards may be present at your in developing and issuing OSHA standards to protect workers from health
jobsite and take appropriate actions for exposure hazards associated with toxic chemicals, biological hazards, and harmful
control. physical agents.. Industrial hygienists analyze, identify, and measure
workplace hazards or stressors that can cause sickness, impaired health, or
significant discomfort in workers through chemical, physical, ergonomic, or
biological exposures.

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Types of Health Hazards Chemical Hazards

Common workplace health hazards:
Chemical Physical 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.
Biological Ergonomic
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 Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that OSHA'S Hazard Communication
Standard requires be supplied by the manufacturer or importer to the
purchaser of all hazardous materials. The SDS is a summary of the
Source of photos: OSHA

important health, safety, and toxicological information on the chemical or

What Are Some Examples of

the mixture's ingredients. Other provisions of the Hazard
Job Hazards? Communication Standard require that all containers of hazardous
substances in the workplace have appropriate warning and
identification labels.
To be effective in recognizing and evaluating on-the-job hazards SDS(s) are not required for asbestos, silica, lead, or and other
and recommending controls, industrial hygienists must be familiar non-manufactured chemicals, but they are recommended
with the hazards' characteristics. Major job risks can include air
contaminants, and chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic Some unintended by-products of production may be hazardous,
hazards. but may not be included in a SDS. Ex. CO as a byproduct of
combustion. You may have an SDS on a gas being used, but not
Workers can be exposed to a variety of health hazards on a job on the CO that is emitted.
site, including the following: Depiction notes:
Chemical hazards such as solids, liquids, gases and vapors, and Welding generates fumes, which is an example of an aerosol
aerosols; Grinding/Cutting/etc. generates dusts. Silica is an example of
Biological hazards such as insects, animals, soil, plants, water, and a suspended dust particle
blood; Spraying paints is an example of generating mists
Physical hazards such as noise, temperature extremes, and Chemical storage units may contain any/all states of chemical
radiation; and hazards
Ergonomic hazards such as lifting, holding, pushing, walking, and
reaching.

Chemical Hazards and Controls

Multiple chemical
Chemical Hazards and Controls
Effects of chemical exposures:
Forms hazards

• Solids Health Risks

Heart Ailments Lung Damage Sterility
• Liquids
CNS Damage Kidney Damage Burns
• Gases and vapors Cancer Liver Damage Rashes
• Aerosols - dust, mist, fumes Spraying mist
Safety Risks
Welding fumes Dust particulates Fire Explosion Corrosion

Source of photos: OSHA

Source of photos: OSHA

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Effects of chemical exposures Chemical Hazards and Controls

• Effects of chemical exposures
• May pose risk of fire and explosion hazards, as well as corrosive Warning Signs of Potential Chemical
hazards Exposure:
• May put workers at risk of developing health problems such as
heart ailments, central nervous system damage, kidney • Dust, mist, smoke in the air
damage, lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns, or rashes
• 190,000 illnesses caused by chemical exposure annually in the • Accumulation of particulates (dust) on
US surfaces
• 50,000 deaths caused by chemical exposure annually in the US
• Unusual tastes and/or smells
• Burns and rashes are examples of local impacts of
• Eye, nose, throat, upper respiratory, and/or
chemical exposure. (May be reversible or irreversible)
skin irritation
• The rest of the health problems in the chart are
examples of systemic impacts of chemical exposure.
(Likely irreversible)

Chemical Hazards and Controls Chemical Hazards and Controls

Exposure entry routes:
Breathed in
Examples of chemical exposure symptoms:
Inhalation:
(most common route) • Eye, nose, throat, upper respiratory, skin irritation
• Flu-like symptoms
Swallowing via eating • Difficulty breathing
Ingestion:
or drinking
• Fatigue
Drawn through skin • Loss of coordination
Absorption:
or eye surface
Source of graphics: OSHA
• Memory difficulties
*Injection:
Penetration through • Sleeplessness
the skin
• Mental confusion

Common ways workers

encounter chemical hazards Chemical Hazards and Controls
Types of health effects:
Inhalation Absorption (Skin/Eye)
Grinding/Cutting/Sawing/Sanding/e Unprotected for all potential Exposure Condition Exposure Example
tc. airborne exposure H2S exposure
Painting/Spraying Laboratory Short-term, high
ACUTE Immediate within a confined
(Acids/Bases/Toxics) concentration
Cleaning space
Cleaning/Solvents
Processing/Manufacturing/Reacting Delayed; generally Continuous; for long
Product Handling CHRONIC Asbestosis
Laboratory for years periods of time
Injection
Welding fumes Pressurized chemicals Acute Chronic
Nearby construction (Hydraulics)
(Lead/Asbestos/Silica) Industrial Hole
Ingestion Punching/Injection Processing
Cross Contamination Sharps (Needles)
(food/water/cigarettes)
Mucus Contamination (particulates) Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Source: OSHA

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Chemical Hazards and Controls

For some chemical hazards our
primary concern is from acute Toxic effects:
exposures (Ex. Carbon Monoxide • Dose
leading to CO poisoning), while some 1. Concentration – amount
have primarily chronic exposure
2. Duration of Exposure – time
concerns (Ex. Years of silica exposure
leading to silicosis). Some chemical
exposures can have both acute and
chronic exposure concerns, like
Benzene – which can cause narcosis
from short term exposure, and cancer
from chronic exposure. Source: OSHA

Chemical Hazards and Controls

• Concentration – the
What is toxicology? amount of a given
substance in a stated unit
• The science that studies the poisonous or of measure. When
conducting air monitoring
toxic properties of substances we are determining the
amount of toxin per a
unit of time.

• Time – OSHA Time

Weighted Average (TWA)
Permissible Exposure
Limits (PEL) are based on
8-hour time limit.
• Time – OSHA Ceiling limit
Source of graphics: OSHA Hazard Communication Pictograms
PELs are instantaneous.

• Almost anything - even water - can cause illness if

Chemical Hazards and Controls
taken in a large enough quantity. On the other
hand, most hazardous chemicals can be used • Toxic chemicals disrupt the normal
safely if the exposure is limited to a small enough functions of the body. Effects can be:
exposure.
– Local - at the site of exposure
– Systemic
• Hazard Communications Standard – pictograms
• Affects the entire body
• Skull and Crossbones: Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic),
• Target organs - organs or systems where
• Health Hazard (carcinogen, mutagenicity, symptoms of exposure appear
reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target
organ toxicity and aspiration toxicity),
• Exclamation Mark (irritant (skin and eye), skin
sensitizer, acute toxicity, narcotic effects, respiratory
tract irritant.

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• A toxic chemical may cause local effects, systemic

effects, or both. For example, if ammonia gas is
inhaled, it quickly irritates the lining of the
respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). Almost Substances may have systemic effects when
no ammonia passes from the lungs into the blood. they are absorbed into the bloodstream and are
Since damage is caused only at the point of initial then carried to other parts of the body, where
contact, ammonia is said to exert a local effect. An they cause their effect. These types of
epoxy resin is an example of a substance with substances usually cause their effect in one or
local effects on the skin. On the other hand, if two target body organs. Whether or not these
liquid phenol contacts the skin, it irritates the skin effects occur depends on the concentration of
at the point of contact (a local effect) and can also
be absorbed through the skin, and may damage the chemical in the target organ. The
the liver and kidneys (systemic effects). concentration in the organ is dependent on the
absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and
• Target Organ - Most chemicals that produce excretion of the substance.
toxicity do not cause a similar degree of toxicity in
all organs but usually produce the major toxicity to
one or two organs, they are the target organs.

Chemical Hazards and Controls Chemical Hazards and Controls

Local (direct) effects: “Local Effects” are sometimes • Hematotoxins
referred to as “Direct Effects” – Cause blood system damage
• Irritation (dryness, redness, cracking) - – Carbon monoxide, cyanides
fiberglass • Anesthetics
• Corrosion (chemical burn) - acid – Depress nervous system
• Upper Respiratory Track Infection – inhaling – Hydrocarbons, propane, isopropyl ethers
particles

Source: Occupational Dermatoses (CDC)

Chemical Hazards and Controls Chemical Hazards and Controls

Systemic effects:
• Hepatotoxins Factors affecting exposures:
– Cause liver damage • form and innate chemical activity
– Carbon tetrachloride, nitrosamines • dosage, especially dose-time relationship
• exposure route
• Nephrotoxins
• age
– Cause kidney damage • sex
– Uranium, halogenated hydrocarbons • ability of chemical to be absorbed
• Neurotoxins • metabolism
– Cause nerve damage • distribution within the body
– Mercury, lead, carbon disulfide
• excretion
• presence of other chemicals

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Exposure route Chemical Hazards and Controls

• Exposure route Some chemicals may be highly toxic
by one route but not by others. Two major reasons Interactions with multiple chemicals:
are differences in absorption and distribution within
the body. For example: ingested chemicals, when
absorbed from the intestine, distribute first to the liver • Additive effects 2+2=4
and may be immediately detoxified. Inhaled toxicants
immediately enter the general blood circulation and
can distribute throughout the body prior to being
detoxified by the liver. Frequently there are different • Synergistic effects 2+3>5
target organs for different routes of exposure.
• Age may be important in determining the response to
toxicants. Some chemicals are more toxic to infants or • Potentiation effects 2 + 0 > 2
the elderly than to young adults. Example: Children
more readily absorb lead than adults.
• Race is another important factor in chemical • Antagonistic effects 4 + 6 < 10
response.
• Example: Asian men experience much weaker effects
of codeine for same exposure than Caucasian men.

• The ability to be absorbed is essential for

systemic toxicity to occur. Some chemicals are
Chemical Hazards and Controls
easily absorbed and others poorly absorbed. For
example, nearly all alcohols are easily absorbed
Hierarchy of control:
when ingested, whereas there is virtually no
absorption for most polymers. For example:
ethanol is readily absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract but poorly absorbed through
the skin organic mercury is readily absorbed from
the gastrointestinal tract; inorganic lead sulfate is
not.
• Metabolism, also known as biotransformation, is
the changing from one configuration to another,
which is a major factor in determining toxicity.
There are two types of metabolism - detoxification
and bioactivation. Detoxification is the process by
which a chemical is converted to a less toxic form.
Bioactivation is the process by which a chemical Source: OSHA

may be converted to more reactive or toxic forms.

• The distribution of chemicals and their subparts

throughout the body determines the sites where
toxicity occurs. A major factor of whether or not a
Hierarchy of control:
chemical will damage cells is its lipid solubility (lipids
can not be dissolved in water). If a chemical is lipid-
soluble it readily penetrates cells. Many chemicals are
stored in the body. Fat tissue, liver, kidney, and bone 1.) Eliminate the hazard (if possible)
are the most common storage depots. Blood serves as 2.) Substitute hazard with safer alternative
the main avenue for distribution. Lymph also
distributes some materials. (if possible)
• The site and rate of excretion is another major factor 3.) Engineer controls:
affecting the toxicity of a chemical. The kidney is the
primary excretory organ, followed by the ventilation/wetting/guarding/etc.
gastrointestinal tract, and the lungs (for gases). Some
chemicals may also be excreted in sweat, tears, and 4.) Administrative: Giving breaks/cycling
milk.
• A large volume of blood is filtered through the kidney. work to minimize exposures/training
Lipid-soluble toxicants are reabsorbed and
concentrated in kidney cells. Impaired kidney function 5.) PPE: Respirators/hearing
causes slower elimination of toxicants and increases
their toxic potential. protections/face shields/gloves/boots/etc.
• Example: Lead takes months to years to excrete
where excess water can excrete in hours.

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Chemical Hazards and Controls Engineering controls

• Elimination
and • Engineering controls include
substitution eliminating toxic chemicals and
replacing harmful toxic materials
with less hazardous ones,
enclosing work processes or
confining work operations, and
installing general and local
Source: OSHA ventilation systems.

• “Establishing a chemical management system that goes

Chemical Hazards and Controls
beyond simply complying with OSHA standards and
strives to reduce or eliminate chemical hazards at the
source through informed substitution best protects Administrative controls
workers. Transitioning to safer alternatives can be a
complex undertaking, but a variety of existing resources – Establish written
make it easier. OSHA has developed this step-by-step programs & policies
toolkit to provide employers and workers with information,
methods, tools, and guidance on using informed – Training
substitution in the workplace. – Monitor/measure exposure
• By using this toolkit, businesses can improve worker well- levels
being through eliminating or reducing hazardous
chemicals, while creating other benefits, including: – Inspections and maintenance
• Cost Savings — Reduce expenses and future risks. – Restricted area signage
• Efficiency — Improve performance. – Develop SOPs
• Industry Leadership — Invest in innovation to stay
competitive.
• Corporate Stewardship — Advance socially responsible
Source of photos: OSHA

practices.”

Chemical Hazards and Controls Work practice controls

• Engineering controls Work practice controls alter the manner in which a task is
performed. Some fundamental and easily implemented
– Ventilation – local (hood) / general (dilution) work practice controls include
(1) following proper procedures that minimize exposures
– Process and equipment modification while operating production and control equipment;
(2) inspecting and maintaining process and control
– Isolation/automation equipment on a regular basis;
(3) implementing good house-keeping procedures;
(4) providing good supervision and
(5) mandating that eating, drinking, smoking, chewing
tobacco or gum, and applying cosmetics in regulated
areas be prohibited.
Example: Replacing transfer belts with screw
augers on sand movers used in hydraulic Administrative controls include controlling employees'
fracturing will help contain sand and reduce exposure by scheduling production and workers' tasks, or
dust release (lowering exposure to silica). both, in ways that minimize exposure levels. For example,
Source: NIOSH
the employer might schedule operations with the highest
exposure potential during periods when the fewest
employees are present.

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Chemical Hazards and Controls What is a Worksite Analysis?

A worksite analysis is an essential first step that
• PPE helps an industrial hygienist determine what jobs
– Respirators and work stations are the sources of potential
problems. During the worksite analysis, the
– Gloves industrial hygienist measures and identifies
– Safety glasses exposures, problem tasks, and risks. The most
effective worksite analyses include all jobs,
– Long clothing operations, and work activities. The industrial
hygienist inspects, researches, or analyzes how the
particular chemicals or physical hazards at that
worksite affect worker health. If a situation
hazardous to health is discovered, the industrial
Source of photos: OSHA hygienist recommends the appropriate corrective
actions.

When effective work practices

and/or engineering controls are What is a Worksite Analysis?
not feasible to achieve the
permissible exposure limit, or When toxic chemicals are present in the
while such controls are being workplace, your exposure can be estimated by
instituted, and in emergencies, measuring the concentration of a given
appropriate respiratory equipment chemical in the air and the duration of
must be used. In addition, personal exposure. This measurement is called air or
protective equipment such as environmental monitoring or sampling and is
gloves, safety goggles, helmets,
safety shoes, and protective usually done by industrial hygienists, using
clothing may also be required. To various types of instruments. Laboratory
be effective, personal protective analysis may be required. The air is collected
equipment must be individually from your breathing zone (the air around your
selected, properly fitted and nose and mouth) so that the concentrations
periodically refitted; measured will accurately reflect the
conscientiously and properly worn; concentration you are inhaling. The exposure
regularly maintained; and replaced levels calculated from this monitoring can
as necessary. then be compared to exposure limits for that
chemical.

Chemical Hazards and Controls Chemical Hazards and Controls

Worksite analysis – assessing • PELs, or permissible exposure
exposures: limits:
• Air monitoring – personal and area
– OSHA’s regulations that establish the
• Noise monitoring acceptable amount or concentration of
• Observation – PPE use and work practices a substance in the workplace
• Ventilation measurements – Intended to protect workers from
• Wipe samples – surfaces and personnel adverse health effects related to
hazardous chemical exposure
Source: OSHA

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An exposure limit published and enforced by OSHA

as a legal standard.
Chemical Hazards and Controls
The PELs were adopted exposure limits at the
inception of OSHA. “C” = ceiling limit:
OSHA sets enforceable permissible exposure limits • Level never to be exceeded during the work
(PEL) to protect workers against the health effects shift
of exposure to hazardous substances. PELs are
regulatory limits on the amount or concentration of • Protect from acute disease or health effects
a substance in the air. They may also contain a skin
designation. OSHA PELs are based on an 8-hour
time weighted average (TWA) exposure. 60
Ceiling

Refer to OSHA Chemical Sampling Informaiton 50

The Chemical Sampling Information pages present,

40

Exposure
in concise form, data on a large number of chemical 30

substances that may be encountered in industrial 20

hygiene investigations. It is intended as a basic 10

PEL

reference for OSHA personnel. 0

Time
https://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/toc/toc_chemsamp.html

Chemical Hazards and Controls

Exposure limits: • Ceiling limits protect workers
• TWA = Time - Weighted Average from acute or immediate
14

12
health reactions.
• Ceiling limits protect us from
PEL

• Levels vary over

Exposure in PPM

10

the shift duration

8
T
6
death, losing consciousness,
inability to think clearly, and
4

other instant reactions.

0
8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00
AM AM AM AM PM PM PM PM PM
Time

• These limits protect from chronic • In this example the Ceiling

diseases
value has been exceeded.

• Most of OSHA’s PELs are time weighted Chemical Hazards and Controls
averages. And most are intended to be
Substance-specific standards:
the average over an eight hour day.
• Established by OSHA to identify
This represents an employee’s real-
specific requirements
time exposure to a substance with a
• Potentially exposed workers must
PEL of 10ppm . Since the PEL is be monitored and protected
10ppm, is this employee
overexposed?” No. The TWA would be
less than 10ppm.
• https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9992

• 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1 Limits for Air Source: NIOSH

Contaminants.

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Chemical Hazards and Controls

• While most of OSHA’s PELs are found on the Z
Tables, there are substances that are toxic,
prevalent, and concerning enough to have Hexavalent chromium:
earned their own Substance Specific • Toxic form of chromium;
Standards.
• Known to cause cancer
• OSHA has established substance specific • Compounds are man-made
standards for substances (mostly and widely used Source: OSHA

carcinogens) that identify specific

• Major source of exposure
requirements. Workers potentially exposed to
a substance with a specific standard must be during “hotwork” on
monitored and protected in accordance with stainless steel and other
that specific standard. A substance-specific alloy steels containing
standard may require integrated air Cr(VI)
monitoring or various forms of biological
monitoring.

Chemical Hazards and Controls

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]
• Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of the valence states
(+6) of the element chromium. It is usually produced by an
• Components of substance specific industrial process. Cr(VI) is known to cause cancer. In
addition, it targets the respiratory system, kidneys,
standards: (in general) liver, skin and eyes. Chromium metal is added to alloy
steel to increase hardenability and corrosion resistance. A
– Air monitoring major source of worker exposure to Cr(VI) occurs during "hot
– Control of exposure work" such as welding on stainless steel and other alloy
steels containing chromium metal. Cr(VI) compounds may be
• Engineering controls used as pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics. It also may
• Work practices be used as an anticorrosive agent added to paints, primers, and
• Respiratory protection other surface coatings. The Cr(VI) compound chromic acid is
used to electroplate chromium onto metal parts to provide
– Medical surveillance / removal (lead) a decorative or protective coating.
– Recordkeeping • Requirements to protect workers from Cr(VI) exposure are
addressed in specific OSHA hexavalent chromium standards
– Worker training covering general industry (1910.1026), shipyards
(1915.1026), and construction (1926.1126).
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/

Chemical Hazards and Controls

The components of a substance specific
standard are similar for most of the Asbestos:
substances. The first component is air
monitoring, which quantifies the amount • Mineral fibers – chrysotile, amosite,
of the contaminant that an employee is crocidolite, tremolite, anthophylite,
exposed to. Then there is controlling that actinolite, and chemically treated/
exposure, through engineering controls, altered forms
work practices, and respiratory protection. • Known carcinogen;
Source: OSHA

Some substances require medical can cause chronic lung disease, as well as
surveillance to track employee health to lung and other cancers
ensure that they are not being negatively • Used in numerous building materials and vehicle
affected by exposure to the substance. products
The standards also cover the requirements • Exposure potential during construction and ship
for recordkeeping, and training repair; as well as manufacturing of products
employees. containing asbestos

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“What is asbestos? Chemical Hazards and Controls

• Asbestos is the name given to a group of
naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to Silica:
heat and corrosion. Asbestos has been used in
products, such as insulation for pipes (steam lines • Important industrial material found
for example), floor tiles, building materials, and abundantly in the earth’s crust; most
in vehicle brakes and clutches. Asbestos includes common form is quartz
the mineral fibers chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite,
tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and any of • Can cause lung diseases, including silicosis
these materials that have been chemically treated and lung cancer, as well as kidney disease
or altered. Heavy exposures tend to occur in the • Exposure to respirable crystalline silica
construction industry and in ship repair,
particularly during the removal of asbestos – Inhalation of small particles
materials due to renovation, repairs, or in air
demolition. Workers are also likely to be exposed – Common with operations
during the manufacture of asbestos products such as cutting, sawing,
(such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other and drilling
building materials) and during automotive brake
Source: NIOSH

and clutch repair work.

What are the hazards of asbestos? Chemical Hazards and Controls

Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard Lead:
and its use is now highly regulated by both
OSHA and EPA. Asbestos fibers associated with • Blue-gray, heavy metal occurring
these health risks are too small to be seen with naturally in Earth’s crust
the naked eye. Breathing asbestos fibers can • Can harm many of the body’s
cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs
called asbestosis and result in loss of lung organ systems; variety of ailments
function that often progresses to disability and • Exposure
death. Asbestos also causes cancer of the lung
and other diseases such as mesothelioma of the – Inhalation and/or ingestion of
pleura which is a fatal malignant tumor of the airborne particles containing lead
membrane lining the cavity of the lung or – Occurs in most industry sectors,
stomach. Epidemiologic evidence has including manufacturing, wholesale Source of photos: OSHA

increasingly shown that all asbestos fiber trade, transportation, construction,

types, including the most commonly used form remediation, and even recreation
of asbestos, chrysotile, causes mesothelioma in
humans.

What can be done to reduce Lead enters the body primarily through inhalation and
ingestion. Today, adults are mainly exposed to lead by
the hazards of asbestos? breathing in lead-containing dust and fumes at work, or
from hobbies that involve lead.
Worker exposure to asbestos hazards are addressed in specific
OSHA standards for the construction industry, general industry Lead passes through the lungs into the blood where it can
and shipyard employment sectors. These standards reduce the harm many of the body's organ systems. While inorganic
risk to workers by requiring that employers provide personal lead does not readily enter the body through the skin, it can
exposure monitoring to assess the risk and hazard awareness enter the body through accidental ingestion (eating,
training for operations where there is any potential exposure to drinking, and smoking) via contaminated hands, clothing,
asbestos. Airborne levels of asbestos are never to exceed legal and surfaces. Workers may develop a variety of ailments,
worker exposure limits. There is no "safe" level of asbestos such as neurological effects, gastrointestinal effects,
exposure for any type of asbestos fiber. Asbestos exposures as
short in duration as a few days have caused mesothelioma in anemia, and kidney disease.
humans. Every occupational exposure to asbestos can cause
injury of disease; every occupational exposure to asbestos OSHA estimates that approximately 804,000 workers
contributes to the risk of getting an asbestos related disease. in general industry and an additional 838,000
Where there is exposure, employers are required to further workers in construction are potentially exposed to
protect workers by establishing regulated areas, controlling lead. Workers are exposed to lead as a result of the
certain work practices and instituting engineering controls to
reduce the airborne levels. The employer is required to ensure production, use, maintenance, recycling, and
exposure is reduced by using administrative controls and provide disposal of lead material and products. Lead
for the wearing of personal protective equipment. Medical exposure occurs in most industry sectors including
monitoring of workers is also required when legal limits and construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade,
exposure times are exceeded.”
transportation, remediation and even recreation.

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In general industry, workers come in contact with lead in

solder, plumbing fixtures, rechargeable batteries, lead bullets,
leaded glass, brass, or bronze objects, and radiators. Lead
Chemical Hazards and Controls
exposure can occur not only in the production of these kinds of Toxic atmospheres:
objects but also in their use (e.g., firing ranges), repair (e.g.,
radiator repair), and recycling (e.g., lead-acid battery
recycling). Construction workers are exposed to lead during the • Confined spaces – storage tanks, process vessels,
removal, renovation, or demolition of structures painted with bins, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers,
lead pigments. Workers may also be exposed during
installation, maintenance, or demolition of lead pipes and underground utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, open-
fittings, lead linings in tanks and radiation protection, leaded top spaces more than 4’ in depth (pits, tubs, vaults)
glass, work involving soldering, and other work involving lead
metal or lead alloys. • Hazardous atmospheres
In the general population, lead may be present in small but – Oxygen-deficient
hazardous concentrations in food, water, and air. Lead – Hydrogen sulfide
poisoning from deteriorating old paint is the primary source of
elevated blood lead levels in children. Children under the age of – Carbon monoxide
six are at risk of developing cognitive health effects even at
very low blood lead levels. Pregnant women or those who
might become pregnant must avoid lead exposure because it is
toxic to the fetus. Another source of environmental exposure to Source: OSHA
lead is from workers who take home lead dust on their clothing
and shoes.

Chemical Hazards and Controls Biological Hazards and Controls

Welding fumes: Insects Animals Contaminated Soil
• Content depends on components of
base metal, coatings, and/or filler
materials; and welding temperatures
• Potential health effects
– Acute exposure: eye, nose, and Source: OSHA
Source: OSHA Source: OSHA Source: CDC

throat irritation; dizziness; nausea Poisonous Plants Water/Sewage Bloodborne Pathogens

– Prolonged exposure: lung damage; various types of cancer,
including lung, larynx, and urinary tract
– Certain fumes and gases can lead to additional health
issues
Source: OSHA Source: OSHA Source: OSHA

Chemical Hazards and Controls Biological Hazards and Controls

• Exposure to welding fumes • Possible effects of exposure to
affected by: biological hazards:
– Welding process • Mild, allergic reactions
– Materials used
• Serious medical conditions
– Location (outside, enclosed space)
• Death
– Work practices
– Air movement • Most virulent and prevalent
– Use of ventilation Source: OSHA
biological agents

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Biological Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

Protection against biological hazards: Effects of exposure to physical hazards:
• Practice universal precaution with:
– Blood Temperature Radiation Vibration Noise
– Bodily fluids
Rash; Cramps Burns Fatigue Interferences
• Practice personal hygiene
• Provide proper first aid Exhaustion Sickness Strains Stress
– Cuts/Scratches
Stroke Aging Carpal Tunnel Tinnitus
• Vaccinations
• Wear proper PPE/clothing Hypothermia Cancer HAVS Headaches

Frostbite DNA Mutations Raynaud’s Hearing Loss

Source of photos: OSHA

Biological Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

• Practice precaution with:
Exposure to heat:
– Animals
– Insects
Health
• Use insect repellent Cause Symptoms
Effects
• Provide proper ventilation or other Red cluster of bumps/blisters;
Certain species of fruit bats are thought to be the
Rash; Cramps Heavy sweating
appropriate environmental controls natural reservoir for Ebola virus. EHF outbreaks
are believed to start as a result of contact with Muscle pains or spasms
infected animals or animal carcasses.
Source: OSHA; photo courtesy of National Park
Dizziness, light-headedness,
Service, U.S. Dept. of Interior.
Loss of body
Exhaustion weakness, heavy sweating, pale
fluids/salts
skin, sick to stomach
≥104F body temperature. Red,
Rapid body
The best way to protect yourself from Zika, as
Stroke hot, dry skin; dizziness;
temperature rise
well as other mosquito-borne illnesses, is to

confusion; unconscious
prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent,
wearing long sleeves and pants, and reducing
mosquito breeding grounds, such as standing
water. Source: OSHA; photos courtesy of CDC.

Physical Hazards and Controls

Physical Hazards and Controls
Types of physical hazards: OSHA’s Heat Safety
Temperature Vibration Tool

Radiation Noise

Source of photos: OSHA https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html

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Physical Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

Protection against heat:
Engineering Administrative PPE
Exposure to radiation:
• Air conditioning • Emergency plan • Insulated PPE, in
• Ventilation • Acclimatization some work places
• Cooling fans • Adequate water • Thermal clothing
• Local exhaust • Work/rest cycles (cool vests)
ventilation • Avoid hottest times;
• Reflective shields adjust work demands
• Insulation • Rotate job functions
• Eliminate steam • Buddy system
leaks • Monitoring
Source: OSHA

Eliminate or substitute hazard, whenever feasible

Physical Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

Protection against radiation:
Exposure to cold: Engineering Administrative PPE
• Enclose/Shield work • Clearly mark • RF/MW protective
Health areas to minimize controlled spaces suits, including head
Cause Symptoms
Effects stray radiation • Minimize exposure and eye protection
• Interlocked doors on times • Safety glasses,
Uncontrolled shivering; slurred devices that can • Location/ goggles, welding
Body temperature
Hypothermia speech; memory loss; produce acute installation of helmets, or welding
drops ≤95F
blue/purple skin thermal injuries devices face shields with
Pale, cold, waxy-white skin; • Remote operation of • Proper appropriate filter
Frostbite Exposed to ≤0F air
tingling; stinging radiation-producing maintenance lenses
devices

Eliminate or substitute hazard, whenever feasible

Physical Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

Protection against cold:
Exposure to vibration:
Engineering Administrative PPE
Early Signs and Later Signs and
• Heaters • Warm liquids • Layered clothing Health Effects
Symptoms Symptoms
• Shield work areas • Adjust work schedule • Hat or hood, face
(windbreaks) • Buddy system cover, gloves • Circulatory • Intermittent • Loss of sense of touch;
• Monitoring • Clothing out of disturbances, tingling of one or numbness
• Frequent breaks in fabric that retains such as VWF and more fingers • Blanching of entire fingers
warm areas insulation even HAVS • Blanching of • Loss of grip strength
• Acclimatization when wet • Sensory nerve fingertips • Sever pain
damage • Pain in fingers • Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Insulated and
• Muscle, bone, • Pain and loss of strength in
waterproof boots and joint injury arms
• Loss of finger dexterity or
coordination
Eliminate or substitute hazard, whenever feasible

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Physical Hazards and Controls

Physical Hazards and Controls
Protection against noise:
Engineering Administrative PPE
Protection against vibration:
• Use low-noise tools and • Increase distance • Ear plugs
machinery between source • Ear muffs
Engineering Administrative PPE • Place a barrier between and worker • Hearing bands
• Vibration reduction • Proper positioning • Anti-vibration noise source and worker • Alter work
equipment and grip; let the gloves • Enclose or isolate noise schedule
• Vibration dampeners machine do the work • Weld parts rather than • Limit time of noise
or shields to isolate • Job rotation rivet exposure
source of vibration • Limit duration of task • Use acoustical materials • Provide quiet
from employee • Proper maintenance • Install silencers, areas for breaks
mufflers, or baffles

Eliminate or substitute hazard, whenever feasible

Eliminate or substitute hazard, whenever feasible

Physical Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

Exposure to noise: • When to wear hearing protection
– Noise or sound level exceeds 90 dBA (OSHA)
Health Effects Signs and Symptoms – Recommended when exceeds 85 dBA (NIOSH)
• Tinnitus • Ears feel stuffed up
• Permanent hearing loss • Ringing in the ears • What to wear
• Physical stress • Limited ability to hear high frequency
• Psychological stress sounds, understand speech, and
– Personal comfort preference
communicate – Long-term/Single use (plugs)
– Short-term/On and off (muffs)
– Consider NRR

Source of photos: OSHA

Physical Hazards and Controls Physical Hazards and Controls

• Noise – prolonged Dual hearing protection:
exposures to
85 dB can lead to
hearing loss

Formable Ear Plugs Earmuffs

Listed NRR = 29 Listed NRR = 16
Adjusted NRR (29 – 7) = 22 Adjusted NRR for Dual
Protection = 5

22 (adjusted NRR) + 5 (Dual Protection NRR) = 27

Source: OSHA
Source of graphics: OSHA

90

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Ergonomic Hazards and Controls Ergonomic Hazards and Controls

Protection against ergonomic hazards:
• Use ergonomically designed tools
• Use correct work practices
– Proper lifting techniques
• Ask for help when handling:
– Heavy loads
– Bulky/Awkward materials

• Properly fitting PPE

Source of photos: OSHA Source: NIOSH

Ergonomic Hazards and Controls Discussion

Effects of exposure to ergonomic hazards: • What are examples of health hazards at
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) your worksite?
– Exposure to ergonomic risk factors for MSDs increases
a worker's risk of injury
• Repetition • How are they controlled?
• High force
• Awkward postures
– Work-related MSDs are among the
most frequently reported causes
of lost or restricted work time.

Source: OSHA

Ergonomic Hazards and Controls Knowledge Check

Risk factors for MSDs:
• Overexertion 1. Which of the following is an example of an
industrial hygiene health hazard?
• Repetitive tasks
a. Chemical hazards
• Awkward posture/positions
b. Economic hazards
• Localized pressure
c. Electrical hazards
• Cold temperatures d. Fall hazards
• Vibration
• Combined exposure Answer: a. Chemical hazards

Source of photos: OSHA

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Knowledge Check
2. Which of the following is an example of
a physical health hazard?
a. Asbestos
b. Noise
c. Silica
d. Lead

Answer: b. Noise

Knowledge Check
3. Which of the following controls is an
example of an engineering control for
protection against chemicals?
a. Ventilation
b. Respirators
c. Training
d. Signage

Answer: a. Ventilation

What questions do you

have?

Thank You!

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