Introduction to EHS Systems

Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) systems are structured frameworks designed to
identify, assess, and control hazards that can negatively impact workers' health and safety and
the surrounding environment. The development and implementation of EHS systems are vital
in modern industrial, commercial, and institutional workplaces, ensuring a proactive
approach to preventing accidents, promoting well-being, and ensuring environmental
compliance.

Need for EHS Systems in Workplaces

1. Prevention of Accidents and Injuries:

o EHS systems help in identifying potential hazards through risk assessments
and implementing control measures to prevent workplace accidents.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
o Governments and international bodies mandate specific safety, health, and
environmental standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO 45001). Non-compliance can result
in penalties, litigation, and closure.
3. Protection of the Environment:
o EHS systems ensure that operations minimize air, water, and soil pollution,
waste generation, and resource depletion, thereby contributing to sustainable
development.
4. Occupational Health Protection:
o Monitoring workplace exposure to physical, chemical, and biological hazards
prevents occupational diseases and promotes long-term employee well-being.
5. Emergency Preparedness and Response:
o Structured emergency procedures for fire, chemical spills, or natural disasters
reduce damage and save lives.
6. Reputation and Social Responsibility:
o Demonstrating commitment to safety and sustainability enhances corporate
image and stakeholder trust.
7. Cost Reduction and Efficiency:
o Prevention of incidents reduces compensation claims, equipment damage, and
downtime, improving operational efficiency.

Benefits to Employers

1. Improved Productivity:
o A safe and healthy workforce is more motivated, leading to increased
efficiency and reduced absenteeism.
2. Reduced Costs:
o Lower insurance premiums, medical expenses, and legal costs due to fewer
accidents.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
o Avoidance of penalties and shutdowns through adherence to environmental
and occupational health regulations.
 4. Enhanced Corporate Reputation:
o EHS systems improve public and stakeholder confidence in the organization’s
commitment to safety and sustainability.
5. Attraction and Retention of Talent:
o Organizations known for safety and care attract skilled professionals and
experience lower turnover.
6. Business Continuity:
o Minimizing disruption due to incidents ensures smoother, uninterrupted
operations.

Benefits to Employees

1. Safer Working Conditions:

o Reduced risk of injury or illness boosts morale and workplace satisfaction.
2. Health and Well-being:
o Access to health monitoring, protective equipment, and ergonomic practices
promotes long-term physical and mental health.
3. Empowerment and Engagement:
o Training and participation in safety committees empower workers and create a
culture of shared responsibility.
4. Job Satisfaction and Morale:
o Feeling valued and protected leads to higher engagement and loyalty.
5. Clear Communication:
o EHS systems often include protocols and signage that improve understanding
of safe practices across all levels.

1. Introduction

In occupational and environmental health, understanding how hazardous agents enter the
human body is crucial to preventing disease and injury. These agents include chemicals,
biological organisms, and physical hazards such as radiation or noise. The pathways of entry
determine the type and severity of health effects and help shape appropriate control measures.

2. Exposure Pathways

a) Inhalation (Breathing in Hazardous Substances)

 Primary route in industrial and workplace environments.

 Substances like dust, vapors, gases, aerosols, fumes, and smoke enter the lungs during
respiration.
 Particles can reach deep into the alveoli of the lungs and be absorbed into the
bloodstream.
 Examples: Silica dust in construction, asbestos in demolition, toxic fumes in
chemical plants.

b) Dermal Absorption (Through Skin and Eyes)

  Hazardous substances contact the skin and are absorbed through skin layers.
 Some substances penetrate even intact skin and reach blood vessels underneath.
 Risk increases with cuts, abrasions, or prolonged exposure.
 Examples: Pesticides, organic solvents (like benzene, toluene), acids/alkalis.

c) Ingestion (Swallowing of Harmful Agents)

 Occurs when contaminated hands, food, drinks, or cigarettes are brought to the mouth.
 Often accidental or due to poor hygiene practices in workplaces.
 Swallowed chemicals enter the gastrointestinal tract and may be absorbed into the
bloodstream.
 Examples: Lead dust ingestion in battery manufacturing, accidental swallowing of
lab chemicals.

d) Injection (Direct Entry into Bloodstream)

 Less common but occurs in healthcare and laboratories.

 Hazardous agents enter directly through puncture wounds (e.g., needle sticks).
 Examples: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV or hepatitis via needle injury.

e) Eye Contact

 Eyes can absorb hazardous vapors or be directly injured by splashes.

 Mucous membranes are highly permeable to certain chemicals.
 Can lead to irritation, burns, or vision loss.
 Examples: Chemical splashes (acid/base), ammonia fumes.

3. Body’s Response to Hazardous Exposures

a) Immediate/Acute Response

 Occurs shortly after exposure.

 Symptoms include dizziness, headache, burns, skin irritation, coughing, nausea.
 Severity depends on dose, duration, and agent type.
 Example: Chlorine gas causes coughing and difficulty breathing within minutes.

b) Chronic Response

 Develops after long-term exposure to low levels.

 Includes diseases like cancer, asthma, organ damage, neurological disorders.
 May be delayed for months or years after initial exposure.
 Example: Asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma decades later.

c) Defense Mechanisms

 Respiratory system uses mucous membranes and cilia to trap and expel particles.
 Liver and kidneys detoxify and excrete harmful substances.
 Immune system identifies and eliminates foreign biological agents.
  Skin acts as a physical barrier, producing oils that resist absorption.

d) Overload or Breakdown of Defenses

 When exposure is too high or prolonged, the body’s defenses are overwhelmed.
 Results in tissue damage, DNA mutations, or systemic toxicity.
 Example: Continuous benzene exposure can impair bone marrow function, leading to
leukemia.

Chemical, Radiation, Electrical, and Fire

Safety Measures in Industrial Settings (20
Marks)
Ensuring safety in industrial environments is critical due to the presence of hazardous agents
such as chemicals, radiation sources, electrical systems, and fire hazards. Each of these risks
requires specific control measures and adherence to established standards to protect human
health, property, and the environment.

1. Chemical Safety Measures

Hazards:

 Toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive substances can cause poisoning, burns,

explosions, or environmental contamination.

Safety Measures:

 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/SDS: Must be available for every chemical,
detailing hazards, handling, and first aid.
 Proper Labeling and Storage: Chemicals must be stored according to compatibility
(e.g., acids away from bases) and labeled per the GHS (Globally Harmonized
System).
 Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, ventilation systems, and spill containment
trays.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of gloves, face shields,
respirators, and chemical-resistant clothing.
 Training and Emergency Response: Regular staff training and drills for spill
response, neutralization, and first aid.

Standards:

 OSHA 1910 Subpart Z (Hazardous Chemicals)

 NFPA 704 (Chemical Hazard Identification)
 ISO 45001:2018 (OHS Management Systems)
2. Radiation Safety Measures
Hazards:

 Ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays) can damage tissues, increase cancer
risk, or cause acute radiation syndrome.

Safety Measures:

 Time, Distance, Shielding: Minimize exposure time, maximize distance from the
source, and use lead shields or barriers.
 Radiation Monitoring: Use dosimeters and area monitors to track exposure levels.
 Controlled Zones: Restrict access to radiation areas; post warning signs clearly.
 Training: Workers must be trained in radiation safety procedures and emergency
handling.
 Secure Storage: Radioactive materials must be stored in shielded containers and
logged.

Standards:

 Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) Guidelines (India)

 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards
 ICRP Guidelines (International Commission on Radiological Protection)

3. Electrical Safety Measures

Hazards:

 Electric shock, burns, arc flash, short circuits, and equipment failure can lead to injury
or death.

Safety Measures:

 Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Procedures to de-energize equipment before maintenance.

 Insulated Tools and PPE: Use rubber gloves, mats, and flame-resistant clothing.
 Regular Inspection: Conduct frequent testing of electrical systems, cords, and
grounding.
 Proper Circuit Design: Use circuit breakers, grounding, and RCDs (Residual Current
Devices).
 Signage and Training: Clear warnings on live panels and proper employee
education.

Standards:
  National Electrical Code (NEC)
 NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
 OSHA 1910 Subpart S (Electrical)

4. Fire Safety Measures

Hazards:

 Flammable gases, liquids, faulty wiring, or hot work can initiate fires or explosions.

Safety Measures:

 Fire Detection & Alarms: Install smoke detectors, heat sensors, and fire alarms.
 Fire Extinguishers: Appropriate types (A, B, C, D, K) must be available and
regularly maintained.
 Emergency Evacuation Plans: Clearly marked exits, assembly points, and regular
fire drills.
 Hot Work Permits: Control welding or cutting activities through a permit system.
 Flammable Storage Cabinets: Store flammable materials in fire-rated enclosures.

Standards:

 NFPA Codes (10, 25, 101)

 OSHA Fire Safety Regulations
 Factory Act and IS 2190 (India)

CCE332 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Part A Answers (All Units) - 4 Marks Each

UNIT I - INTRODUCTION

1. Importance of Developing EHS Systems in the Workplace:

- Ensures the health and safety of employees and the surrounding environment.

- Reduces accidents, legal liabilities, and operational disruptions.

- Enhances compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

- Promotes a culture of safety and improves productivity.

2. Two International EHS Initiatives:

- ISO 45001 - International standard for occupational health and safety management systems.

- ILO-OSH 2001 - Guidelines from the International Labour Organization for occupational safety and
health management

systems.
3. Two Key Features of India's National Policy on Safety, Health, and Environment:

- Strengthening the regulatory framework for workplace safety.

- Promoting awareness, education, and skill development in occupational safety.

4. Role of Trade Union Safety Representatives:

- Act as a bridge between workers and management on safety issues.

- Participate in safety committees, conduct inspections, and raise safety concerns.

UNIT II - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1. Definition:

- Occupational health: Promotion and maintenance of physical, mental, and social well-being of
workers.

- Occupational hygiene: Identification, assessment, and control of workplace health hazards.

2. Four Categories of Occupational Health Hazards:

- Physical, Chemical, Biological, Ergonomic

3. Common Exposure Pathways:

- Inhalation, Ingestion, Skin contact, Injection

4. Hierarchy of Control Measures:

- Elimination, Substitution, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, PPE

UNIT III - WORKPLACE SAFETY AND SAFETY SYSTEMS

1. Significance of Good Housekeeping:

- Prevents slips, trips, falls; reduces fire hazards; promotes efficiency.

2. Importance of Lighting and Color Schemes:

- Enhances visibility; reduces eye strain; assists hazard identification.

3. Two Control Measures for Electrical Safety:

- Maintenance and insulation of wiring; use of circuit breakers and grounding.

4. Two Safety Measures for Working at Heights:

- Fall protection systems; proper training and inspection of ladders/scaffolds.

UNIT IV - HAZARDS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

1. Purpose of Job Safety Analysis (JSA):

- Identifies hazards in job tasks and implements control measures.

2. Define Safety Appraisal:

- Evaluation of workplace safety performance and systems.

3. Two Steps in Accident Investigation:

- Gathering evidence and interviewing; analyzing causes and recommending actions.

4. Role of Employee Participation in Risk Management:

- Helps identify hazards; ensures practical and accepted safety solutions.

UNIT V - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT

1. Definition of EHS Management:

- Structured approach to manage environmental impact and ensure health and safety.

2. Two Key Elements of an EHS Policy:

- Commitment to legal compliance; clear roles and responsibilities.

3. Purpose of ISO 45001:

- Framework to manage OH&S risks and reduce injuries.

4. Importance of Regular Review in EHS Management:

- Ensures effectiveness, compliance, and continual improvement.