1 Health Module 7. 2Objectives After this module you should be able to – identify the most common health hazards – take the necessary steps to avoid and.

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Health

Module 7

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ObjectivesObjectives• After this module you should be able to

– identify the most common health hazards– take the necessary steps to avoid and control

those hazards

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Health HazardsHealth Hazards• Chemical Hazards

– hydrogen sulfide– carbon monoxide– silica– hexavalent chromium

• Physical Hazards– noise– heat/cold

• Biological Hazards

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OSHAct of 1970OSHAct of 1970• The purpose of the OSHAct is to “assure,

so far as possible, every man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.”

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Applicable StandardsApplicable Standards• 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure• 1910 Subpart Z Toxic and Hazardous

Substances• 1926.52 Occupational Noise Exposure• 1926 Subpart Z Toxic and Hazardous

Substances

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Chemical HazardsChemical Hazards• Why should chemical hazards be communicated?

– Exposure Risk: about 32 million workers are potentially exposed to chemical hazards

– Number of Chemicals: about 650,000 chemical products exist; hundreds of new ones are introduced annually

– Health Effects: may include heart ailments, central nervous system damage, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns, and rashes

– Safety Hazards: potential to cause fires, explosions, or other serious accidents

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Purpose of HazComPurpose of HazCom• The purpose of OSHA’s Hazard

Communication Standard is to– “… ensure employers and employees know

about work hazards and how to protect themselves so that the incidence of illnesses and injuries due to hazardous chemicals is reduced.”

Label

Program MSDS

Hazard Communication

Program

Container Labeling

Material SafetyData Sheet

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Multi-Employer WorkplacesMulti-Employer Workplaces• When other employers have employees

on site that may be exposed, the program must include– methods to provide contractor employees

with on-site access to MSDS’s– methods used to inform other employers of

precautionary measures for normal and emergency situations

– the employer’s chemical labeling system

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Why a Written Program?Why a Written Program?• Employer: program ensures that all

employers receive the information they need to inform and train their employees

• Employees: program provides necessary hazard information to employees

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MSDS’s should be kept in a location(s) that can be easily accessed at all times

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LabelingLabeling• Containers of hazardous chemicals

entering the workplace must be labeled with– identity of chemical– appropriate hazard warnings

• message, picture, or symbol• hazards of chemical• target organs affected• legible in English, may have other languages

– name and address of responsible party

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NFPA LabelNFPA Label• National Fire Protection Association• The higher the number (max is 4), the

greater the hazard• Check the MSDS

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what’s in the bucket?

labels must legibly identify the contents and the hazards

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Material Safety Data SheetsMaterial Safety Data Sheets• Prepared by chemical manufacturer or

importer and describes– physical hazards, such as fire and explosion– health hazards, such as signs of exposure– routes of exposure– precautions for safe handling and use– emergency and first aid procedures– control measures

Adobe Acrobat Document

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Material Safety Data SheetsMaterial Safety Data Sheets

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read the label and msds before using

identify what it is and what type of health issues are present

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Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen Sulfide• Also called sour gas (H2S)

• Flammable, colorless gas that is toxic at extremely low concentrations

• Heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas

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Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen Sulfide• Smells like “rotten eggs” even at low

concentrations• Causes a worker to quickly loose the sense

of smell• Many areas of the country where the gas

is found have been identified, but pockets of it can be found anywhere

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Possible Solutions for HPossible Solutions for H22SS• Hydrogen sulfide gas can accumulate in

any low or enclosed areas, such as a gas venting system, mud system, cellars, pits, and tanks

• Possible solutions– provide adequate ventilation for the removal

of any accumulation of H2S

– implement effective confined space entry program

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HH22S MonitoringS Monitoring• Active monitoring for hydrogen sulfide gas

and good planning and training programs for workers are the best ways to prevent injury and death

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1910 Subpart Z1910 Subpart Z• 1910.1000 Air Contaminants

– includes Z Tables, worker exposure rates for specific listed substances

– worker exposure must not exceed these limits

• PEL = permissible exposure limit

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1910.1000(a) Table Z-11910.1000(a) Table Z-1• 2 types of limits

1. 8-hour time weighted average (TWA)• worker exposure shall not exceed 8-hour TWA in

any 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour work week

2. Ceiling (c) limits• worker exposure shall at no time exceed a

ceiling (c) exposure limit

• 2 common units of measure– Parts per million (ppm)– Milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3)

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Table Z-1 ExamplesTable Z-1 ExamplesSubstance 8-Hour TWA Ceiling

Acetone 1000 ppm

Carbon monoxide 50 ppm

Chlorine 1 ppm

Particulate not otherwise regulated (PNOR)

15 mg/m3, total dust

5 mg/m3, respirable dust

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Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen Sulfide• Decomposition of materials, human waste• Naturally present in some oil/gas reservoirs• Rotten egg odor at low concentrations• Possibly no warning at high concentrations

PPM Effect Time10 Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours50 - 100 Mild Irritation - eyes, throat 1 Hour150 Olfactory nerve paralysis200 - 300 Significant Irritation 1 – 1/2 Hour Pulmonary irritation & edema500 - 700 Unconsciousness, dizziness 15 - 30 Mins

Death>1000 Unconsciousness, Death Minutes

Cessation of respiration

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Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide• Odorless, colorless gas• Combustion by-product• Quickly collapse at high concentrations

PPM Effect Time50 Permissible Exposure Level 8 Hours200 Slight headache, discomfort 3 Hours600 Headache, discomfort 1 Hour1000-2000 Confusion, nausea, headache 2 Hour1000-2000 Tendency to stagger 1.5 Hours1000-2000 Slight heart palpitation 30 Min.2000-2500 Unconsciousness 30 Min.

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Steps to Protect Workers Against Steps to Protect Workers Against Health HazardsHealth Hazards

• Anticipate potential hazards• Recognize potential hazards• Evaluate exposure and risk• Control exposure and risk

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Hazard RecognitionHazard Recognition• The NIOSH Pocket Guide provides chemical

and physical property information about chemicals.

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Routes of ExposureRoutes of Exposure• Inhalation

– airborne contaminants

• Absorption– through the skin

• Ingestion– eating– drinking

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Control MethodsControl Methods

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ControlsControls• Engineering controls (remove hazard)

– process change, chemical substitution– ventilation, shielding, guarding– requires little or no worker action

• Administrative controls (manage exposure)– worker rotation, procedures, training– controlled access areas– requires worker action

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ControlsControls• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

– respirators, gloves, clothing– requires individual worker action– last line of defense, behind engineering and

administrative controls– addressed in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I

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what’s the health hazard?

identify what it is and what type of health issues are present

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warning signs can alert workers to workplace hazards

workers should be made aware of hazardous areas and be prepared to enter such areas

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Special Emphasis Program (SEP)Special Emphasis Program (SEP)

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Health Effects of SilicaHealth Effects of Silica• Silicosis

– irreversible but preventable– most commonly associated with silica dust

• Other possible effects– lung cancer– some auto-immune diseases

Scanning electron micrograph by William Jones, Ph.D., compliments of OSHA

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PEL for SilicaPEL for Silica

10 mg/m3

% Quartz + 2= ? mg/m3

PEL for respirable dust containing a % silica.

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Corrective Action: repair air conditioning unit for cab so that operator can close windows in the cab and prevent dust from entering cab

can you identify the hazard?

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can you identify the hazard?

Corrective Action: workers should wear a NIOSH-approved respirator for respirable dust; additionally, water can suppress the dust

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Hexavalent ChromiumHexavalent Chromium• A toxic form of chromium metal,

generally man-made.

• Used in many industrial applications, primarily for its anti-corrosive properties.

• Can be generated during welding on stainless steel or metal structures coated with chromate paint.

• Used in electroplating (chrome plating)

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Inhalation of dusts, mists, or fumes or hot processes that cause its formation in fumes.

Eye or skin contact with powder, dusts, or liquids

How Can Hexavalent Chromium Enter the Body?How Can Hexavalent Chromium Enter the Body?

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When welding, keep your head out of the welding plume.

Use available local exhaust ventilation at all times.

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Welding Work PracticesWelding Work Practices

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In some jobs involving chrome 6 exposure, you may need to wear a respirator.

The type of respirator worn depends on the amount of chrome 6 in the air.

The employer must provide you with the proper respirator and provide medical evaluations, fit-testing, and additional training.

Types of Respirators for Hexavalent ChromiumTypes of Respirators for Hexavalent Chromium

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NoiseNoise

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Noise Exposure LimitsNoise Exposure LimitsDuration per day (hours) Sound level (dBA, slow response)

12 87

10 88.5

8 90

6 92

4 95

3 97

2 100

1 ½ 102

1 105

½ 110

¼ or less 115

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Noise Exposure ExamplesNoise Exposure Examples

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Audiometric TestingAudiometric Testing• Workers exceeding 85 dBA• Baseline in 6 months• Mobile test van, baseline within 1 year• Avoid noise 14 hours prior• Annually• STS 10 dB average in either ear

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AudiogramAudiogram

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Factors Leading to Heat StressFactors Leading to Heat Stress• High temperature and humidity• Direct sun or heat• Limited air movement• Physical exertion• Poor physical condition• Some medicines• Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

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extreme temperature are just as hazardous as anything else at the workplace

take breaks and hydrate as often as necessary; eat, do not work through your meals

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Heat StressHeat Stress

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Preventing Heat-Related IllnessPreventing Heat-Related Illness• Know the signs/symptoms of heat-related

illness; detect them in your co-workers• Block out direct sun or other heat sources• Use cooling fans or air conditioning• Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15

minutes• Wear lightweight, light colored clothes• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy

meals• Rest periodically in a cool area

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Cold StressCold Stress• The harmful effects of hypothermia, frost

bite, and trench foot may arise for any worker exposed to high winds and cold temperatures

• Wet conditions increase these effects• Hypothermia is when the body’s

temperature dips to 95°F or below– symptoms are fatigue, uncontrolled shivering,

slurred speech, irritable, bluish skin, and clumsy

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Preventing Cold StressPreventing Cold Stress• Personal protective clothing (3 layers)

– outside layer to block the wind– middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric– inner layer of cotton to allow ventilation– cover hands and face

• Use an on-site source of heat such as air jets, radiant heaters, or warm contact plates

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Bloodborne PathogensBloodborne Pathogens• Occupational exposure

– reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact

– with blood or other potential infectious materials (OPIM), e.g. – certain body fluids, tissues

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keep the change house as orderly as possible; disinfect frequently

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proper handwashing is key to the prevention of illnesses

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Access to RecordsAccess to Records• 1910.1020 Access to Employee Exposure

and Medical Records• Employees, representative, and OSHA

have the right of access• Preserved for 30 years, with exceptions• Employee consent for medical records• OSHA access order posted if identifiable• Employee information

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Your Employer Is Responsible ForYour Employer Is Responsible For• Inventory: identify and list hazardous chemicals

in workplaces• MSDS and Labeling: obtain material safety data

sheets and labels for each hazardous chemical, if not provided by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor

• Written Program: implement a written HazCom program including labels, MSDS, and employee training

• Communication and Training: communicate hazard information to employees through labels, MSDS’s, and formal training programs

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You Are Responsible ForYou Are Responsible For• Correcting the hazards you are able to

correct• Reporting to your supervisor the hazards

you are unable to correct

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Case StudyCase Study• A 46-year-old died on the job, changing a

gas-flow measuring device. There were high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) present. The man was "performing routine operations within the facility." When the oilfield worker failed to check in at 5pm, another man was sent to check on him, he found that the hydrogen sulfide alarm system had been set off.

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Always RememberAlways Remember• Ventilation• Respirator selection and use• Housekeeping• Hygiene and facility practices• Medical requirements• Training

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Memory CheckMemory Check1. What are the 3 routes of entry of

chemicals into the body?a. ears, eyes, and mouthb. nose, mouth, and skinc. swallowing, inhaling, and drinkingd. inhalation, absorption, and ingestion

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Memory CheckMemory Check2. How can a worker find out what chemical

is in a product that they use?a. ask the supervisorb. look on the labelc. read the MSDSd. all of the above

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Memory CheckMemory Check3. An MSDS

a. is an acronym for Material Safety Data Sheetb. should be on file for hazardous chemicals

used, stored, and produced on sitec. provides information for handling and

storing chemicalsd. all of the above