This document provides an introduction to industrial hygiene. It discusses the OSH Act of 1970 and its goal of ensuring safe working conditions. It describes various environmental hazards like chemicals, physical agents, ergonomic issues and biological hazards. It then covers routes of exposure, the OSHA hierarchy of controls, types of exposures and air contaminants. The document outlines exposure limits set by OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH. It also discusses regulations around hearing conservation, bloodborne pathogens and the key aspects of an industrial hygiene program including anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace hazards.
2. OSH Act of 1970
The purpose of the OSH Act is to
“assure so far as possible every working,
man and woman in the nation safe and
healthful working conditions and to
preserve our human resources.”
3. Environmental
Factors or Stresses
Chemical hazards
– gases, vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, and smoke
Physical hazards
– non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, noise,
vibration, extreme temperatures and pressures
5. Routes of Entry
Inhalation
– airborne contaminants
Absorption
– penetration through the skin
Ingestion
– eating
– drinking
6. OSHA Hierarchy of Control
Engineering controls
Work practice controls
Administrative controls
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
7. Types of Exposure
Acute
– Short term period between exposure and onset
of symptoms
Chronic
– Long time period between exposure to an agent
and the onset of symptoms
8. Types of Air Contaminants
Particulates
– dusts, fumes, mists, and fibers
– non respirable particles
9. Types of Air Contaminants
Fumes
– volatilized solids condenses in cool air
– hot vapor + air (reaction with) = oxide
Mists
– suspended solid droplets
– generated by a condensation of liquids from a
vapors to a liquid state
10. Types of Air Contaminants
Fibers
– solid, slender, elongated structures
– length several times the diameter
Gases
– formless fluids that expand to occupy a space
• arc-welding, internal combustion engine exhaust air
Vapors
– liquid changed to vapor
• organic solvents
11. Exposure Limits
Air Contaminants
OSHA
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration
NIOSH
– National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health
ACGIH
– American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists
14. Exposure Limits
Air Contaminants
TWA
– takes into account variable exposure through a full
shift, 8 hour work day
STEL
– limit of exposure during a short period, 15 minutes
CEILING
– absolute maximum level of exposure not to be
exceeded
18. Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens include
– Hepatitis B
– HIV
– Others
29 CFR 1910.1030
– describes actions employers must take to
reduce risk of exposure in the workplace
19. Bloodborne Pathogens
29 CFR 1910.1030
– Scope and application
• all employees with occupational exposure to blood
and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
– Exposure control plan (ECP)
20. Bloodborne Pathogens
29 CFR 1910.1030 - ECP
– engineering and work practice controls
– personal protective equipment
– training
– medical surveillance
– Hepatitis B vaccinations
– signs and labels
– other provisions
