IIRSM IIndustrial_Hygiene

Introduction to
Industrial Hygiene
Presented by:
Bernard L. Fontaine, Jr., CIH, CSP, FAIHA
The Windsor Consulting Group, Inc.
March 8, 2022
Copyright © (2022) – The Windsor Consulting Group, Inc.

Introduction
• Health hazard and risk
vary by industry or market
• Risk varies between host
developed and developing
countries
• Protect yourself at work
• Protect your family
• Protect your community
and the environment
Source: OSHA

Introduction
Lesson objectives:
1. Identify health hazards in the workplace
2. Describe strategies to control chemical hazards
3. Describe strategies to control biological hazards
4. Describe strategies to control physical hazards
5. Describe strategies to control ergonomic hazards
6. Review health hazards in oil/gas extraction and
construction industries

Introduction
Industrial Hygiene – the science of
protecting the health of workers
through:
• Anticipation,
• Recognition,
• Evaluation, and
• Control
…of workplace conditions that may
cause workers’ illness or disease.
Source: OSHA

Types of Health Hazards

Chemical Hazards and Controls

Effects of Chemical Exposures:

Inhalation:
Breathed in
(most common route)
Ingestion:
Swallowing via eating
or drinking
Absorption:
Drawn through skin
or eye surface
*Injection:
Penetration through
the skin
Exposure Entry Routes:
Source of graphics: OSHA

Warning Signs of Potential Chemical
Exposure:
• Dust, mist, smoke in the air
• Accumulation of particulates (dust) on
surfaces
• Unusual tastes and/or smells
• Eye, nose, throat, upper respiratory, and/or
skin irritation

Chemical Exposure Symptoms:
• Eye, nose, throat, upper respiratory, skin irritation
• Flu-like symptoms
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Loss of coordination
• Memory difficulties
• Sleeplessness
• Mental confusion

Types of Health Effects:

What is Toxicology?
Source of graphics: OSHA Hazard Communication Pictograms
• Science that studies the poisonous or toxic
properties of chemical substances

What is a Toxic Effect?
• Dose
• Concentration – amount
• Duration and frequency of exposure – time

What is a Toxic Effect?
• Toxic chemical disrupt the normal body function.
Effects can be:
• Local – at the site of the exposure like direct contact
with skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract
• Systemic – affecting the entire body or targeting
organs or organ systems where symptoms of exposure
appear

Local (Direct) Effects:
• Irritation (dryness, redness, cracking) –
petroleum products, alkali, abrasives
• Corrosion (chemical burn) - acid or base
• Upper Respiratory Track Infection –
inhaling dust or fume particles, biological
organisms, airborne mists, gases and vapors
• Allergens – chemicals, bacteria or fungi

Factors Affecting Exposure:
• Hepatotoxins – cause liver damage like
carbon tetrachloride and nitrosamines
• Nephrotoxins – cause kidney damage like
uranium and halogenated hydrocarbons
• Neurotoxins – cause nerve damage like
mercury, inorganic lead and carbon disulfide

Dermal Effects:
• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Skin cancers
• Skin infections and injuries
• Other miscellaneous skin diseases
Contact dermatitis most common types of occupational
illness, with estimated annual costs exceeding $1 billion
Chemicals can absorbed through skin and permeable
gloves and protective clothing

Systemic Effects:
• Hematotoxins – cause blood system
damage like carbon monoxide and hydrogen
cyanide
• Anesthetics – depress the central or
peripheral nervous system like hydrocarbons,
propane, and isopropyl ethers

Systemic Effects:
• Form and innate chemical activity
• Dosage, especially dose-time relationship
• Exposure route
• Age
• Sex
• Ability of chemical to be absorbed
• Metabolism
• Distribution within the body
• Excretion
• Presence of other chemicals

Interactions with Multiple Chemicals:
• Additive effects 2 + 2 = 4
• Synergistic effects 2 + 3 > 5
• Potentiation effects 2 + 0 > 2
• Antagonistic effects 4 + 6 < 10

Hierarchy of Control:

Elimination and Substitution:

Engineering Controls:
• Ventilation – local (hood) / general (dilution)
• Process and equipment modification
• Isolation/automation
Source: NIOSH
Example: Replacing transfer belts with screw
augers on sand movers used in hydraulic
fracturing will help contain sand and reduce
dust release (lowering exposure to silica).

Administrative Controls:
• Establish written policy, program
and standard operating procedures
• Rotating worker duties
• Limiting exposure time
• Training and education
• Monitor/measure exposure levels
• Inspections and maintenance
• Post restricted area signage
• Labeling containers
Source of photos: OSHA

Personal Protective Equipment:
• Respirators
• Hardhat or bump cap
• Hearing protection
• Chemical resistant gloves
• Chemical resistant boots
• Chemical resistant clothing
• Safety glasses
• Face shield
• Splash goggles

Worksite Analysis – Assess Exposure:
• Air monitoring – personal and area
• Noise monitoring
• Observation – PPE use and work practices
• Ventilation measurements
• Wipe samples – surfaces and personnel

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs):
• Establish the acceptable amount or concentration of
a substance in the workplace
• Intended to protect workers from adverse health
effects related to hazardous chemical exposure
Source: outdoorindustry.org

• TWA = Time - Weighted Average
• Levels vary over the shift duration
• Limits protect from acute and chronic diseases
Source: OSHA
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
8:00
AM
9:00
AM
10:00
AM
11:00
AM
12:00
PM
1:00
PM
2:00
PM
3:00
PM
4:00
PM
Time
Exposure
in
PPM
T
PEL

• TWA “C” - ceiling limit and 15-min. short-term limits:
• Level never to be exceeded during the work shift
• Protect from acute disease or health effects
Source: OSHA
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Time
Exposure
Ceiling
PEL

Specific Exposure Standards:
• Established by EU, OSHA, ILO, MAC or other host
country to identify specific health requirements
• Potentially exposed workers must be monitored and
protected
Source: OSHA

Specific Exposure Standards:
• Air monitoring
• Control of exposure
• Engineering controls
• Work practices
• Respiratory protection
• Medical surveillance
• Recordkeeping
• Worker training
Source: Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist.
OSHA's new ruling will reduce worker exposure to respirable silica dust.

Hexavalent Chromium:
• Toxic form of chromium
• Known to cause cancer
• Compounds man-made
and widely used
• Major source of exposure during
“hot work” on stainless steel and
other alloy steels containing Cr(VI)
Source: OSHA

Asbestos:
• Mineral fibers – chrysotile, amosite,
crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite,
actinolite, and chemically treated/
altered forms
• Human carcinogen and chronic lung and
other disease
• Used in construction and ship building
materials along with vehicle products
• Remediation workers exposed to dust
Source: OSHA

Respirable Crystalline
Silica:
• Important industrial material;
most common form (quartz)
• Cause lung disease and cancer,
silicosis, as well as kidney disease
• Exposure occurs during:
– Inhalation of small particles in air
– Common with operations such as
cutting, sawing, sanding and drilling
Source: NIOSH

Inorganic Lead:
• Heavy metal as dust or fume
• Harm many body’s organ
systems; variety of ailments
• Exposure
– Inhalation and/or ingestion of
airborne particles containing lead
– Occurs in manufacturing, wholesale
trade, transportation, construction,
remediation, and even recreation

Welding Fumes:
• Depends on base metal, coating,
fillers and welding temperatures
• Potential health effects
– Acute exposure: eye, nose, and
throat irritation; dizziness; nausea
– Prolonged exposure: lung cancer,
larynx, and urinary tract
– Certain fumes and gases can lead
to additional health issues
Source of photo: OSHA

Welding Fumes:
• Exposure affected by:
– Welding process
– Materials used
– Location (outside, enclosed
space)
– Work practices
– Air movement
– Use of ventilation

Toxic Atmospheres:
• Confined spaces – storage tanks, process vessels,
bins, boilers, exhaust ducts, sewers, underground
utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, open-top spaces (pits,
tubs, vaults)
• Hazardous atmospheres
– Oxygen-deficient
– Hydrogen sulfide
– Carbon monoxide

Safety Data Sheets:
• Prepared by chemical manufacturer, importer or
distributor to provide information on:
• 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
Source of photo: HD Supply Solutions

Biological Hazards and Controls
Bloodborne Pathogens
Animals
Source: OSHA
Water/Sewage
Source: OSHA
Source: OSHA
Poisonous Plants
Contaminated Soil
Source: CDC
Source: OSHA
Insects
Source: OSHA

• Possible effects from exposure
to biological hazards:
• Mild, allergic reactions
• Serious medical conditions
• Death from anaphylactic shock
• Most virulent and prevalent
biological agents

• Practice universal precautions:
• Blood
• Bodily fluids
• Practice personal hygiene
• Provide proper first aid
• Cuts/Scratches
• Vaccinations
• Wear proper PPE/clothing

• Practice precaution with:
• Animals
• Plants
• Insects
• Use insect repellent
• Provide proper ventilation or other
environmental controls

Physical Hazards and Controls
Types of Occupational Hazards:
Vibration
Radiation
Temperature
Noise

Effects from Exposure:
Temperature Radiation Vibration Noise
Rash; Cramps Burns Fatigue Interferences
Exhaustion Sickness Strains Stress
Stroke Aging Carpal Tunnel Tinnitus
Hypothermia Cancer HAVS Headaches
Frostbite
DNA
Mutations
Raynaud’s Hearing Loss

Effects from Thermal Stress Exposure:
Health
Effects
Cause Symptoms
Rash; Cramps Heavy sweating
Red cluster of bumps/blisters;
Muscle pains or spasms
Exhaustion
Loss of body
fluids/salts
Dizziness, light-headedness,
weakness, heavy sweating,
pale skin, sick to stomach
Stroke
Rapid body
temperature rise
≥104F body temperature.
Red, hot, dry skin; dizziness;
confusion; unconscious

Heat Stress Safety Tool:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html
Source: Ndoeljindoel/Shutterstock

Proposed Exposure Work Plan:
• Environmental monitoring
• Control of exposure
• Engineering controls
• Work practices
• Acclimate workers
• Work-rest regimen
• Medical surveillance
• Recordkeeping
• Worker training
Source: Doubleo/Shutterstock.

Protection Against Thermal Stress:
Engineering Administrative PPE
• Air conditioning
• Ventilation
• Cooling fans
• Local exhaust
ventilation
• Reflective shields
• Insulation
• Eliminate steam leaks
• Emergency plan
• Acclimatization
• Adequate water
• Work/rest cycles
• Avoid hottest times;
adjust work demands
• Rotate job functions
• Buddy system
• Monitoring
• Insulated PPE, in
some work places
• Thermal clothing
(cool vests)
Eliminate or substitute hazard, whenever feasible

Effects from Cold Stress Exposure:
Health
Effects
Cause Symptoms
Hypothermia
Body temperature
drops ≤95F
Uncontrolled shivering; slurred
speech; memory loss;
blue/purple skin
Frostbite
Exposed to ≤0F
air
Pale, cold, waxy-white skin;
tingling; stinging

Protection from Cold Stress Exposure:
• Heaters
• Shield work area
(windbreaks)
• Warm liquids
• Adjust work
schedule
• Buddy system
• Monitoring
• Frequent breaks in
warm areas
• Acclimatization
• Layered clothing
• Hat or hood, face
cover, gloves
• Clothing/fabric that
retains insulation
even when wet
• Insulated and
waterproof boots

Ionizing and Nonionizing Radiation:
Source: OSHA

Protection Against Radiation:
• Enclose/shield work
areas to minimize
stray radiation
• Interlocked doors
to prevent acute
thermal injuries
• Remote operation
of radiation-
producing devices
• Clearly mark
controlled spaces
• Minimize
exposure times
• Relocate/position
radiation devices
at safe distance
• Proper
maintenance
• RF/MW protective
suits, like head and
eye protection
• Safety glasses,
goggles, welding
helmets, or welding
face shields with
appropriate filter
lenses

Exposure to Vibration:
Health Effects
Early Signs and
Symptoms
Later Signs and
Symptoms
• Circulatory
disturbances,
such as VWF
and HAVS
• Sensory nerve
damage
• Muscle, bone,
and joint injury
• Intermittent
tingling of one or
more fingers
• Blanching of
fingertips
• Pain in fingers
• Loss of sense of touch;
numbness
• Blanching of entire fingers
• Loss of grip strength
• Sever pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Pain and loss of strength
in arms
• Loss of finger dexterity or
coordination

Protection Against Vibration:
• Vibration reduction
equipment
• Vibration dampeners
or shields to isolate
source of vibration
from employee
• Proper positioning
and grip; let the
machine do the
work
• Job rotation
• Limit task duration
• Proper
maintenance
• Anti-vibration
gloves

Exposure to Noise:
Health Effects Signs and Symptoms
• Tinnitus
• Permanent hearing loss
• Physical stress
• Psychological stress
• Ears feel stuffed up
• Ringing in the ears
• Limited ability to hear high frequency
sounds, understand speech, and
communicate

Sources of Occupational Noise:
Source: Windsor Consulting Group, Inc.

Occupational Noise Exposure Limits

Occupational Noise Exposure Limits:

Exposure to Occupational Noise:
Health Effects Signs and Symptoms
• Tinnitus
• Permanent hearing loss
• Physical stress
• Psychological stress
• Ears feel stuffed up
• Ringing in the ears
• Limited ability to hear high frequency
sounds, understand speech, and
communicate

Occupational Noise Monitoring:

Sound Contour Mapping:

Protection Against Noise:
• Use low-noise tools and
machinery
• Place a barrier between
noise source and
worker
• Enclose or isolate noise
• Use acoustic materials
• Install silencers,
mufflers, or baffles
• Increase distance
- source and
worker
• Alter work
schedule
• Limit time of
noise exposure
• Provide quiet
areas for breaks
• Ear plugs
• Ear muffs
• Hearing
bands

Ergonomic Hazard and Controls

Effects from Eergonomic Hazards:
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
– Exposure to ergonomic risk factors for MSDs
increases a worker's risk of injury
• Repetition
• High force
• Awkward postures
– Work-related MSDs are among the most
frequently reported causes of lost or restricted
work time.

Musculosketal Disorder Risk Factors:
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
– Exposure to MSDs increases worker's risk of injury
• Repetitive work tasks
• High force, localized pressure, or overexertion
• Awkward postures/positions
• Whole body or segmental vibration
• Combination of ergonomic exposure
– Work-related MSDs are frequently causes of lost or
restricted work time.

Precautions Against MSDs:
Source: Solutions for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Foundries, OSHA Publication 3465, (2012)

Source: OSHA https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/control-hazards

Training and Education
Source: OSHA https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/control-hazards
Hazard Communication:
• Train employees who are exposed to hazardous
chemicals in their work area
– At the time of initial assignment
– Whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area
• Train in the language employee can understand

Construction Health Hazards
Asbestos
Noise
Respirable Silica Vibration
Ergonomics Inorganic Lead

Oil/Gas Industry Health Hazards
Drilling Fluid
Respirable Crystalline Silica
Hydrogen Sulfide Benzene Mercury

Health Hazards in Industries
• Mining and quarrying
• Cement industry
• Chemical industry
• Red brick manufacture
• Construction industry
• Plastics industry
Courtesy: Shutterstock

Questions and Discussion

IIRSM IIndustrial_Hygiene

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