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Introductionto

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

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Industrial Hygiene

“that science or art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of those environmental factors or stresses, arising in or from the workplace, that may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort and inefficiency among workers”

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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.”

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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

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Environmental Factors or Stresses

Ergonomic hazards

– workstation design, repetitive motion, improper lifting/reaching, poor visual conditions

Biological hazards

– insects, mold, yeast, fungi, bacteria, and viruses

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Routes of Entry

Inhalation

– airborne contaminants

Absorption

– penetration through the skin

Ingestion

– eating

– drinking

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OSHA Hierarchy of Control

Engineering controls

Work practice controls

Administrative controls

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

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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

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Types of Air Contaminants

Particulates

– dusts, fumes, mists, and fibers

– non respirable particles

• > 10 m in diameter

– respirable particles

• < 10 m in diameter

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Types of Air Contaminants

Fumes– volatilized solids condenses in cool air

• < 1.0 m in diameter

– hot vapor + air (reaction with) = oxide

Mists– suspended solid droplets– generated by a condensation of liquids from a

vapors to a liquid state

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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

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Exposure LimitsAir Contaminants

OSHA– Occupational Safety and Health Administration

NIOSH– National Institute of Occupational Safety and

Health

ACGIH– American Conference of Governmental

Industrial Hygienists

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Exposure LimitsAir Contaminants

OSHA– PEL

• permissible exposure limit

NIOSH– REL

• recommended exposure level

ACGIH– TLV

• threshold limit value

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Hearing Conservation Program

Mandatory

– at an 8-hour TWA > 85 dBA

Exposure monitoring

Audiometric testing

Hearing protection

Employee training

Recordkeeping

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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

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Industrial Hygiene

ANTICIPATION RECOGNITION EVALUTION CONTROL

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Consultation Assistance

For Industrial Hygiene help, contact The Office of Safety & Health Consultation at (302) 761-8219

Or Click on the Consultant staff link on the

Main Page to E-Mail a Consultant.