INSTITUTIONAL HYGIENE

Promotion of

Safety and Health

in the Workplace

GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE

Public Law 91-596, Section 5(a) states:

Employers shall furnish to each employee, employment and a place of employment which

are free from recognized hazards that are causing or is likely to cause death or serious

harm to their employees.

GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE

Public Law 91-596, Section 5(b) states:

Each employee shall comply with Occupational Safety and Health Act

standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the OSHA act,

which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.

INSTITUTIONAL HYGIENE

Anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors or stresses (hazards) arising in or from the workplace which may cause injury, impaired health or well-being, or significant discomfort among

employees.

DEFINITIONS

• Safety - Endeavors to assure all possible is being done to prevent occupational injury or illness to the College’s human resource.

• Hazard - An unsafe condition or an unsafe act by employees.

CLASSES OF HAZARDSAir Contaminates

• Particulates - Dusts, Mists, Fumes, Aerosols, and Fibers.

• Gases and Vapors - Microscopic, Atomic, or Molecular Sized Particles.

CLASSES OF HAZARDSChemicals

• Chemical exposure is not necessarily hazardous.

• The degree of exposure determines the degree of the hazard and is a function of:– Toxicity or action on the body.– Rate or intensity of the exposure.– Duration of the exposure.– Susceptibility of the person to the chemical.

CLASSES OF HAZARDSBiological

• Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and other living organisms that cause infections.

• Greatest contributor to lost work time is respiratory infection. Usually caused by viruses or bacteria.

• Allergies are generally biologically induced.

CLASSES OF HAZARDSPhysical

• Noise (unappreciated sound)• Slipping, tripping, and falling• Extreme temperatures• Vibrations• Electrical• Unnatural, awkward, or unstable

positions• Kinetic or potential energy• Extended excessive force

CLASSES OF HAZARDSErgonomic

• Body posture

• Injurious lighting

• Repetitive motion

• Improper lifting and carrying

• Continued force

• Overhead work

• Confined spaces

TYPICAL HAZARDSPhysical Actions

• Excessive force• Awkward position• Unstable position• Repetitive motion• Deviated appendages• Poor posture• Heavy lifting• Pushing or pulling• Slick surfaces

• Improper Carrying• Mash or Squeeze• Sharp Objects• Falling Objects• Extended Near Focus• Obscured Vision• Pinched Grip• Extended Exertion• Extreme Temperatures

TYPICAL HAZARDSEquipment

• Improper controls• Inaccessible switches• Lock/out required• Potential energy• Electrical hazards• Sliding or rolling

• Inadequate tools• Improper or no PPE• Machine controlled• Guards missing• Poor state of repair• Vibrating• Noise

TYPICAL HAZARDSMaterials

• Toxic (poisonous)• Flammable• Combustible• Reactive• Carcinogen• Corrosive

• Irritant• Sensitizer• Mutagen• Teratogen• Bulky to handle• Hot or cold

TYPICAL HAZARDSConditions

• Inadequate lighting

• Inadequate air quality

• Uncomfortable temperatures

• Adverse weather

• Stress (job related)

• Slipping or tripping